3 Amazing Gift Ideas That Don't Require Shopping
You’ve heard me share a lot about gift-giving and well, that’s because it’s one of my favorite things to do! Seeing someone’s face light up because you noticed them and shared something special with them is *quite possibly* the best feeling ever.
Over the years, I’ve been given and had the opportunity to give a tremendous amount of unique gifts. After raising two precious children, being married for a long time, running my own business(es), and having a bunch of really special friends, there have always been opportunities knocking at my door to give gifts to those I love.
As you might imagine, in my line of business I have the blessing of being exposed to a plethora of incredible companies who make incredible, unique products. That said, I’ve always enjoyed getting to shop local and support local businesses when gift-giving!
While this most certainly remains true, this year I’m focusing on a little bit of a different way to gift during the holiday season.
As my children have grown up and moved out of our house, and as family members and friends continue to grow older and pursue their own lives (in different cities, might I add), there’s something I think we all treasure, now more than ever: quality time together.
You see, it wasn’t long ago that families didn’t move across the country from each other. Cell phones, computers, and other technological advances simply didn’t exist…making it difficult (and rare) for people to leave the place they grew up in. Accessibility has changed the game when it comes to remote work and while I think it’s awesome that you can live anywhere, it has significantly decreased the amount of time we get to spend with the people we love most.
That’s why, this year, I’m focusing on giving (and *fingers crossed*, receiving) gifts that involve quality time between the giver and receiver.
Maybe that sounds like just what you’ve been yearning for, too…but it seems a little impossible *OR* like something your kids will roll their eyes at 😂
Don’t worry. I’ve got 5 unique gift ideas for you that I PROMISE will be a delight to whoever receives it!
Take a cooking class together!
Just trust me here. Whether you’re a whiz in the kitchen or struggle to whip up a box of easy mac, cooking classes are so fun and a great way to do something hands-on with someone you love! Plus, this can be a great way to support a local business, as many small kitchen shops or catering businesses offer classes. If you want to give this gift from afar, good news! Ever since the pandemic, there are now endless amounts of cooking classes you can do online. Signing up for one with the person you’re gifting it to still counts as quality time! (Bonus points if you ship them the ingredients and a bottle of wine beforehand).
2. Do a workshop to create something fun!
I may be a little biased here, but another way to support local businesses AND do something hands-on is to do a workshop, like my hat-making workshop! Why buy a run-of-the-mill product when you can craft your own custom creation and spend time together while doing it!? CLICK HERE to learn more about my workshop offerings, or drop me a line if you need some other options (I love doing these)!
3. Move your bodies together at a race or fitness studio!
Several years ago, my daughter became a Pilates instructor. Getting to take class with her as easily become one of my favorite things to do, and it’s such a special time for us to be together! A GREAT gift idea is a membership at a local studio or registration to an upcoming 5k! If you go the route of race registration, you can also train together! Hellooooo even more quality time! 🤗
4. Embrace TRUE giving by gifting a budget amount to shop for someone in need together!
This is a great way to teach kiddos about the power of generosity, but it's just as special for adults! Gift a $100 gift card to shop together for someone in need! The REAL gift will come in the form of conversation you get to have while shopping – and knowing you got to bless someone less fortunate than you. If you’re not sure who to buy for, check in with your children’s school, your church, your gym, or other local businesses that do giving trees or support charities in your area.
5. Go on a vacation OR staycation together!
We all know how I feel about travel - it’s the best! And my favorite part about this gift is that it can be as “big” or small as you want. From a girls’ night in at your house to a Canadian excursion…you can choose your own adventure! Giving the gift of a vacation or stay-cation is such a special way to invite someone you love to relax and enjoy quality time together.
So I invite you to scan your list of people you’re shopping for this holiday season and ask yourself…”What if I didn’t SHOP, after all?”
The greatest gift we have is time. Why not share that with the ones we love most?