Think Outside the Gift Box this Christmas

Since I have two children under the age of 10, I think I can say on behalf of all parents worldwide: please don’t give my children any more toys for Christmas.

My spouse and I, and Santa, and our immediate relatives (hello, grandma!) have that covered. Really, we do. We live with these kids all year, we know what they have and what they don’t have, and believe me, we know what they want.

Kids love toys, yes. But kids, my kids at least, love experiences and outings more. Try thinking outside the gift box. Taking them to the beach for a hike and a picnic is a special day together they’ll remember for a long time. Throw in a disposable camera so they can document the day in their own way. There’s a theme park near you, surely – how about a day there? If hanging with the kiddos for a full day isn’t your style, look for museums and craft stores nearby that offer classes. Gift certificates for art classes or a backstage tour at the Zoo will be surefire hits, I promise.

If you’re a Martha type, or even a wannabe, put together a craft or baking kit with all the supplies needed, in an appropriate container. Included in the gift is your aid or supervision for the project, to make it a fun bonding experience with the child AND give the parents a break for an afternoon.

My kids love shopping, and gift cards to their favorite stores give them a thrill since they get to choose whatever they want and pay for it themselves! (A big hit with parents also.) Bookstores are always tops, but art supply stores, toy stores, and even kids’ clothing stores are all good choices. Try to avoid the big box stores and instead hunt down small local boutiques. Not only will you be supporting small local businesses, but there’s a chance the items the kids choose will be unique instead of just like everyone else’s.

Thinking outside the gift box works great for the adults on your list too. For out-of-towners, think of gifts that don’t require shipping. Gift subscriptions to magazines are always welcome, and give you a chance to really think about the recipient and their special interests. Right before the holidays, many magazines offer heavily discounted gift subscriptions.

Theatre tickets and restaurant gift cards in their area are a pleasant surprise. If you’re not sure about their tastes, choose a gift certificate to a popular theatre that allows them to choose which show to attend. As for restaurants, check out the dining guides in their area. There’s bound to be some hot new place they’ve been dying to try. Or look for tea shops that offer high tea, which everyone loves and rarely treat themselves to.

For women and men alike, I’ve never seen anyone disappointed to receive a gift certificate for a massage or mani-pedi. For the stressed working parent, a homemade coupon, offering a free evening of babysitting or an outing to the park, would be a gift indeed.

With a little thought and imagination, you can come up with gift ideas that are original, memorable, fun, inexpensive, support local businesses or nonprofit organizations, and don’t end up in the black hole of the family room to be quickly forgotten.