Though it’s the thought that counts nothing is better than giving a present to a loved one that they truly enjoy. Gift-giving isn’t easy, however. You get all caught up in hoping you don’t get them something they already have, or even worse, something they really have no use for. With so many things to purchase, it can be quite a challenge to find something unique that lights up their face.
Whether you’re doing some early holiday shopping or have some other occasion coming up that requires you to get a gift for a relative, these unique gift ideas are sure to make their day.
Parents or Grandparents
Before you go purchase those knick-knacks for your mom, dress socks and a tie for your dad, and a nice frame for a family portrait for your grandparents, there are lots of other unique gifts they’d appreciate.
The matriarchs of the family might really appreciate something rare like an antique brooch to match her favorite dress, a pearl necklace and earring set, or a crystal vase to add to her crystal collection in her china cabinet. Women can also appreciate wellness and relaxation gifts like scented candles, bath salts, herbal teas, and a trip to the spa.
As for dad and grandpa, purchasing them items that tie into their hobbies really works. If they enjoy going fishing, buy them some new rods or pay for a boat rental for the day and make a family trip of it. Do they love working on cars? Invest in new tools or even look for a vintage car that needs to be rehabbed that they can work on together.
Kids
Don’t go grab your children, nieces, or nephews a bunch of toys and electronics that they’ll play with for a bit and forget (or damage) the next day. Instead, try to think of gift ideas that will enhance their futures in some way. You can give their parents money towards their college savings. Another example might be to start savings accounts for them with a small deposit to get them started with financial management.
There are also fun and educational gift ideas you can purchase for children to enhance their interests in certain things. If you have a niece who’s really into painting, purchase a few art classes or buy tickets to an art museum. Does your nephew enjoy math and science? There are cool science experiment kits you can purchase where he can learn the inner workings of everything from the layers of the earth to the planets in outer space.
Spouse
Your husband loves getting the best dad ever memorabilia, but year after year is a bit much. Just as a wife might adore getting a large bouquet of flowers and a necklace, but there are other gifts she’d appreciate just as much. Your spouse is the closest person to you, so figuring out a unique gift idea for them should be a lot easier.
A wife might appreciate a day off from house and mommy duties. She would appreciate a meal delivery service to make cooking easier or a self-cleaning robot to maintain the ever-dirty floors. If she’s into books, pay for a book club subscription for a year.
Unique gift ideas for a husband might include a new poker set when he has the guys over, a free trip to the barber, a beer making kit, or an item to add to his collection (like a baseball card or Star Wars figurine, gold coin, etc.)
Other Meaningful Ideas
You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg or search far and wide to find a unique gift idea for your family members. There are a lot of other meaningful things you can do to put a smile on their face. If you’re the creative type, you can make them a gift like a painting, holiday mugs, or articles of clothing. You can also dedicate your time and skills. Help mom to pull the weeds from her garden, assist dad with cleaning gutters, design business cards for your husband or wife’s new venture, or plan fun one-on-one dates with each of your kids.
When you give someone a gift, you want it to have meaning and add some sort of value to their lives. Not collect dust or get returned the moment you leave. When looking for something unique to purchase for your relatives, just remember to think of their interests or needs and find an item that will appeal to or resolve them. Hopefully, the list of unique gift ideas above has given you the inspiration you need to find something you know your loved ones will appreciate.
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