Christmas is one of the best times of the year. Or it should be. It’s also one of the most stressful times of the year for some people. Some people thrive on gift-giving, wrapping, decorating, cooking, planning, etc. Some do not. Figuring out the perfect gift ideas can take a lot of time and create stress during any year, but this year we’re starting to hear that the supply chain shortages could affect stores over the holidays. This is a list of gift ideas that don’t require something off of the shelf, so that hopefully, you can enjoy the holidays instead of stressing over them.
This list of alternatives to store-bought gifts for the holidays includes:
- Experience gift ideas
- Subscription gift ideas
- Gift card ideas and extras
- Homemade / thrifting gift ideas
Making a list and checking it twice…
I’m pretty efficient when it comes to organizing gift ideas, shopping, planning, and all that holiday chaos. It’s one of my pretty solid skills and it comes in very handy around this time of year. When I started hearing that we might run into supply chain issues that could cause empty shelves over the holidays, I started thinking up alternative gift ideas for times when stuff is sold out.
One reason I organize this sort of thing is because a few years ago I gained 6 younger siblings through foster and adoption. So, because I actually like organizing and planning, I started putting together ideas and lists for each kid to help my mom and stepdad get a jump on their group’s Christmas gifts. That routine has come in pretty handy the last couple years in particular.
I might make a post at some point going into more detail about how I plan all that out and keep track of everything… but for now let’s get to the gift ideas…
Gift Ideas for Dealing With Holiday Supply Shortages
Not everyone enjoys this sort of thing. Totally understandable. And this year there have been whispers that the supply chain could cause some Christmas chaos. If you’re worried about shortages around the holidays this year, this list of alternative gift options and experiences should help.
One of the big holiday shopping events is black Friday. Generally that, and now the newer Cyber Monday, lead to massive sales. I could see a world where those days make shopping for popular items pretty difficult after they’re done if the supply issues continue. There may even be people buying ahead of those days in order to make sure they get what they want.
This isn’t meant to freak you out or make you panic. On the contrary, that’s what I’m making this list for – so you and I can plan for this unique holiday season, get some great gifts for loved ones, and avoid stressing out.
Hopefully, we can also avoid crowds. Maybe some people like holiday crowds, but those people are weird.
Not all gifts need to come in a box.
If you find your local stores, or even online shops, start to sell out of stuff, check out some of the gift possibilities on this list to fill your stockings. This list of Christmas gift ideas isn’t just about what comes in a box, it’s also about experiences, and things that your loved ones can enjoy after the holiday rush has cleared.
If you do have some gifts that come in a box, I also put together a little post on simple ways to wrap those – you can see it here.
Experiences
Even though getting a thing that you like is very nice, it can be a great surprise to be gifted an experience instead of a standard present. This might be something like a trip to the spa, a day out at a museum, or even a surprise trip, paid for by the gift-giver.
Best of all, these unique and exciting gifts are things that don’t require being stocked on a shelf, so you don’t have to worry about not getting them on time – or at all – due to holiday supply chain issues.
AmazingCo
I recently did a rundown and review of AmazingCo and their mystery picnic experience. AmazingCo is all about experiences, with tons of different kinds of pre-arranged experiences to choose from. They make it incredibly easy to give the gift of a unique experience.
Consider this for the loved one that would appreciate some time spent together.
Day spa
Day spas offer a variety of relaxing and revitalizing treatments with something for everyone. Whether you want to book a full day for a loved one, or something like a girl’s day or a couple’s day together, or just a single treatment like a massage or facial.
Consider this for the loved one that needs a little more relaxation in their life.
Wine and Paint
This is a fun new thing to do that’s been popping up in a lot of places. The business hosts a group of people for a wine and paint night. The staff guides you on a picture to paint while you enjoy a drink and maybe some snacks. It’s relaxing, fun, different, and you get to take your artwork home!
Pick this gift for the loved one that enjoys the Bob Ross painting series.
A class (cooking, dancing, photography)
If you know someone that might like to learn a little something new, think about giving them a class. We’re not talking about a full college class, although you might find short classes for the general public at a college. There are classes that are offered by institutions or professionals on a one-off basis, or even for a couple of weeks at a time. These days you can even find many classes available live online.
