While we here in the Northern Hemisphere are celebrating Christmas in July, the Southern Hemisphere is saying goodbye to winter and moving into spring. That means thoughts are already turning to Christmas and the New Year, a season of giving and goodwill around the world.
Every year I try to start my Christmas shopping months in advance – and usually fail. However, now is the perfect time to start searching for just the right gifts for friends and family members, even if it is a real challenge!
So to help kick-start your gift ideas and get you thinking of what to get your friends and family this year, here are a few gift ideas in no particular order. These gift ideas range from high-tech to personalized, ensuring there’s something for everyone on your list.
Online Gift Vouchers
The safest bet in the universe, redeeming gift vouchers online is seamless and the lucky recipient can choose from 1000s of items and brands, all at discounted prices. The value of the voucher can be added to in the event the recipient wishes to buy an expensive item and for those who seem to have it all, gift cards are the perfect solution.
Personalized Star Map
Create a custom star map showing the night sky from a specific date and location that holds special meaning. It could be an anniversary, the birth of a child, the loss of a loved one, or a family pet – you can even purchase a star and have it named after someone close to you.
Smart Home Gadgets
Consider gifting the latest smart home devices like smart speakers, smart lights, or a smart thermostat.
Eco-Friendly Products
Sustainable gifts such as reusable shopping bags, stainless steel straws, or eco-friendly skincare products.
Subscription Boxes or Magazine Subscriptions
From gourmet snacks to mystery books, there’s a subscription box for every interest and every type of person. There are also online platforms where you can send someone an annual subscription to their favorite magazine. Whatever their niche hobby, there is a magazine for it and the recipient will receive a publication at the start of every month.
Virtual Reality Headset
Let them explore new worlds and experiences with the latest VR technology.
DNA Ancestry Kit
Give the gift of discovering family heritage and origins with a DNA testing kit.
Online Courses
Enroll them in a course that aligns with their interests, like photography, cooking, or coding. Some people are lifelong learners and a gift in the form of a learning course would be most welcome. A budding chef may love to learn how to prepare Thai food. A photographer, painter, or crafter in the family? How about a course in arts and crafts? Know someone planning a trip abroad? Gift them a language learning course so they can converse with the natives. The list is endless and you can choose something that will enlighten the lucky recipient. Cyber-security, for example, can be taught by enrolling in a short course for that person looking to obtain an IT position soon.
Fitness Tracker
Help them stay on top of their health goals with a state-of-the-art fitness tracker.
Portable Projector
Perfect for movie lovers, a portable projector can turn any space into a personal theater.
Experience Gifts
Consider giving them an experience like hot air ballooning, cooking classes, or a spa day. From driving a supercar on a racetrack to jumping out of a plane at 12,000 feet, there is a wide range of experience gifts to choose from. Only you know the recipient and where their interests lie and there are so many items, that finding something right is never an issue. A tangible gift has a lifespan but a memory lasts for a lifetime, so make something special happen for your friend/relative.
Custom Portrait
Commission an artist to create a custom portrait of a beloved pet or family member.
High-Tech Kitchen Gadgets
For the foodie in your life, look into advanced kitchen gadgets like an air fryer or sous-vide machine.
Adventure Gear
If they love the outdoors, consider gear like a new tent, hiking backpack, or camping hammock.
Home Wellness Devices
Gifts like a high-quality essential oil diffuser or a massage gun for relaxation and wellness.
Artisan Jewelry
Support local artisans by purchasing unique, handcrafted jewelry pieces.
Apparel and Accessories
Personalized T-shirts, hoodies, or even shoes with their name, favorite quote, or a special design are always a hit. Why not splurge on a Louis Vuitton handbag for the woman in your life? She will love you forever when she unwraps the package and realizes what you have done!
If she already owns one, choose a different design so she has options; Google can help you locate a supplier of designer goods at affordable prices. When you buy a designer bag at a brick-and-mortar store, you are paying for the plush retail space; shopping online saves you at least 25%, if not more.
High-Quality Sound Systems
Upgrade their audio experience with high-fidelity speakers or noise-canceling headphones.
Interactive Pet Toys
For pet owners, consider smart pet toys or automated feeders to keep their furry friends happy.
DIY Craft Kits
Kits for candle-making, knitting, or building model airplanes can be a great hands-on gift.
Luxury Wellness Retreats
The woman in your life would love to receive such a gift; an open-ended voucher for an all-inclusive stay at a leading spa and wellness resort. Who wouldn’t love some self-pampering at a luxury spa? This also makes for a great anniversary gift, in case you are stumped for ideas.
We hope the above gift ideas kick-starts your thought process and helps you find the perfect gift for those special people in your life this holiday season. Be sure to check out all of our gift ideas available here on the blog!
