The holiday season is right around the corner, which means the time to buy presents is ticking down. With just a few weeks left, it’s easy to panic about finishing all your shopping before the holidays. What do you get your mom, who’s the hardest to shop for? What about your best friend, who always gives the most thoughtful presents that you just can’t seem to replicate? If you need unique present ideas, I can help you out!
If you feel yourself stressing about gift giving this season, don’t just buy a gift card. Put a little more effort in to the gifts you give with these 5 unique present ideas for the holiday season. They’re creative, personal, and can work for any type of person! I guarantee your loved ones will remember these gifts for years to come.
1. Handmade presents
Okay, don’t panic – you don’t have to be artistic to create wonderful handmade gifts (it helps, but it’s not a requirement.) There are so many ways to be creative, and all skill levels can create something heartfelt to give as a present. I personally think it’s so touching to receive a gift that someone spent time and effort creating. It’s such a sweet gesture to show how much you care for someone, and these gift ideas are perfect crafts that anyone would love!
- A painted hairbrush – buy a wooden hairbrush and paint a pretty design on the back
- Mini scrapbook – cut out pictures to memorialize your favorite times together
- Air dry clay – a super easy way to create magnets, little trinket bowls, or mini charms
- Embroidery – pick up a needle and thread and embroider on a shirt, tote bag, or pair of shoes
- A felt portrait – cut out shapes in felt and assemble them into a cute portrait of your loved one (extra points if you frame it for them)
There are countless tutorials online you can find to create the perfect gifts for friends and family. This idea requires a bit more thought and creativity than the rest, but as far as present ideas go, it’s one of my favorites. You can’t go wrong with something thoughtful, and these crafty gift ideas are just that.
2. Experiences as gifts
I am a huge believer that experiences can make some of the best presents. Why get something material when you can gain new memories that will last a lifetime? This idea works best with friends, but family can love it too! Here is a short list of some of my favorite experiences-as-gifts ideas.
- Pottery painting – perfect for the artistic people in your life, plus you get a personalized piece of dishware out of it
- Rock climbing – for the more adventurous people you know
- Escape rooms – a fun and interactive way to make new memories
- Bowling – a classic group activity and extra fun if you put stakes on it
- Axe throwing – such a unique experience that anyone could try out
- Concerts or games – this one might depend on when the events take place, but this is sure to be a hit gift
There are so many more experiences you could give as a gift to your friends of family, it really just depends on what they’re in to! If you’re looking for a present they’ll never forget, give them the gift of making new memories.
3. Themed gift bundle
Don’t know what to get for someone? Pick a broad topic they’re interested in and run with it! Making a themed bundle is a great way to show that you care while not feeling the pressure to give the ‘perfect’ gift. It’s a lot of little gifts put into one big gift and it’s a sure win every time. Here are some themed bundles you could give!
- Skincare – face masks, sugar scrubs, lotions, lip balm, a microfiber headband
- Movies – a gift card to the movie theaters, microwave popcorn packets, assorted candies, a DVD of a movie they love
- Sports – their favorite team’s merch, a jersey, a water bottle with their team’s logo, snacks for when they watch the next game
- Reading – a gift card to a book store, colored tabs for annotating, a bookmark, book related stickers, a book you’d think they’d like
- Baking – oven gloves, a cookbook, fun cookie cutter shapes, a new apron
Whatever your friend or family member is in to, lean in to that! Plan your present around their interests and give them a bundle of little gifts that they’re sure to love.
4. Personalized gifts
Nothing is more unique than a personalized gift. Whether it’s a customized message or their name, having something special to them and only them is a great gift to give this holiday season. And it can be used for pretty much anything! Let me spitball a few ideas I’ve thought of:
- A mug with their name on it or something special that they love
- A dog or cat bowl with their pet’s name on it
- Jewelry engraved with their name or a meaningful message
- A keychain with charms of their favorite flower or a memory you share
- Beach towels, blankets, or makeup bags in their favorite color with their name
Those are just some of the ideas I thought would be sweet presents this holiday season, but the possibilities are endless! You’ve just got to get creative with your ideas and personalize it to the loved one you’re giving it to. If you need inspiration on what to get, check out Etsy! It’s the perfect place to find something unique and customizable. Check out what you can find on Etsy!
5. Something thrifted
If you’ve been online, you might have heard the term ‘Thriftmas.’ If you haven’t, Thriftmas is a recent trend where people find items at thrift stores that they flip into presents. Whether it be a salad bowl, a unique picture frame, or a decorative vase, thrift stores can offer some of the most unexpected presents.
This is where creativity and imagination come in to play. You’ve got to be strategic with what you’re thrifting and how you turn it into an amazing present. I find that it’s best to pair your thrifted item with another present. For example, if you find a beautiful mug at the thrift store, add some hot chocolate mixes and marshmallows to your gift. Bundled together, you can create a cute present that feels unique and might not cost as much!
To wrap it all up…
Don’t just give a gift to check off a holiday requirement. It’s easy to buy a gift card and call it good, but how does that really show your friends and family how much you care about them? These tips might feel like more work or money, but if you start now, if you plan it right, you’ll find that these presents are worth the effort you put it. Don’t be afraid to embrace the unconventional! Enjoy the holiday season and give gifts that are sure to shock, surprise, and amaze ones you love.
