Thoughtful Gift Ideas that Aren’t Just Things

We’d all like to believe that we give thoughtful gifts, especially around the holidays. All too often, though, we get a little complacent in our gift-giving and end up with something we’re not particularly proud to give. A lot of people have more things than they know what to do with, which is why you’ll need to think outside the box. We’ve compiled some thoughtful gift ideas that aren’t just things so that you can spread a little more joy and a little less consumerism.

Charitable Donations

We’re all aware of the importance of giving back during the holidays. For the truly altruistic person in your life, a donation made in their name to the right charity says a lot. It lets them know you understand them as a person and you value the things they care about.

Online Classes

If your friend or family member has been talking about wanting to learn a new skill, what better gift than to facilitate that dream? There’s an online class for every kind of skill or hobby you could ever want to learn. This is another gift that really shows how much you listen to them and how much you value their personal interests.

Subscription Boxes

This might seem strange on a list of gift ideas that aren’t just things, but subscription boxes aren’t necessarily full of stuff you don’t need. Consider buying them a wine subscription box or a meal kit box if they love to cook. These won’t linger around as extra stuff and they get a great gift out of it as well.

An Experience To Remember

Experiences allow people to make long-lasting memories. This can be something as small as a hike through a nearby trail or as big as a skydiving experience. Only you’ll be able to know what the recipient would like most. Whatever it is, experiences create lasting memories that are more valuable than things you put on a shelf.

Time To Themselves

Especially nowadays, sometimes all we really need is a little alone time. You can help your loved ones out by taking on some of their responsibilities for a while so they can focus on themselves. Pick their kids up, mow their lawn, shovel their driveway, or any number of things that take some of the pressure of everyday life off their shoulders for a while.