Holiday 2008 Gift Giving Ideas

Here we go again, another holiday season.  You either love it, or you hate it.  No matter which group you fit in, you probably participate at some level.  I happen to really enjoy the holidays.  While we all struggle a bit in today’s economy and fear that gift giving may be more difficult this year, there will still be lights, trees, family gatherings, children’s laughter, and hopefully snow!  The days are already being counted down as we approach peak shopping season.  To make your life a bit easier, consider these simple gift ideas.  

Gift Cards or Certificates:  Okay, I know what you are thinking.  Gift giving etiquette absolutely forbids gift cards or gift certificates.  I’ve read the articles and reviews bashing the gift card, and to an extent, they are not as personal as a hand picked, beautifully wrapped gift.  However, they are more functional, easier to ship, and far more available then traditional gifts.  I would even recommend purchasing and sending your gift online.  This saves, time, money, and gas!  So, how do you send a gift card and keep it personal and thoughtful?  Don’t do large department store certificates those are the ones that say “I don’t really know you well enough to pick out a gift.”  OR “I don’t really care enough about you to pick out a gift.”  Purchase gift cards or certificates from a specific place that the recipient would enjoy.  For example, for a mom on the go who rarely takes time for herself and may even be living on a very strict budget, purchase a spa gift certificate or dinner and a movie gift cards with a handwritten promise to keep the kids when she’s ready to go out.  Both are simple and available online, but both are also personal and thoughtful.  For an avid reader, Barnes & Noble gift cards would be perfect.  For the person who has everything, what about a gift certificate for Omaha Steaks or Wine.com.  At Sunshine Rewards, you can even earn cash back for gift card purchases.  That makes them an even better choice for gift giving this holiday season.

Food:  There are a number of quality food merchants online.  They take pride in the quality, presentation, and delivery of their gourmet creations.  For gifts that get attention and quickly become the center of holiday celebration attention, try sending someone on your gift list a gourmet caramel apple from Mrs. Prindables.  What about a delicious tin of treats from David’s Cookies?  This is the perfect time of year to send wonderful creations from Hickory Farms, Harry and David, The Popcorn Factory, and the list goes on.  Delivered directly to the recipient’s door, these gifts say, “I was thinking of you!”

Monthly Gift Clubs:  A flower, fruit, wine, or even tie of the month club is a fun gift that lasts over a period of months.  Most go in three month increments, up to a year.  What a perfect way to give a gift that keeps giving! 

Charitable Donations:  If you are having a hard time picking out a gift for someone, it could be because they just don’t need another gift this season.  Consider giving a gift to charity in the name of someone else as a way of celebrating the spirit of giving together.  Most people have a cause near to their hearts.  An animal lover might really appreciate a donation to the local Humane Society.  Someone touched by cancer, would be blessed by a donation to an appropriate foundation through the American Cancer Society.  Nothing says I know you and love you more than caring about someone’s passion for a cause.

Think outside the box!  Get creative!  You don’t have to buy and wrap things to give a great gift.  You can survive this gift giving season with simple gifts that are easy to give.  For great gift ideas and cash backing shopping this buying season, checkout my favorite online rewards program, Sunshine Rewards.  You’ll find tons of ideas, coupons, discounts, and holiday fun!