5 Tips for Creative Christmas Gift Ideas In 2023
It seems like it gets harder and harder to find meaningful Christmas presents every year for people.
It seems everybody already has EVERYTHING.
But it’s time to up your game this year!
Here’s 5 tips for creative Christmas gift ideas to ensure successful bestowals this holiday season.
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1. Plan, Plan, Plan!
If you’re looking to “sleigh” this year (pun intended!) on your gift delivery- then first and foremost is to ensure you plan accordingly! Figure out what you are getting everybody ASAP. Preferably before December hits- if not much sooner. You will especially want to do this if you have a long list of people to buy for or need to get multiple gifts for people.
One of the best ways to keep ahead of the planning is to maintain a running Christmas list. Planning ahead and keeping a running list of what you are getting everybody will take a lot of the pressure off- and it is never too early in the year to start one! There also is a high demand during the holiday season, so this will help ensure you have enough time to place orders and gather supplies!
Another benefit of planning well-ahead of the holiday season is that it can actually save you more money on acquisition costs. Planning ahead allows you time to consider roughly how much you are willing to spend for everyone on your list and develop an appropriate holiday budget. Specifically, setting aside time to plan can also help when strategizing around planned seasonal deals- such as Black Friday. As this allows you time to anticipate and compare costs across various retail providers. An item might be marked up a few dollars more within one supplier’s selection compared to another. But by allowing yourself ample time to utilize anticipated seasonal sales and peruse price comparisons, you’ll end up saving more money in the long run!
2. DIY Gift Discernment
D-I-Y for Adults
Whether they be cherished friends or family, giving DIY gifts to adults can be quite challenging.
Typically, it is advised that DIYS are planned with the utmost scrutiny. Generally speaking, you will want them to have a well-polished appearance and look like something the recipient could have found on a store shelf.
The most well-received DIYs for adults are those which serve some kind of utilitarian purpose in the home. Or match the individual's custom aesthetic.
Popular D-I-Ys
- Coasters
- Ornaments
- Picture Frames
- Oven Mitts
- Candles & Holders
- Decorative Plating
- Hand Towels
- Figurines
- Blankets
When done correctly, DIY gifts can be some of the most thoughtful and heartfelt offerings a person can receive.
But fair warning: don’t try and wait until the night before Christmas to make all your gifts! Not even Kris Kringle does that!
Last thing you want is to deliver a half-finished or botched project for a present because you were rushed for time. Talk about embarrassing! For best results, always plan and create custom gifts well in advance.
Now obviously, DIY gifts can be somewhat of a “no-brainer” when it comes to creative Christmas gift ideas. Often they are the most customizable alternative within your gifting arsenal. They can range from incredibly cost effective solutions to custom creations surpassing those on a store shelf. And they can be an especially good choice when gifting with children in mind.
Whether it is given by the kid or to them, these alternatives can prove to be especially meaningful when done correctly. When created and given to a caregiver, a simple memento from “Color Me Mine” or a craft store can be the result of a life-long cherished piece of memorabilia. And when assisted by a trusted adult, even young children can accomplish more complex pieces such as hand painted ceramics and other items.
However, be warned that these projects can easily look “cheap”, “last-minute” and “inconsiderate” if not properly executed. Albeit they are incredibly thoughtful, they tend to be quite time consuming! And require a great deal of consideration, foresight, and prior planning.
If you choose to create a gift with a young child- it is important you guide and direct them as the adult. It is hard to appreciate something that has been scribbled on. Or a piece with colors that have been muddled together. However, painting using one solid color for instance, can be a great way to direct a young child’s efforts. Concurrently, laying painters tape ahead of time to create a design, or leaving the adult to apply a personalized stencil afterwards, can add even more customization to their present. With coordinated supervision and prior planning on behalf of the adult, these efforts will surely result in a project to be proud of!
Other DIYS that can be done with older children would be: “tie-blankets”, bracelets or keychains, and “tie-dye”. If, however, you wish to make more holiday inspired pieces- coasters and ornaments are always worth considering as well.
Conversely, children can also often immensely enjoy receiving DIY gifts. In fact, sometimes receiving a handmade gift can be a rather memorable experience for kids. For example, a $10 name bracelet made with “embroidery floss” might not be something the average adult is looking for. But to a 2nd or 3rd grader- it might be one of the coolest personalized gifts they receive. And if you put in the effort to make it, they will be even more impressed!
In summary, DIYS are never a poor consideration when gifting. Especially when involving kids this gifting season. As long as you allocate the appropriate amount of time and planning when creating them!
3. Christmas Gift Basket Etiquette
When in doubt, gift baskets are another great route to follow regarding creative Christmas gift ideas. They are great to give to neighbors, friends, your boss or coworkers, acquaintances, or even people you won’t see Christmas Day or don’t know that well- like your brother’s new girlfriend. Simultaneously, gift baskets are easily themed and can contain a variety of different items- giving you more flexibility in creating them!
