No matter how much fun it can be to unwrap a shiny new cocktail shaker or a fuzzy blanket, sometimes you just don’t want more stuff. Luckily, when it’s your turn to give you can find any number of presents that don’t require a permanent space on the shelf.
Consumables
Food and drink, candles and bath products, colored pencils and paintballs — anything that gets used up allows the recipient to open a fancy package without having to figure out what to do with the gift in the long run. To show that you invested time and thought instead of grabbing a standard go-to, select a bundle of items customized to the occasion and the recipient’s tastes.
If the birthday girl loves coffee, for example, you can include coffee-infused chocolates, soap, or hot sauce as well as a unique bag of beans, or you can use a glittery pen to write an espresso martini recipe directly on the gift bag holding the necessary ingredients. For a college student or new homeowner, put together a movie night in a bowl: popcorn, candy, soda or wine, themed napkins, and a gift card to a streaming service.
A basket of chamomile tea, muscle-soothing bath salts, and a lavender candle makes a thoughtful offering to someone going through a stressful time.
Services
Sometimes the best gift of all is a practical favor that makes your life easier! New parents are often desperate for a trustworthy babysitter, while someone who’s downsizing might welcome your offer to help with decluttering or store boxes temporarily. For a family member or friend who lives nearby, you can create a book of “vouchers” to be redeemed for a car wash, a batch of home-baked cookies, a night out where you’re the designated driver, or any other small acts you know will be appreciated.
You can also provide a gift card to a housecleaning, yard work, or home repair company, but be certain first that the recipient won’t feel judged or be pressured to use a service they’re not comfortable with. If in doubt, either go with a different idea or ask directly. (“You’ve mentioned several times that you want to get all your family photographs scanned and made into photo books; would my setting that up for you be a good Christmas gift?”)
Experiences
You’ve probably heard that experiences tend to make people happier than possessions do, so keep that insight in mind when choosing gifts. Tickets to a concert, ball game, or art exhibit are one obvious idea, but you have many other options. Would your brother have fun at a cooking class or a rock-climbing lesson? Would your parents like to be surprised with a spa day or a weekend in the mountains?
How about a monthly pass to a nearby state park or a membership to the zoo? Experience gifts don’t have to cost money; perhaps your friend who just moved to a new town would rather have a visit from you than go to any show, or your aunt wants a companion for that dream road trip she always says she’ll take someday.
A kid might be thrilled by a personalized scavenger hunt at a local park; an adult might be too! Once again, keep in mind the recipient’s personality and tastes. If you have an exciting idea but aren’t sure what the response will be, consider running it by someone who knows the person well before committing time and resources.
Now that you’ve got some ideas to use as a starting point, you’ll find it’s easy and fun to give presents that your loved ones will enjoy rather than stick in a closet. Put on your creative hat and have at it!