As Christmas draws nearer and the advent clock ticks away, now is the time to think about what to get those you love most! And rather than buying the hottest brands and biggest names, how about supporting smaller businesses? All the while amassing more unique gifts, getting more than your money’s worth with a present they’ll remember! In this article, I’ll be helping you to think up the perfect out of the box Christmas gifts for you and your loved ones to enjoy!
My first (and most basic) suggestion is buying independent! Shop for gifts in smaller shops that are not attached to brands. Also, look online for craft gift ideas or similar independent and hand-made products! An easy way to find gifts like these is to look for local artists and nearby markets. Alternatively, you could go to an event like a Christmas market and pick up something unique from an independent seller! If the present is something you can’t get anywhere else, then it will have more significance and even sentimental value if the person you buy it for is the person you went to the market with! The look on their face when they unwrap something that they pointed out to you themselves will be fantastic!
Taking the idea of a unique gift further, how about gifting them with something homemade? After all, there’s nothing more personal than something unique, and what’s more unique than something you’ve made yourself? Look online for tutorials and learn a new skill at the same time!
Also, if you are after something personalised, but don’t want to do it yourself – either because you don’t have time, or you’re not yet confident in the art of gift making – you can get it personalised from online shopping spaces like Etsy. There are plenty of places out there where you can commission art, video, professionally presented photography and many other unique and extremely personal gifts! Why not reach out to an artist for a commission over social media?
Probably the most interesting proposal is to get them an experience this year! With locations from Chessington World of Adventures to the West End now open, and public gatherings possible once again, surprise someone you love this Christmas by booking them in for a memorable experience! From wine tastings to short stays away, there are plenty of places out there that will not only make an interesting giving experience but will allow you to spend more time with the people you love! After all, isn’t that the true meaning of the holiday?
Or, if they are not comfortable going out yet, or simply more introverted, how about looking into subscription services? Especially in recent years, subscriptions – either to a delivered service or a streaming platform – are becoming more and more useful, and so to have something paid for in advance will help them to enjoy the service with peace of mind! Whether it’s covering their Disney+ or Netflix account for a year, or a Loot Crate type subscription box for a year of monthly goodies!
Finally, why not make a donation to a charity of their choice in their name, such as Oxfam and Cancer Research UK! Make a donation and get them a gift that keeps on giving! Or support the charity by simply looking to the products connected to the charity, as many charities sell Christmas cards that also give a donation to the charity when you buy them! And don’t forget about charity shopping for a gift, I’ve often found some really good finds in my local area!
Whatever you decide to get them, remember the most important thing is giving and being there with them, because that time together is a gift in itself! This Christmas, show the ones you love how you feel and get them something personal. After all, only you know what you want to get them, and when something is just perfect it will catch your eye and the first thought to cross your mind will be “Yes!” As you gather together this Christmas time, show them you’ve truly thought about them, and make their Christmas even better!
Thanks for reading!
Oliver is a writer and journalist who loves fantasy fiction and table top gaming, with a bit of acting on the side!
