Holiday gifts that don’t need wrapping
Gift giving requires us to be more creative when our friends and loved ones “have it all.” Here are some thoughtful ideas that will delight even the toughest-to-buy-for on your list this holiday season.
A unique experience during Covid
After the year we’ve had, you and your loved ones may still be wary of large gatherings. There are still plenty of cool experiences that can be crossed off bucket lists while keeping safe social-distancing measures in mind.
Why not host a private movie night in a real theatre? Consider booking a screening of a recently released or classic film for up to 20 guests. The theatre is all yours and is cleaned for you. It’s a safe, big-screen experience you can enjoy all to yourself!
If your loved one is more comfortable staying at home, have a basket delivered to their door. It’s a special way to show they’re in your thoughts. Packages or baskets can be as unique as that special someone. You can choose an item yourself or work with an online provider. These specialists can help you curate a selection of items that can include anything from gourmet treats to golf goodies and spa accessories. Don’t forget to add a personal note.
Giving back opportunities
Gifting your community with your financial support or time has become especially meaningful over the past couple of years. You can donate money or supplies, give in someone’s name, or volunteer.
Consider contributing money or supplies to organizations like health centres or charities that provide housing, financial assistance, or food. If you’re making a donation to a registered charity, you may be eligible for a tax credit.
Donating to charity in someone else's name is a great present for the "person who has everything" and doesn't need material goods. Make the gesture especially meaningful for your loved one by connecting it to a personal memory. Beyond simply donating to a charity they like, can you select one that is significant to you both, or to your relationship?
If you’d rather donate your time, there are many opportunities to volunteer in every community. Think about the type of work you're likely to find most rewarding. Do you want to help seniors? Perhaps you can deliver meals to the elderly. If you’re passionate about environmental protection, consider volunteering at a non-profit association focused on protecting natural resources.
An investment in education
No matter what your loved one’s age, you can always give the opportunity for lifelong learning.
Have you considered empowering the teens in your life with a contribution to a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) of which they are a beneficiary? It’s a great way to help pay for post-secondary education—one of the most valuable gifts that could last them throughout their lifetimes.
Another learning option for your loved ones is an online class. It’s a fun, interactive experience that they can enjoy even though they can’t be there in person. You can give practically any kind of class from cooking, to learning a new art or craft, to even training (or retraining) for a new career. The possibilities can be as distinctive as your loved one. Make it even more special by taking the class with them!
Looking for gifts for people who have everything might seem challenging, but those can be the coolest presents of all! You can be a little more creative and worry a little less about filling a need. So have fun this holiday season and find something unique for your loved ones who already have it all.