The holidays and New Year’s are, once again just around the corner. While iPhones, GoPros and other tech gadgets will likely be at the top of many gift lists this year, there’s no shortage of amazing and value-conscious old-school ideas for every member of your family and best of all you won’t have to wait till Black Friday or Cyber Monday to get started.
Books: Whether it’s hardcover, paperback or something on a Kindle or iPad, we could all do well to step away from our phones and TV to get lost in romance, sci-fi, history or an inspiring biography. Visit your local bookstore or go online for inspiration. And if you’re not sure what they’ll like, you can’t go wrong with a gift card.
Shows: Is a music star or a Broadway hit coming to town? Or maybe you can broaden their artistic horizons with an evening at the opera, ballet or symphony? There’s no shortage of live events or even a movie you can all share together.
Travel: Getting away can be expensive at holiday time, so consider surprising them and building their anticipation with a long weekend getaway in January or February, when a lot more deals are available and winter is getting a little long in the tooth.
Pampering: A lot of us resist the notion of a massage or spa treatment but there are few things as satisfying and relaxing. Contact a nearby professional massage therapist or spa for multi-session packages your family can enjoy long after the holidays are over.
Charity: If you’re fortunate to have everything you want or need, put your money to good use and consider donating to a worthwhile local, national or global cause. It may be the best gift you can give.
What holiday gifts do you and your family enjoy most? Share your ideas in the Shop Talk Blog community forum!
Did you know: Gift cards are great
Once considered impersonal, today nearly 50% of shoppers find them convenient and gift recipients love the choice it offers. Total spending on plastic and digital gift cards for the holidays was over $30 billion last year, up 83% over the last decade. (Source)
Many forget the elderly or children, due to situations will receive nothing. Find a senior citizen’s center a non-profit that could connect you with those of whom the true meaning of Christmas could be “that drink of cold water”. I used to go to the rest homes and read to the elderly. With the children a family would rejoice that funds were there for warm clothing or a night at the movies. Simple. Asking the minister at a church opens door’s. Do it with love.
I cannot discount the value of gift cards for Christmas presents. They hold a special meaning to me. We do not have the right to sit back and judge the reasoning for someone who loves us and desires to give something but yet may have reasons that they cannot shop or make a gift. My elderly mother, in her last years here, gave each of her children and grandchildren a very precious gift card from a large chain store. We could each buy what ever we wanted or NEEDED with that gift and that made it even more special. You see, she went years scraping the bottom of the barrel to provide for her children. She knew exactly how it felt to not have and to need. This type of gift can be a Godsend to a young or elderly couple alike. Keep your heart in Christmas giving and remember why we celebrate. Peace, Joy, Prayers and Love for all.
Paula
Yes Christmas is NOT about gifts and some of your comments really touched my heart and soul.
This year has really been hard.I have a son 23,who is very ill,besides his diabetes Drs. do not know what is wrong with him,he would give the shirt off of his back to help someone.
He is my Christmas presentI every day of my life.I’m very Thankful for him,and to each of you.
Merry Christmas K.Cauley
I like gift card!
Crochet a warm throw blanket just the right size to curl up under while reading that book you just bought for your loved ones. It will feel like like a warm hug and will last for years to come.