10 Gifts You Won't Regret Buying
“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others. ”
The holiday season is in full swing and we are slowly checking items off of our gift-giving lists. As such, I thought it would be beneficial to provide you with a list of 10 gifts - items that can work for anyone of any age - that you will not regret giving. I should preface this entry with a disclaimer - this is not an “anti-toy” post. In fact, if there is a toy that your child has been longing for, one that they would enjoy and that would withstand the test of time, then, by all means! It would be hypocritical of me to say that we don’t gift toys to our kids because let’s face it, they are already hidden in my basement. But, if you are tired of getting gifts that hold the attention of the ones you love for half-a-day and are later found buried in the toy bin, then this list may provide you with some alternate options.
1) One Time Experience Gifts
It can bring so much joy to invest in the interests of others. One Time Experience Gifts are items that cater directly to what an individual loves. These are single-use events, tickets, or outings, that are often planned well in advance. The pleasure we get from stuff is often fleeting but the memories of shared experiences grow stronger as time passes. These are the moments we harken back to when we recall times of joy.
Example: Round of golf, sporting event tickets, ballet tickets, sky diving passes, concert tickets
2) Subscriptions/Passes
These are the items that get renewed and last for a significant amount of time. So often, we buy these things anyways and don’t show our children the true value in purchasing them. By giving these as gifts, we can make it a point to show them that these items come with a cost. Whenever we use the passes or subscriptions we can remind them of who gifted it and why they have received it.
Example: Magazine subscription, wine subscription, meal prep service subscription, play place passes, zoo membership, museum membership, kiwiCo box
3) Classes
Is there something that a loved one has been begging to try? Or, maybe there is something they have tried to improve on their own and it just doesn’t seem to be working? Now is the time to invest in a class that they may never purchase for themselves! Classes provide individuals with an outlet to master a skill which oftentimes leads to a deeper connection or a passion for what is being learned. Having a hobby or skill to work on can bring a lifetime of happiness, forge new friendships, and can give a sense of community with others who share in the same interests.
Example: Cooking class, cake decorating lessons, sewing class, art class, singing lessons, musical instrument lesson, sports camp
4) Books
I couldn’t possibly do a gift list without including books. Literacy starts from a young age and the joy of a good book can be gifted to anyone no matter how young or old. With a plethora of genres and authors to choose from, finding something for everyone and anyone is possible. The power that a good piece of literature can have is unquestionable - from transporting us to different worlds, opening our eyes to new ideas and theories, helping us discover more about the world around us, or simply making us think - books are filled with endless possibilities.
Example: Cookbooks, self-help books, a biography of one of their favourite people, fact books, picture books, fiction, non-fiction, magazines.
5) Items That Get You Physically Active
In a world that is becoming increasingly sedentary and reliant on technology, what better way to get back to basics than by gifting something that gets you moving? Physical play items encourage movement, being outdoors, and support overall health and well-being.
Example: Bike, rollerblades, skateboard, sports ball, sports equipment, scooter, skis/snowboard, skates, hula hoop
6) Clothing
I know it is challenging to buy clothing for some, especially if they are picky. For those individuals, a gift card to their favourite clothing store or mall is a great alternative. For kids, clothing is an excellent way to get them something they need. But when buying clothing as a gift, it is important to think outside of what you want to see them in and pick something you know they would love. Now is the time for that sparkly unicorn sweater with flip sequins that you have been avoiding all year.
Example: Brand name items, sports team clothing, jerseys, shoes, pj’s
7) Art Supplies
Unfortunately, art supplies are not a never-ending resource. The holiday season is a fantastic excuse to replenish art supplies that may be on their last legs or almost depleted. Art encompasses all facets of learning while encouraging creativity and freedom of expression. Studies have shown that children who regularly engage in art and art projects have a higher chance of excelling inside and outside of school. Who wouldn’t be willing to buy into that?
Example: Paint, crayons, pencil crayons, felts, paper, canvases, stickers, thread, fabric, glue
8) Travel
I know, it’s not within everyone’s budget to give the gift of travel. I get it. But, if you are planning on traveling throughout the year, this provides an opportunity to give a big-ticket item that was already planned. For example, last year, my daughter was gifted a 5-day pass to Disneyland, which is something she will never forget (Linden was still free). Travel doesn’t have to mean over the top either - small trips count too! This may not be the most appealing for young kids but older children and adults can handle the delayed gratification! Also, if you know someone is going on a trip you can offer to purchase something for that trip (e.g., scuba lessons while in Hawaii) or a portion of the expenses required.
Example: Airplane tickets, hotel credit, ski passes to a nearby mountain, spa day on vacation
9) Games
Board games are a great way to relax, unwind, and devote time and attention to those you love. Tactile, old-school board games provide us with the opportunity to socialize away from technology and to connect with one another in a meaningful way. I did an entire post on the importance of board games for children and recommended some of my favourites for young kids. Beyond those, the examples below are some of our family’s favourite games for all different ages.
Example: Disney Eye Found It, Operation, This That and Everything, Code Names, Catan, One Night Ultimate Werewolf, Catchphrase, Taboo, Scattergories
10) Necessities
I know that this doesn’t sound like a lot of fun but needs are needs and you will have to purchase these anyways. Did the children run out of toothpaste? Just wait until Christmas! I’m kidding of course, but you can make necessities fun by getting them different items or things that you know they would love. Buying toothbrushes and toothpaste may sound boring but if you get your little princess lover an Elsa electric toothbrush and matching toothpaste it becomes a little bit more interesting. Need socks? Make them interesting by printing your dog’s face on a pair, just like this company does!
Example: Toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, underwear, scarves, mittens, hats, slippers, bandaids, chapstick, shampoo/conditioner, body wash
