Holiday Gift Ideas
With the holiday season fast approaching, I have finally sat down to make my list and start thinking about holiday gift ideas to give each person.
This year, I have decided to do something different. I think it is because I feel different. I am not quite sure how to put my finger on it other than to say the world has changed, and with it, I have changed.
Gifts That Give Back
If you have loved ones under the age of four or five, check out Kohl’s Cares. If there is not a Kohl’s department store near you, check it out online. Each plush animal and book sells for $5 with 1005 of the net proceeds going to kids’ health and education initiatives nationwide.
Top Charity Organizations
- Internation Rescue Committee: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) primarily focuses on providing humanitarian aid and support to people affected by crises, such as conflict and natural disasters, rather than animals. The IRC is a global humanitarian organization that works to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and helps communities rebuild and regain control of their lives. Their activities include providing shelter, healthcare, education and economic support to those in need.
- Wounded Warrior Project: The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering post-9/11 veterans who have physical or mental injuries during their service. WWP offers a variety of programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of wounded veterans, including mental health support, adaptive sports and recreation, career counseling and community engagement initiatives.
- WWF: The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a global conservation organization dedicated to protecting the world's most vulnerable species and ecosystems. With a mission to build a future where people and nature coexist in harmony, WWF engages in many initiatives, including wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and sustainable development. WWF works collaboratively with governments, businesses and local communities to address pressing environmental issues such as deforestation, climate change and the illegal wildlife trade.
The Importance of Gifts
Quite honestly, I am tired of giving and receiving things that have no meaning and hold no more importance in the scheme of things than a fleeting moment of fascination.
The gifts I give this year are going to be experienced, maybe even something the recipient and I can enjoy together.
With that in mind, I started searching the web and I have to say I have had more fun shopping this year than I have had in a long time.
Here are some ideas I came up with and cannot wait to give. Maybe they will fit someone on your list!
Gifting Flowers
Gifting flowers to loved ones is a timeless and heartfelt gesture that conveys affection, appreciation and the beauty of emotions in the simplest and most enchanting way. There are two great companies you can consider:
- Themillionroses.com: It is an online retailer known for its exquisite and long-lasting preserved roses. This company specializes in offering luxury floral arrangements that can last for up to a year without wilting. They provide a wide range of beautifully preserved roses that are carefully handcrafted and come in various colors and designs.
- 1800Flowers.com: This is a well-established online flower and gift retailer that offers a vast selection of fresh flowers, plants and gift options for various occasions. They have a network of local florists, enabling them to provide same-day or next-day flower delivery in many areas. 1800Flowers.com provides a wide range of floral arrangements, including traditional bouquets, exotic blooms and custom-made designs.
For Grandchildren
Give a gift subscription to the local children’s theater, with lunch and playtime after the shows.
Instead of giving kids a lot of things, this year part of the money I would have spent on their gifts is being used to open bank accounts and they will go with me to open them. As the year progresses, we can go to the bank and add money and they can watch it grow. It is never too early to learn the importance and power of saving.
Along that same line, if you have grandchildren you might want to start a 529 college savings plan. They are savings plans designed to encourage saving for future college costs and they come with tax advantages.
Two years ago, when I was in New Hampshire visiting my daughter, she, my grandson and I went to a science museum near where they live. They have indoor exhibits, outdoor trails and fountains the kids can run through. I got them a family membership which they have used quite a lot and when I am up there, we all go.
For Adult Friends and Family
I am really big on giving gift subscriptions to magazines. They are the gift that keeps on giving all year and with everything going digital, the print versions have become outrageously inexpensive.
Making a book of unusual recipes you have found online can be fun too. Print a calendar with dates you and the recipient will make the dishes together, preferably enjoying some good wine while you are cooking, and invite a few friends over and have a dinner party.
Plan a fun day to spend together and give the recipient an itinerary. Some ideas include champagne brunch, walking the beach and cooking lessons with a local chef.
If you have a golf fanatic in your life, the gift of a customized golf fitting is fantastic! I gave that to my fiancé last year and it has taken seven shots off his game! He did not have to buy new clubs, the pro just told him what to do with his existing clubs.
Photo Gift Ideas
This year, I took some really good photos of family and friends. I decided to do something with them, so I found a website that will take the photos you send them and turn them into keepsake ornaments.
Some of the other pictures I am turning into a photo journal of the year with captions under each.
There is almost nothing like the anticipation of waiting for an event to happen. I remember one of the best holiday gifts I ever received was two tickets to Phantom of the Opera when it was coming to my city. I loved the soundtrack with a passion and when I finally went to see it I knew every word of every song.
Creative Gift Ideas
Where I live now, there are plenty of “wine and paint" nights. It is a BYOB art studio. You bring the bottle (and I usually take some cheese, crackers and fruit). They supply the artist and paints. It is a great, fun gift to give and share with someone and at the end of the night you both go home with a painting that looks like you know what you are doing.
Gifts for Animal Lovers
For any animal lovers on your list, Pottery Barn Teen (but you do not have to be a teen to love these) sells fabulous pillow covers featuring sayings and drawings. They are not expensive and $5 of the purchase price is donated to the ASPCA.
One charity I love, The Kivi Fund, is a non-profit organization that utilizes the power of the internet to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty with 100% of the money you lend going towards funding loans. Since they have a 98% payback rate, whatever you give keeps on giving!
Of course, the most important gift you could ever give someone is the gift of you. Your love, your friendship, your time and your caring. I hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday, enjoying time with family, friends and all the two and four-legged creatures you hold near and dear.