Finding the perfect gift for a loved one, friend or colleague can be one of the toughest challenges many of us face during the holidays. And unfortunately, some of our standby gifts don’t always generate the wow factor we hoped for. In fact, Consumer Reports recently asked people which types of gifts they considered “undesirable.” According to the results of the survey, spirits, plants, home décor, books and kitchen items all topped the list of least-wanted gifts. So what can you do to avoid giving someone an undesirable gift? Here are a few ideas to help you think a little outside the box this holiday season and find gifts that everyone on your list will love:
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Something from the heart.
A great gift doesn’t have to cost a lot. Why not give them something homemade?
Are you a great baker? Make everyone on your list a dozen of your famous cookies, delivered in a festive holiday tin or basket. Enlist your kids to produce one-of-a-kind artwork for the grandparents, or make a calendar of family photos. Use your talents to create unique gifts that will be meaningful to the recipient.
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A gift in their name.
Think about what is important to the person you’re shopping for. Perhaps they hold their pets or other animals, the environment, or another specific cause close to their heart. Then look for an organization working to make a difference in that area, and make a donation in your loved one’s name. Knowing that their gift made a difference to a cause they greatly value will mean a lot to them.
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A unique experience
What better gift could you give than time spent together? Treat someone to a fun and unique outing that they may not have thought to do otherwise. From concert tickets and museum exhibitions to food tastings and pottery painting classes, the list of potential ideas is endless. Gift new parents a date night out (with babysitting covered by you!) or send your in-laws to a new exhibition you think they’d enjoy. The memories of a fun experience will last a lifetime.
This holiday season, go beyond the norm when doing your shopping and think of unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that will be everyone’s favorites this year!
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Other Helpful Resources
For ideas about unique gift ideas, check out the sites below: