The holiday season is just around the corner, and so is the season of gift giving! Looking for some ideas for unique and alternative gifts to give this Christmas? Look no further. While traditional gift ideas are always a safe bet, why not shake things up and surprise your friends and family with something different? In this holiday alternative gifts guide, we’ll explore some out-of-the-box ideas that are sure to bring joy and excitement to your celebrations.

Why Choose Alternative Gifts?

Traditional Christmas gifts are often predictable, and it can be challenging to find something truly unique or personal. Thinking outside of the gift box lets you create unforgettable moments with alternative presents. Not only do they show your creativity and thoughtfulness, they also show that you've put effort into finding something special.

Explore a world of personalized, experience-based, and sustainable gifts to make your loved one’s smile.

Unique Experiences

  1. Adventure Getaway: Surprise your loved one with an adventurous weekend getaway to a beautiful location. Whether it's a hiking tour, a hot air balloon ride, or a thrilling water sports adventure, it’s bound to create memories that last a lifetime.
  2. Cooking Classes: For the food enthusiasts in your life, consider gifting them a cooking class or a series of lessons. They can learn new recipes, improve their culinary skills, and you can enjoy the delicious results together.
  3. Spa Day: Treat your loved ones to a day of relaxation and pampering at a luxurious spa. Let them unwind and rejuvenate with massages, facials, and other relaxing treatments. This gift idea is perfect for those who could use some well-deserved self-care.
  4. Escape Room Passes: If you're looking to provide a unique and exciting experience, escape room games are a fantastic choice. These interactive puzzles challenge players to solve clues and work together to escape a simulated scenario. It's a fun way to put your problem-solving skills to the test while enjoying some quality time with friends or family.
  5. Virtual Experiences: With the world becoming more digitally connected, virtual experiences have become a trend. Whether it's a virtual cooking class, wine tasting, or even a virtual escape room, these experiences provide an excellent alternative to traditional gifts. They allow your loved ones to try something new from the comfort of their own homes.
  6. Event Tickets: Does your loved one like stand-up comedy? Have they always wanted to see the ballet or the opera? Maybe their favourite sports team or musical group is passing through town. Events give the recipient something to look forward to in the new year and leave them with memories instead of more stuff. Check local event guides and Ticketmaster to see what’s coming up in your area.

Personalized and Custom Gifts

  1. Customized Jewelry: Show your loved ones just how much you know and cherish them by gifting them personalized jewelry. Engraved necklaces, bracelets, or rings with their initials, birthstones, or meaningful symbols make for beautiful and sentimental presents. Consider using old scrap jewelry or meaningful items to make something special, sustainable and new.
  2. Custom Artwork: Commission a local artist to create a unique piece of art for your loved one. Whether it’s a painting, sculpture, or even a personalized portrait, this gift idea is a wonderful way to support local talent and provide a one-of-a-kind gift.
  3. Personalized Books: Dive into the world of literature by gifting a personalized book. Companies now offer the opportunity to customize classic novels by inserting the recipient’s name into the story, creating a truly unique keepsake. These can be created for kids, too!
  4. Personalized Cork Globe: Have someone on your list with a serious case of the travel bug? A personalized cork globe is a fantastic gift idea for them. They can display all the places they’ve been or plan to visit by pinning them on the globe. It’s not just a unique décor piece but also serves as a source of inspiration for future adventures.

Sites like Etsy and Uncommon Goods are great places to find personalized or unique items. You can get personalized passport holders or custom pillows that look like a beloved pet—the options are endless.

Sustainable Gifts

  1. Reusable Straws and Water Bottles: Help your loved ones reduce their plastic waste with sustainable alternatives. Stainless steel or bamboo straws and reusable water bottles are not only practical but also make for great stocking stuffers. Consider including special cleaning tools and a carrying case (for straws) to encourage use.
  2. Indoor Herb Garden Kit: For the green thumbs or those looking to start their own herb garden, a kit with everything needed to grow fresh herbs indoors is an excellent eco-conscious gift. It brings nature into their home and provides. fresh ingredients to upgrade their cooking must-haves.
  3. Sustainable Fashion: Explore sustainable fashion brands and choose garments made from organic or recycled materials. Innovative brands are now creating stylish, eco-friendly clothing options that make a positive impact on the environment. Search for unique vintage pieces at local thrift stores, like band t-shirts, for example. If you have a lot of old clothes you want to use (such as old baby clothes, or sentimental pieces) consider making a quilt out of them for a loved one.
  4. DIY Crafts & Kits: For those who enjoy getting their creative juices flowing, DIY craft kits are an excellent choice. From candle making to pottery, lip balm to bath bombs, these kits provide all the necessary materials and instructions to create unique and personalized pieces. It's a fantastic way to encourage artistic expression and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Subscriptions & Memberships

  1. Plant Subscription: In recent years, people have been embracing the joys of plant parenthood. A plant subscription allows your loved ones to receive a new plant every month, ensuring their space is full of greenery.
  2. Family Zoo or Science Centre Passes: Are you shopping for a family with younger kids who have plenty of toys? Consider passes to a place they enjoy. This could be the local science centre, amusement park, or zoo. Passes can be purchased for single use or if you’re purchasing a larger gift, as a membership for the year.
  3. Flower Delivery Subscription: Surprise someone with regular flower deliveries by subscribing to a flower delivery service that sends them fresh blooms throughout the year.
  4. Magazines: Choose a magazine subscription based on the recipient’s interests, such as fashion, travel, cooking, or photography. Some magazines offer digital-only versions, and include a free reusable tote bag with the subscription, such as Vogue or The Atlantic, which make for nice bonus gifts!
  5. Food or Beverage: There are a number of local wine and beer clubs that deliver curated selections each month for your enthusiast. There aretea and coffee subscriptions, too. If you’re buying a gift for someone who needs the gift of time, consider meal plan subscriptions, such as HelloFresh.

By stepping away from traditional gifts, you can show your loved ones just how much they mean to you. Whether it's an exciting experience, a personalized gift, or an eco-friendly present, choosing to give alternative gifts will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Get creative, think outside the box, and happy gifting!