‘Tis the season to be gifting! But wait – it seems like half the time we’re seeking out the best, hottest gifts to give and receive – and then we spend the rest of the time decluttering, cleaning, and purging all that we don’t need. Quite the paradox, right? We agree, so we’ve compiled some low-stuff, high-love, thoughtful gift-giving ideas for you and yours this season.
Experience Gifts
When it comes to gifting, we all want to surprise and delight our loved ones, so what’s better than the gift of time together? An experience gift is just that – an experience to be cherished together.
Dinner and a Movie
A classic combo, why not take in a film and then discuss it over dinner? It doesn’t need to be an expensive dining experience (unless you want to fancy it up) but dinner at your loved one’s favorite diner or restaurant will do just fine.
Disney on Ice
Who doesn’t enjoy a little Disney magic? With performances all over the country, Disney on Ice transports you to the magical world of Disney, but on a budget! Thanks to their mix of nostalgic and newer stories and characters, this is a worthwhile experience for both the young to the young-at-heart.
Spa Time
Pampering feels good at any age! Relaxing manicures and pedicures or a haircut and style can be a fun bonding experience for the grandkids, grandparents, and everyone in between.
Photo Gifts
If your loved ones are farther away and/or experience gifts aren’t physically possible, photo gifts to the rescue!
Digital Photo Frames
Digital photo frames are a great way to share multiple family photos in one frame. You can pre-load photos so they play and rotate as soon as your loved one opens it up and plugs it in. And, since it’s all digital, you can add new photos whenever you want from an app. It’s a great option for delivering big joy in small spaces!
Photo Books
Photo books are a beautiful and easy way to print and savor memories. You can make one book with a collection of digital photos, or even make monthly books right from your computer or smartphone that will be printed and shipped all year long. This is a great option for loved ones who are always looking for new photos to show off to their friends!
Shutterfly Calendar
For an even more useful gift, consider a photo calendar. Your photos are uploaded right into the design with easy-to-use templates, printed, and shipped right to the lucky recipient. You can also mark the custom calendar with family birthdays, special events, etc. It’s a simple, heartfelt gift that keeps on giving – all year long!
Legacy Gifts
If you’re looking for something a little more collaborative, consider a legacy gift – something designed to be passed along from generation to generation.
Custom Story Book
If you’re looking for a way to capture your family’s stories, look into a gift like StoryWorth. With this service, your loved one is emailed a question or prompt to answer each week. At the end of the year, the full collection of stories and memories is printed and bound into a keepsake book. Photos can be added and multiple books can be printed, so these valuable stories can be shared throughout the family.
Family Tree
Help your loved ones explore their heritage and make long-lost connections with a gift subscription to Ancestry.com. Perfect for history buffs and/or inquisitive minds, this program helps families build out their often-eye-opening backgrounds and solidify their roots.
If these thoughtful gift-giving ideas sparked some creativity and curiosity, they’re already doing their jobs. Whatever you decide to give, we hope your holidays are filled with delightful memory-making!