Some unconventional present ideas for the Christmas holidays.
It seems unreal that this semester has so quickly blown past, but with only a month left the finishing line is in sight and Christmas is right around the corner. Which means that its time for a list of unconventional, and yet splendidly happy, Christmas gift ideas because if you’re anything like me, you haven’t a clue what to get anyone for the holiday season.
Homemade Book of Coupons
You know all those annoying coupons that come in the mail or somehow mysteriously find a way of slipping under our door, why not put them to use? Keep a book of different coupons and give them to a friend in financial need – you never know when that $2 off cereal will really come in handy. Throw in a few personal gift certificates; “Good for one Dinner” or “Free Laundry Service for a Day” or throw in a naughty one or two if it’s for a lover.
Day at the Spa
The spa is not a new gift idea but it’s a classic. And sometimes it can be nice to spend a day with your family at a spa –such as some of the lovely Nordic spas in North Hatley – and it’s a good way to avoid grumbles over bad gifts. Relaxing with a massage, reading a book by a fire, going for a steam, and a refreshing lunch can sometimes be the nicest way to spend the holidays with your relatives.
Give to a Good Cause
Charity is always a great gift. You donate money to a good cause in the name of a friend or family member. In turn you help out a worthy cause, feel like a Good Samaritan and you are the thoughtful one of the party. There are thousands of charities out there—from War Child to the World Wildlife Fund, and giving is truly a wonderful way to celebrate a holiday which is fundamentally about generosity and coming together with not only our families, but with the greater community as well.
Lessons
Lessons sound cliché—I’m aware of this. But sometimes they can be stellar gifts, despite their stigma. Send your parents to Salsa dance lessons or your older sister to strip-fit, and the options are truly limitless.
Artwork
For those really on a budget, you can always try and put your artistic abilities to use—for us of the broke student ghetto, homemade crafts and artwork may be our best friend. In fact I’m pretty sure most of our parents have our kindergarten ‘masterpieces’ still hanging in the front hallway, so why not give them some updated art to display.
Not everyone is an artist but everyone can find a way to make something creative – from hemp bracelets to paintings to photo albums to tiled vases there are easy starter kits for everything arts and crafts and everyone appreciates a gift with a little personal touch.
Time Capsule
Time capsules may be straight out of an afterschool special but they can be fun and exciting to make with a good friend. Instead of buying gifts for each other, make a gift for yourselves in the future. It’s corny but it’s also fun and can be a great way to share a few laughs now, and later in life when you return to dig it up.
Free Hugs
Why not give a little gift to everyone this year? God knows there are enough Scrooges running around that I think everyone could use a little more hug in their day. Why not get together with some friends and stand around giving strangers hugs all day. It seems ridiculous, I know. But the people you will meet will be diverse and I’m sure you’ll meet a few cool cats along the way.
Crochet is so in right now
We live in a cold country and we all know that when February rolls around we can’t help but bundle up. So why not share the gift of warmth? Knitting and crocheting are, after all, so in this season. From scarves to mittens to hats and headbands you can make almost anything from yarn and wool and for the inner hippie in all of us it’s a good way to give a personal gift that requires some time, but little work.
Chestnuts & Eggnog
It’s been far too long since I’ve seen chestnuts roasting on an open fire and don’t forget some nutmeg and dark rum to spice up the ‘nog. This technically isn’t a gift but it can sure make the holiday season a lot more interesting.
All in all, when it comes to Christmas shopping just remember to be original. We all have to give gifts – even if some of us may loathe the mall experience a week before the big day – so why not turn it into a fun experience? Get on with it sooner rather than later to avoid the rush, and give yourself enough time to get or make everything you need. And just remember that once it’s out of the way, it’s gift receiving time and you will have something to look forward to.
