Get Ahead Of Gift Giving In 2021

So far, this year has had some serious highs and lows, and as we head towards fall and winter, we can look forward once again to spending the holidays with our friends and family. What a thing to be grateful for! You may not have been able to spend the holidays with the ones you loved last year, so this year you’ll really want to go all out when it comes to the gifts you give. Sure, it’s hard to beat the gift of a star from the sky, but some other presents really knock it out of the park. Let’s take a look at some of the presents you should be gifting this holiday season and why it’s a great idea to go ahead and get your shopping done now. 

Give The Gift Of Time

Spending time with the ones you love is one of the most precious things you can give to them. Especially if you had to spend the last year apart, consider making travel plans that are longer than what you usually would if you’re visiting family in another state. Instead of staying for a week, consider staying for several weeks, even a month. If you are still working from home, this is entirely feasible – just make sure the person you’re visiting is on board too! But time is precious, so spend as much of it as you can with those that mean the most to you. 

Luxury For Those You Love 

Sometimes, all we need are those three words, one sentence – “I Love You.” But, other times, we want to show just how much we really mean that phrase. If you’re not restricted by budget, the gift of luxury never goes unnoticed. If you’re shopping for a wife or girlfriend, designer handbags are always a go-to luxury gift. Pay attention if she has a favorite designer and go from there. If you’re shopping for him, a luxury timepiece is something he’ll treasure forever; and if you have children together, these types of gifts quickly become heirloom pieces that can be passed down and loved for generations to come. 

Shop Sustainably This Year 

Like most people, the environment is on everyone’s mind, and while we all do our part every day to make more sustainable choices, you may forget this when you’re shopping for someone else. Shopping sustainably doesn’t always mean shopping secondhand. Visit local farmer’s markets and art fairs now to see if there is anything that “screams someone’s name to you” and you think they could really use or enjoy that piece. When you’re supporting locals, you’re shopping sustainably. Especially if they’re high-quality artisan items that will last a lifetime and beyond. Think blown glass jewelry, local pottery, jewelry, and paintings. These personal, handmade gifts are always treasured. 

Give Experience Gifts 

As more and more people start leaning to a life of more intention and living like minimalists, they’re likely to appreciate an “experience” gift more than a material one. Consider giving those in your life who live this way tickets to a concert, a museum, or even book them a stay somewhere and pay for their travel – you’re really only limited by your budget when it comes to this. 

Speaking Of Minimalists 

If you have loved ones you’re shopping for who live a minimalist lifestyle and they have children, there’s a great rule to keep in mind when shopping for their children. Want, Need, Wear, Read. This means shopping for an item the child wants – likely a toy; something the child needs – maybe snow or rain boots; something to wear – perhaps a new winter coat; and reading – pretty straightforward. You could make the book gift even more special by including a special note from yourself to the child on the inside cover. 

Hopefully, this list inspired you for your gift shopping this year, so you’re not stuck at the last minute looking at snow globes and garden gnomes dressed as Santa Claus. While there’s nothing wrong with a simple box of chocolates and a card, if you get ahead of your gift shopping this season, you have time to make intentional choices and truly personalize the present for the individuals you shop for. Happy Holidays!