There’s room for all kinds of gifts around the Christmas tree. Joke gifts have their place and everyone loves the flexibility of gift cards, but sometimes you want to focus on the meaning behind a gift – especially for the most important people in your life.
We’re here to help. At Addition Financial, holiday season visits from our members often turn into conversations about budgeting and gift giving. Here are eight ideas for meaningful Christmas gifts for the people in your life.
#1: A Custom Framed Photograph
Because we all take photos with our phones, it can be easy to lose sight of the meaning of a framed photograph. Custom framing costs a bit more than simply sliding a photo into a standard frame, but it also gives you control over how the finished gift looks. You can choose the frame, matting and other features to create a meaningful gift that feels truly personal.
Keep in mind that you can buy custom frames online and they often cost far less than you’d pay to go to a framing shop.
#2: A Bucket List Journal
If you want to find a way to show your best friend or significant other that you see a long future with them, why not buy them a bucket list journal for Christmas this year? These journals allow you to plan future adventures, trips and activities. You can also get someone an individual bucket list journal so they can write down their dreams – and figure out how to turn them into realities.
#3: Tickets to a Show
Sometimes the gift of an experience is the best gift you can give! This year, why not buy your bestie tickets to Hamilton – or to their favorite band’s latest tour? You can make the tickets part of a gift of your time, or you can let the recipient choose who to go with.
One of our favorite variations on this theme is to give your partner the gift of your presence at an event you might otherwise not attend. For example, you might agree to go to that monster truck rally or craft show that they’ve been wanting to attend. It’s deeply meaningful to connect with a hobby or passion that’s important to the one you love.
#4: A Mixtape
We know this idea might seem a bit old fashioned, but hear us out. Music provides people with a deep and meaningful way to connect with one another. When you make a mixtape – even if it’s a CD or a playlist – you’re showing the recipient that you spent time thinking about them and the music they like.
You can make your mix even more special by designing a personalized cover and title with the recipient in mind.
#5: Long Distance Touch Lamps
One of the most difficult things about being in a long distance relationship is finding ways to let the other person know you’re thinking about them. These long distance touch lamps are a good way to do that.
The lamps connect via Wi-Fi. When either one of you touches their lamp, the other person’s lamp will light up. It’s a tangible way of connecting with the people you love across many miles.
#6: A Cooking Class for Two
If you and your significant other like to cook together, then why not gift them with a joint cooking class? Many culinary supply stores – including Williams Sonoma and Sur la Table – offer an array of in-store cooking classes. Some even come with a piece of cooking equipment or a cookbook!
Another option is to use a site like CozyMeal, which has locations around the country, to book a cooking class.
#7: A Homesick Candle
The sense of smell can be a powerful trigger for memories and comfort. One way to give your loved one that feeling year-round is to buy them a Homesick Candle.
Homesick Candles come in scents that include aromas inspired by all 50 states and by many major cities in the United States. For example, the Florida candle contains citrus, bergamot, vanilla and amber musk; the New York candle contains apple, cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin.
#8: Something Handmade
Finally, you may want to consider making something to create a gift that is truly personal and meaningful. If you have a hobby that you love, then you can put it to work creating meaningful gifts for everybody on your list. Here are some suggestions:
- Knit or crochet a hat, scarf or blanket
- Paint a picture
- Take photographs and put them into an album
- Build a shelf or chair
- Create a gift basket with the recipient’s favorite items
- Write a poem
The goal of any gift is to show the recipient that you care about them — and one of the best ways to do that is to put your time and talent into creating the presents you give.
Meaningful Christmas gifts don’t need to cost a lot of money. The most important thing is that you care enough to put real thought into what will make your loved ones happy at the holidays.
Looking for the right credit card for your holiday shopping? Click here to learn about Addition Financial’s flexible credit card options!
Posted on Dec 2, 2019
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