Pick this gift for the loved one that loves learning something new, or that has a passion that they would like to learn more about.
A trip
A trip may sound a little extravagant, and it could be, but it doesn’t have to be. Think a weekend camping or a few days at a simple Airbnb. You could even plan to “get away” in your own town, planning a trip like you’re a tourist in your city.
A performance (play, concert)
When was the last time you treated your partner to a night out at a concert? What about going to a comedy night with friends? Or a dramatic play?
Finding something that your loved ones will enjoy shouldn’t be too hard with all the options. If you’re concerned about going out to something like that with Covid still around, make sure to check with the venue to see what precautions they’re taking to see if you feel comfortable going.
Pick this gift for the drama kid or music lover.
Make your own beer/wine
This is a little bit of a gift in a box, and a little bit of an experience. You can order up a beer-making kit that comes with everything you need to make your own craft brew. You can also find kits for hard seltzer, cider, and wine. It goes without saying that this is for those who can legally drink, but it can make a fun project to do together, and hopefully enjoy the fruits of your labor if all goes well.
Get this for the wine connoisseur or the beer aficionado in your group.
Subscriptions
These gifts keep on giving, month after month. Even if the shelves are a little more empty this holiday season, these subscriptions are an ongoing gift that will kick in even after the winter holidays are over. The subscription companies plan for the number of subscribers that are using their service, so you can let your loved one know that their gift is on the way without having to worry about anything selling out.
You choose what kind of subscription box your loved one will like best, then decide on a timeframe for them to keep getting access to the subscription. Maybe they’ll even keep it going on their own after your gifted part is done!
Audiobook subscriptions
If you have a bookworm on your gift list, or even someone who just spends a lot of time driving, think about an audiobook subscription.
The most famous is probably Audible, which has a nice offer of 2 free books when you start your trial membership.
There’s also a service called Libro.fm, which helps support local bookstores with your audiobook purchases.
If you’re looking for a gift for kids, you could check out EPIC! which hosts audiobooks and ebooks for kids with some read-along options.
Beer/Wine box
If you know someone who enjoys trying new wines or beers, consider getting them a drink subscription box. These are usually monthly, but you can often choose the length of the subscription and the frequency. A new set of drinks is delivered right to their doorstep as a nice little gift that keeps on giving even after the holidays.
Pick this gift for the friend that loves discovering new beers and wines.
Meal subscription
In the same realm as the drink subscriptions is meal subscriptions. There are several companies to choose from now. There’s also lots of customization to be had within each type of subscription box. You can choose vegan, vegetarian, family-friendly, quick meals, meals that are already prepared and just need to be microwaved, etc. There are so many options that you’re bound to find one that your loved one will enjoy.
Some meal subscription boxes include:
- HelloFresh
- Blue Apron
- Sun Basket
- Greenchef
Here’s a bigger list of meal subscription boxes.
Choose this for the loved one that wants to learn to cook, or needs a little help preparing meals without the stress of planning and grocery trips.
Murder mystery
There are now murder mystery subscription boxes! Such a fun idea for anyone that’s a fan of true crime, horror, or that classic game Clue. Off-shoot mystery boxes from the Hunt-A-Killer subscription box include awesome choices like Death at a Dive Bar, Nancy Drew Myster at Magnolia Gardens, and my personal favorite, Agatha Christie’s The Mystery at Hunter’s Lodge.
I’m a sucker for anything Agatha Christie.
There are also a slew of other types of mystery subscription boxes as well – see some of them here!
Check out this list of my favorite horror movies, if that’s your thing.
Historical Letters
This is a very unique type of subscription. Each month for however long you choose your loved one will receive letters written through history. Check out Letterjoy to see if you know a history lover who would appreciate all this subscription has to offer.
See other cool subscriptions for history lovers here.
Kids subscriptions
If you’re looking for gifts for a younger crowd, there are some really cool subscription boxes, like Kiwico’s for example, for kids too! You can give them their first box, or card with the info on it, for Christmas, and then let them enjoy getting a new gift each month for however long the subscription runs.
