Most people try to find a gift for someone that’s useful, while just a little indulgent at the same time — something that the person would love but probably wouldn’t go out and buy for him/herself.
That’s good… if you want to be just like everybody else!
I like to try a different approach. I use Christmas and Birthdays as a time to introduce people to new things. I like to give gifts like practical and handy gadgets, ingenious time-savers, or just clever inventions that few people even knew existed.
I also generally give “combo” gifts. I especially like to find a few unique products that most people haven’t seen or used before, and bundle them up as one big gift full of little surprises. (Sometimes they’re less impressed by the cleverness of such gadgets than I am, but it’s a heartfelt gift nonetheless.)
Whenever I just can’t find anything unique that I think this person would enjoy or appreciate (or, if I find a really good bargain on something “traditional”), then I choose gifts like these:
- Waterproof pac bags to protect everything from electronics to your wallet when you’re playing in or around the water.
- Silverware caddy from Oneida (we have this one and love it!)
- For home or work, a fan heater can warm up a small space in no time.
- AAA membership
- Keyless entry / Remote starter – great for busy people who’ve always got their hands full (with groceries or kids), and for winter climates since you can start your vehicle from a distance
- Subscription to their favorite magazine (or sign them up for a new one!), or cleverly bundle and wrap a collection of store-bought magazines
- Specialty cookbooks
- Eyeglass cleaning spray, microfiber cleaning cloths, neck strap, and sunglasses clip for the car visor
- Wine Saver set
- Wine opener and a bottle of wine
- Pizza cutter and clay pizza stone
- Group of unusual gadgets (apple corer, tomato corer, strawberry corer, meat tenderizer, vegetable brush, avacado slicer, potato peeler, vegetable slicer/mandoline)
- Fun cooking apron
- Corn-on-the-cob plates, corn holders, and a butterer
- Unique or personalized door knocker
- Automatic timer to turn house lights and appliances on and off
- Plug-in rechargeable flashlight
- Bath towels and/or kitchen towels
- Welcome mat for the front or back door
- Unique photo album, picture frame, or other photo-related gift ideas
- Hats, shirts, etc. with the logo of their favorite sports team or college on it
- A digital camera flash card
- A USB charger for cameras and phones
- Rechargeable batteries and a battery charger (AA size batteries are common in digital cameras, toys, and other family electronics)
- Different sized notepads, a funny notepad that’s particularly meaningful
- Auto-open and auto-close umbrella (one can never have enough of these!)
- Fold-up travel chairs for outdoor events (these days they make them with all sorts of attachments and handy gadgets available — customize one for someone you love!)
- Colorful cartoon prints highlighting a person’s favorite hobby, career, or a unique experience.Perhaps the fastest way to find a great gift for someone is to do a quick search on Amazon or give an Amazon Gift Certificates!
If there is ONE thing I like… it's C H A N G E! The four seasons and major holidays are my favorite times of the year to recharge — and redecorate. I mostly like to share frugal DIY ideas for seasonal home decorating and party planning (for both, indoors and outside). Because who doesn't enjoy entertaining at home?! But even if you don't host many parties, I think you'll appreciate my DIY hacks and clever ways to decorate your house for the major holidays including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Because those are the times when people tend to have the most visitors and overnight houseguests.