Below you will find a couple of different gift basket ideas to spark your ingenuity this holiday season:
Christmas Gift Basket Ideas
Holiday Mugs
Side note: cost effective baskets are also a great idea to compound the effectiveness of a holiday party invitation. For all info on holiday parties and invitation ideas:
A) Budget Gift Baskets
If you’re looking to only spend a small amount or don’t happen to know someone very well and want to give them a present that’s more of a “it’s-the-thought-that-counts” sort of thing, then this is an option you will want to consider. Typically, these baskets tend to be a little smaller and are usually comprised of inexpensive or DIY items. The Dollar Tree, Amazon, craft fairs, and general convenience stores can serve well when searching for trinkets to fill them. However, if you are on a tight budget, then don’t forget to factor in the cost of the “basket” or container you are placing your items into, as well as any cellophane wrapping or ribbon you might put around the finished product.
Moreover, mugs can serve as a great “container” option for these "cost-conscious baskets" if you happen to find smaller trinkets to fill them. For example: fridge magnets, gift cards, hair bows, and chocolate or candy do well in smaller containers, See below for some festive mug options.
B) Themed Baskets
Secondly, themed gift baskets are great for those who want to step up their game a little. Themes can consist of anything you want, with endless possibilities. However, it really hinges upon what you think the recipient would appreciate the most!
Winter themed baskets are always a GREAT idea when you are unsure of a theme to select for a person. And are especially ideal for people who you don’t know very well! And like the budget friendly baskets, they also serve as a cute way of compounding an invitation to a holiday party! If interested in holiday party planning info:
For holiday coaster and pillow options, see right!
Holiday Pillows
Holiday Coasters
If you want to spare yourself the headache of planning this holiday season- you can also purchase some of these baskets via other gifting companies.
Edible Arrangements is a common gifting company to employ for basket creations. Particularly around the holidays. To access their selection:
C) Group Basket Arrangements
Lastly, is the monstrosity of all gift baskets. These are the baskets that take some serious time, planning, and/or money if you choose to make them yourself.
Otherwise, larger baskets do well for larger groups of people such as large nuclear families, a small company of people, or a small department within a large company. However, while they are great for gifting a larger population, anything above 12 - 15 people is probably going to be pushing it. Realistically, each basket should account for 1-4 small items per person.
All in all, when it comes to creative Christmas gift ideas- you really can't go wrong with gift baskets! While it is mostly recommended to deliver personal Christmas gifts 1-2 weeks prior to Christmas (2-3 weeks prior in professional settings). Holiday baskets are the one exception! According to more traditional etiquette rules, as long as they're delivered by no later than December 28th, people are typically pretty understanding of basket tardiness..
Otherwise, try to personalize them for the recipient as much as possible. Nobody wants to receive a pile of random, thoughtless “stuff” for Christmas that they then will have to purge or throw away later.
4. Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas
An easy way to incorporate creativity in your gifting this year is through wrapping! Whether you're using more traditional papers or something more off-beat and fun, a well-wrapped package will certainly add more flare to your presentation this holiday season!
Traditional holiday nods can be validated through the use of red, green, white, silver, gold and blue colored wrapping papers. While, more unique and unconventional wrapping styles- such as Japanese present wrapping or wrapping with other less common means (such as with newspaper)- can also be a fun and even cost-effective alternative.
However, if you are a big proponent of traditional wrapping means as opposed to the more esoteric- then we definitely have you covered. Whether your style is more traditional generic or a little more playful- you’ll surely find a contender amidst the options below.
Wrapping Paper
5. Gift Exchange Atmosphere
To ensure this holiday season won’t be a dud, spice up the gift exchange atmosphere! Adding some pizzazz to the room is easier than you might think! First and foremost is to ensure you decorate and consider where to seat everyone during the gift exchange. Generally speaking, you want to be sitting in a circle. This ensures that everyone can see each other and nobody is unintentionally excluded from the day’s festivities. Additionally, comfortable seating options such as plush couches, chairs, or even floor pillows are also a great idea. Even better, if you can do all this in front of or next to the Christmas tree. And bonus points if you can do it in front of a crackling fire in the fireplace!
To ensure this holiday season won’t be a dud, spice up the gift exchange atmosphere!
Some other non-essential, but helpful, atmosphere improvers also consist of holiday music playing softly in the background. As well as potential holiday drinks and finger foods. For example: hot chocolate, eggnog, gingerbread or other Christmas cookies, and peppermint bark all go over well during holiday soirees. Just be sure to keep plenty of napkins handy and be mindful of little kids with chocolatey hands when opening gifts!
The last, and most fun option, is to step up the humble little shindig into a full fledge gift exchange game or holiday party! Gift exchanges such as “Secret Santa” and “White Elephant” are a fun way to engage with people when you are wanting to keep a reasonable budget. And "White Elephant" in particular can be a great icebreaker game for crowds that aren’t especially acquainted with one another.
Conclusion & Closing
When it comes to creative Christmas gift ideas: half the magic lies in how meaningful your gift is and the other half lies in its presentation. For instance, DIYs and customizable gifts demonstrate your ingenuity while more up-beat and fun wrapping styles aid in your overall presentation! Other little things like assuring you deliver it in a cozy, holiday-inspired environment can also make a difference. And for those who you don't know WHAT to get- a themed gift basket can also go a long way!
Whatever you decide to do- it’s always important that when giving a gift, you make the process of creating or acquiring it as well-thought out and meaningful as possible!
You’re now equipped with the festive prowess you need to go out and make this holiday season truly magical through the influence of quality gifting!
Good tidings to you and your family- and Happy Holidays!
Love Always,
Your Natural Gypsy Living Support Team
