Gift Giving For The Hard To Buy For On Your List
The holidays are approaching and that means the season of giving is almost upon us. For many of us, it feels like we already have too much stuff and thinking of things to buy loved ones feels like a herculean task. If you’re tired of trading gift cards and buying the first thing you see on sale, maybe it’s time to step back and examine what else you can do for your friends and family.
What if we gave people experiences rather than stuff that becomes clutter in their closets? Here’s a list of ideas that can be adjusted to suit most budgets.
Gift Cards - Let’s start by saying there’s nothing wrong with a thoughtful gift card. A college student or someone who is struggling financially would appreciate a gift card to a gas station, grocery store or restaurant near them. A local bookstore gift card would be great for the bookworm in your life! If they love coffee, a gift card to the coffee shop down the street will keep them thinking warmly of you.
Lessons Or Classes – Have they always wanted to learn cake decorating or maybe improve their guitar skills? You can find lessons near you for everything from dance and karate to swimming, yoga and photography!
Event Tickets - If they enjoy live performance, look at concerts, plays and music festivals coming to your area. We can’t all afford Taylor Swift tickets but there’s probably a great band coming to a venue near you!
Admission Or Annual Passes – Are they passionate about animals, art, nature or something else that can be found in a museum, an aquarium, arboretum or a zoo? Day passes or an annual membership are great options. If they travel, a National Parks Annual Pass or a AAA membership would be a good fit!
Spa Day – Most of us could use some relaxation. A spa day might be in your budget. If not, how about just a massage or a manicure?
Family Fun Night – Ok, so this does require some stuff but you can keep it minimal. Make a gift basket with an age appropriate game or two and some crowd favorite snacks. You may help a family start a new tradition!
YMCA Membership – The YMCA is a gold mine for activities and opportunities to make friends. Check out what’s happening at your local Y.
Donation In Their Name – Make a donation in their name to an organization they love. For example, a cash donation to a food bank or supplies for the animal shelter can go a long way.
Be A Tourist Close To Home Package – Send them out to explore all the fun things to do here in Ohio. Stop by your local visitors’ center to find out what people do when they visit your community!
A New Do – Send them to the hair salon or barber shop for a trim or a whole new look!
Subscriptions – Sign them up for a subscription box for fruit, candy, shaving supplies or books. A streaming service, meal delivery, car wash and oil changes are a few more ideas.
Basket of Fresh and Local Items – Gather some local honey, wine, baked goods and some fresh fruit or fancy chocolates into a gift basket fit for a foodie.
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As you consider your gift list, be mindful and creative to suit the person.
If They Are A New Homeowner – We don’t all grow up with people to teach us how to do things. Offer help with a repair project, give them a tool they will commonly need or help with their landscaping.
If They Are Busy Or Disabled – A house cleaning service or someone to help with snow removal could be the ideal thing to lighten their load and brighten their day!
If They’re Living On A Fixed Income – Things you may take for granted could be a true extravagance for them. A professional hair style, a bakery treat, fresh fruit, a movie out, or a day at the zoo could make a huge difference to their spirit.
If They’re Lonely – Many Americans today are lonely. Everyone is busy and, while hyper engaged online, are lonesome in real life. Take these folks out for a nice dinner or make plans to get together once a month for a fun activity. The gift of your time and companionship is the most valuable thing you can give.