It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…whether we like it or not!
2020 has been an interesting year for everyone; challenging, emotional, and memorable, and here at InTah we are keen to encourage you to embrace Christmas on your terms.
The festive season has never needed to be more stress-free, less expensive, and emotionally reflective than it is right now, and to help it along on its merry way we’ve put together our 10 Alternative Christmas gift ideas for friends and family of all ages.
1. Gift Vouchers. Ok, hardly revolutionary in the gift buying world BUT this can help local businesses, provide people with things to look forward to, and even prevent you from having to head out if they can be posted or emailed to you by the seller. Maybe you could contribute towards the cost of someone’s training course to help them to get their career back on track? Maybe you know someone who deserves a break and would love to try a new activity? or maybe it’s an easy way to pamper a person you love; so many options!
2. Your time. Make a selection of vouchers offering services to assist or ideas to entertain your gift receiver. Maybe you could babysit or play Chef for a night? Arrange a games night or a camping trip?
3. A subscription box or membership. There are some absolutely fantastic subscription services out there for all ages, tastes, and budgets, or maybe your person would really appreciate a pass that allows them some space, some entertainment, or a new opportunity.
4. A charitable donation. Instead of buying presents and cards maybe you could let someone know that they have been part of a good deed.
5. Home-made crafts or treats. From soap to sofa cushions, cakes to candles, a homemade gift is always a heartfelt gesture guaranteed to brighten anyone’s day.
6. A sustainable lifestyle starter kit. A lot of people love the idea of becoming more eco-aware around the house but struggle to make it a reality, so why not help them? Put together some eco-friendly and natural household items (toothbrush, skincare, cleaning products, etc.) in a cotton bag or wooden box and gift them a sustainable lifestyle starter kit.
7. House plants. We all appreciate the benefits of the great outdoors and I think that after this year we are all aware that bringing the outside in can be beneficial to our wellbeing, so why not help your friends and family to do just that? You could purchase pre-potted greenery or grow your own. I particularly love these mason jar indoor herb gardens from www.uncommongoods.com.
8. For your (a lot) younger friends why not shop to spark their imagination and creativity? Check out www.yippeeadventures.co.uk for amazing play kits specifically designed to inspire adventurous minds. I love the simple yet super fun and educational approach of these gifts!
9. A crafty opportunity. I’m obsessed with www.hobbycraft.co.uk and it’s offerings. There really is something for every age group to have a go at in the comfort of their own home. It can be really therapeutic and confidence-boosting to get creative, it can pass cold, wintery hours and even provide a sense of purpose; how does that not sound like a great gift to give?!
10. Peace of mind. Let someone know that gifts aren’t required but that you’re there for them, you’re there for each other. Take this Christmas as an opportunity to really consider what is important to you and those around you, and how you all would like things to move forward from henceforth. Make the phone call and simply let them know they are on your mind, that they matter, and that you can’t wait to connect with them personally sometime soon.