Netflix/Hulu/HBO etc.
With so many people enjoying streaming services, you could give the gift of a few free months, or even a year, of their favorite streaming subscription.
Get this for your resident movie maestro.
Grocery delivery services
Lots of feasting going on during the holidays. Also – lots of grocery bills and grocery store trips. Help a loved one by getting them a premium subscription to a grocery delivery app. Grocery delivery subscriptions offer perks like discounts and free delivery. Sometimes a little help on the boring, everyday stuff is just what they need!
You can get gift cards from services like Instacart, or set up a premium account directly for your loved ones.
Get this for the busy parent that feeds many mouths and could use a little help.
Gift Cards
Gift cards can be either physical or virtual (usually through an email) but either way, you’re unlikely to have any problems finding gift cards for places your loved ones will enjoy. Whether for a restaurant, a certificate to a local business, or a card for a big-box store. A gift card is a simple but valuable gift. It lets your loved ones choose what they need or want the most, without hurting their wallet.
Local shops
If you have some decent shops in your area, grab a gift card to help your small business owners and local restaurants. Many of your local businesses will offer gift cards or gift certificates. Local art stores, jewelry shops, cafes, music stores, toy stores, etc. If you look around you’ll be able to find something that your loved ones can look forward to using in their town.
Online
Of course, let’s not pretend a huge amount of shopping doesn’t take place online these days, and your loved ones would probably appreciate a gift card to an online shop as well. You could grab one from Amazing, Walmart, Target, Etsy, or any other well-known retailer with an online presence.
Technology
If you have a tech-lover in the family, consider getting them a gift card to a store that has a lot of cool tech products. This could be something like Best Buy or Newegg, or even Apple.
Tech gifts can be expensive, and hard to choose for someone else. With a gift card to a technology hub, your loved ones can choose exactly what they want and you can cover some or all of the cost.
Grocery
Another gift card that will be appreciated by many is simply a gift card to the local grocery store. We all need food, food can be expensive, every little bit helps!
Cash cards
If all else fails don’t be shy about giving the gift of cash. Or technically… card. Preload a Visa gift card with any amount of money you want. Then give it to a loved one to spend exactly as they want to.
Experiences
You can always get gift cards for one of the experiences listed above. Your loved ones can choose exactly what they’d like to do for their experience. For instance an Airbnb gift card or AmazingCo gift card. If you have a loved one that enjoys surprises though, it might be better to choose for them.
Also consider gift cards for cool services like Embark or Wisdom Panel (I did a whole review on both of those dog DNA tests here) or 23andMe.
Vintage / Creative
Hand-made or thrifted items are another great option if you can’t find what you’re looking for on the standard store shelf. Even if you hadn’t planned on doing something like this, you might want to explore it a little anyways. It could help you come up with new gift ideas and inspiration.
Artwork
Yes, giving your artwork as a gift might seem a little 4th grade of you. But if you have a particular artistic skill, it can make for a great and unique gift.
- If you paint, paint something.
- If you draw, draw something.
- If you do photography, print and frame a photo.
- If you sculpt, sculpt something.
- If you write, write something.
- If you bake, bake something.
There’s nothing wrong with a gift made from scratch by you.
Thrift Shop
Take a bit to explore your local thrift and vintage shops. Go in with an idea of who you want to find a gift for, and look through all the unique items that those places have to offer. You might be surprised to find just the right thing for an incredible price.
If you’re crafty, you can even find something with the intention of cleaning it up or reworking it to make something new.
Vintage Shop Gift Game
This is a cool little twist on the idea of finding a Christmas gift for a loved one in a thrift or vintage store. Go there with your people and make a game out of finding a gift you think they’ll like. You all spread out and search for a gift or two for your gift-buddy (the one you’ll be buying a gift for). Then meet at the cash register at a set time. Then they can decide which gift option they like best (if you chose more than one). Then, of course, you buy it for them.
It’s a fun little way to get in the holiday spirit and spend some time together exploring local shops. Plus it means you can find VERY affordable gift options!
