The holiday season is a time for joy, but recent years have left me feeling a bit like the Grinch when it comes to gift-giving. With the challenges that 2020 brought, I’ve found myself wanting to say “bah humbug” to the whole idea. Yet, I genuinely enjoy giving gifts; what I don’t enjoy is the clutter that often comes with them. I dislike giving my kids junk, receiving junk, or having them accumulate unnecessary things. Consequently, I’ve shifted my focus toward gifting experiences rather than material items.
Research suggests that experiences foster greater feelings of gratitude. Cornell University studies indicate that “we tend to appreciate what we’ve experienced more than what we possess, and this appreciation can lead to increased generosity toward others.” However, this year, many of my usual experience-based gifts have become impractical due to the pandemic. Movie tickets, trips to waterparks, and even our annual post-Christmas bookstore visit have all been sidelined.
Thankfully, with a bit of imagination and inspiration from friends, I’ve compiled a list of creative, experience-oriented gifts that are perfect for these unique times. If you’re like me and prefer to gift non-material items, or if you want to avoid giving your mother-in-law yet another decorative item to gather dust, here are some enjoyable and pandemic-friendly options:
- Subscription to a music streaming service such as Spotify, Pandora, or iTunes.
- Membership to a local beach.
- Gift card to a nearby bookstore, especially women-owned or Black-owned establishments like Semicolon or Room of One’s Own.
- Activity kits that encourage learning, like Kiwi Crate innovation kits, Mysteries in Time, Little Passports, cooking kits from Global Grub or Raddish Kids, or a monthly journaling subscription from Silk + Sonder.
- Book-of-the-month subscription.
- Cookie decorating kits for fun baking sessions.
- Equipment for new socially distanced activities, like ice skates or hiking boots.
- Membership to Master Class for exploring new hobbies (from photography to fashion).
- Xbox gift card for gaming enthusiasts.
- A delivery of favorite mall treats, like Great American Cookies, Cinnabon, or Auntie Anne’s Pretzels.
- Magazine subscription for ongoing entertainment.
- Gift cards to local eateries for takeout.
- Tickets for online concert streams.
- A donation to a cherished charity (many will include a small token with the gift).
- A gift certificate for a spontaneous local adventure—select a spot on a map and explore!
- Season pass to a state or national park.
- Membership to streaming services like Hulu or AppleTV.
- An online escape room experience.
- Fast food gift certificate for a beloved restaurant.
- A cozy at-home movie night with popcorn and snacks.
Happy gifting! For more ideas and tips, check out our other blog posts, such as those on pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- Unique gift ideas for experiences
- Non-material gifts for kids
- Creative holiday gifts during a pandemic
- Experience-based gifts for adults
- Fun activities to gift during COVID-19
In summary, this year presents an excellent opportunity to rethink our approach to gift-giving. By focusing on experiences rather than material possessions, we can create lasting memories and brighten the holiday season for our loved ones.