Non-Traditional Holiday Gift Ideas to Add to Your List

The holidays are a time of giving and being thankful for what you have. It's heartwarming to exchange gifts with loved ones. However, perhaps your spirit needs an upgrade. You're running out of ideas for presents, and the after-Christmas shopping rush doesn't excite you anymore. It's time to switch things up with some unconventional ideas.

Try something innovative instead of buying your sibling a new phone. They'll be surprised at your ingenuity and appreciate the much-needed refresher. Here are six exciting ideas for your next holiday present exchange.

1. Handmade Gifts

Few commercial goods can beat a present made from the heart. Surprise a relative or friend with a handmade item representing your gratitude and affection. Knit a scarf, create a wood ornament, melt wax for a candle or crochet a pillow. You can find endless ideas for homemade presents if you take the initiative.

If you’re not artistically inclined, you can still find a perfectly customized gift. Local artists in your neighborhood and online will often take commissions for personalized goods, whether it be portraits, engravings or woodwork. Take some time to explore local markets and score something completely unique.

2. Specialty Alcohol

We all have that friend or family member who’s a connoisseur of their drink of choice. However, hobby-based gifts can sometimes be challenging if you’re not sure what the recipient is looking for. For these loved ones, the secret is to step away from standard selections and look for something a little more unique.

Each year, breweries, wineries and distilleries unveil some truly impressive collections. Rum enthusiasts, for example, might flip for Mount Gay’s new Master Blender Collection, designed by the brand’s first female master blender in its history. Your wine-loving relatives can celebrate some picks from a local winery they may never have explored. With that specialty alcohol, you can get a unique decanter to go with it and have the perfect Christmas gift for boss ready in time for the yearly bonuses.

Check out the industry’s magazines to find specialty bottles that can’t be picked up at just any liquor store. What better way is there to honor your loved one’s interest than by seeking out a hard-to-find blend they can treasure throughout the year?

3. Tickets to an Event

Giving experiences brings joy through the year, and research shows that these types of gifts provide more lasting happiness than a physical item. Plus, it’s a gift you can enjoy together. Hunting for tickets to a concert, play or sports event is well worth the extra effort.

Do you have family outside the city? Many people say attending a Broadway show is the ultimate dream. Make it a reality for your loved ones by buying tickets for their favorite performance. Alternatively, surprise them with a performance they may not have the chance to see otherwise.

Event tickets are often not cheap, but it's worth the price to score an unconventional gift. If you need more time, give your loved one another gift for the holidays and surprise them with the tickets next year.

3. Charitable Contributions

There’s likely not a lot your loved ones will need at home. For your next gift-giving venture, step away from material belongings. Instead, donate to a charity, help a family in need or volunteer at a homeless shelter. Spreading cheer to those less fortunate keeps you grounded and appreciative of the people and things you have.

Take a trip to the nearest toy store and buy goodies for children. If you prefer buying online, you can browse sites like Toynk Toys, Kohl’s, and Fat Brain Toys for a wide variety of selections. You can also cook some meals and hand them out. If you have old sweaters and socks you don't wear, give them to those who can use them. You'll show your relatives the importance of giving. You might even inspire a Grinch or two.

4. A Family Dinner

Fill the kitchen with the sounds of laughter and smells of tasty food when you cook dinner with the whole family. Homemade meals come from the heart and usually consist of delicious recipes passed down from great aunts, grandmas and mothers. What better way to celebrate the holiday spirit than by making a family recipe together?

For a unique approach, purchase a subscription meal planning service for a loved one. It takes the stress out of thinking up ideas for dinner every day. You can participate in the fun, too — for some services, multiple people can sign on to one subscription. Prepare a hearty and healthy meal amidst all the Christmas hams and pumpkin pies.

5. A Movie Night

Gather everyone up and head to the movies to watch funny, sentimental or scary films. Make a tradition of going to the movies on Christmas day, or hit up the theater every day that week. Purchase AMC Stubs A-List memberships for your loved ones to take the weight off their wallets. An all-week movie excursion doesn't have to break the bank.

Don't worry about battling over seats on crowded nights. Online reservations are free for A-Listers, and you can hold three at a time. Surprise your movie-loving friends with an exclusive membership that allows them to watch all the movies they want at a lower cost.

6. A Sunny Vacation

Shake off the winter chill by planning a group vacation to a sunny paradise. Some fun in the sun might be what everyone needs to reawaken the festivities and fill your time with joy. If you want to stay warm, head to a country in the Southern Hemisphere, where summer starts in December. Australia and Argentina are both excellent options.

Want to stay close to home? Choose a destination like Hawaii or Puerto Rico. Winter weather is cozy for a time, but those who dislike the chill know where to go for warm celebrations. Spend December frolicking on a beach instead of shivering at home.

Have a Unique Holiday Celebration

Your holiday cheer will experience an upgrade after applying a new idea or two. Take the whole family to the movies, a Broadway show or an island vacation. You can also stick close to home with a movie night or two.

It's okay to break traditions sometimes. It's how you make new ones for the future.

Holly Welles is a real estate blogger covering design, finance and market trends for apartment dwellers. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.

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