6 Ways to Give Meaningful Gifts This Holiday Season
Key takeaways
The best presents are often those that emphasize connection and memory making.
The thought you put into your gift will be more appreciated than its price tag.
Presents are part of the holiday of the season—but not the most important part.
‘Tis the season for making your list and checking it twice. But as you peruse curated lists of “hot gift ideas” and the latest sales emails—and those endless packages piling up on your doorstep—you may be wondering whether your family and friends really want another sweater or kitchen gadget. It can be daunting to find the perfect gift—that one item that will (genuinely) make their eyes light up.
Yet despite a majority of consumers saying that concerns about inflation will likely influence their holiday spending this year, according to PwC’s Holiday Outlook 2024, many “Santas” are poised to be spenders this holiday season: Overall spending is projected to increase by 7 percent to an average of $1,638 per shopper. That’s a 15 percent leap from 2022.
But what makes a gift special isn’t the price tag—it’s the thought behind it. As younger generations in particular seem to be moving away from material goods, they are increasingly turning to more meaningful presents that emphasize connection and memory making. And, as an added bonus, thinking outside the box may help you stay within your budget, too.
If you’re interested in giving more mindfully this holiday season, here are six categories of gifts to consider.
1. Activities
Sure, everyone loves the quintessential “dinner-and-a-movie” gift, but why not align the experience with the recipient? Your brother, the weekend golfer, might enjoy a lesson with a pro. Your best friend, an exhausted mom of three, would love a spa day. And the kids in your life are likely to go ape for a day at the zoo.
These types of gifts can also help alleviate the budget woes that tend to creep up at the end of the year since typically they will be “redeemed” at a future time. If you give them a beautiful certificate rather than shelling out the entire amount now, that can extend the joy beyond the season—and the hit to your wallet, too.
2. Something nostalgic
A sentimental gift can be particularly special for the memories and joy it evokes—and the fact that you took the time to help the recipient connect with their history or heritage. These personal gifts can be anything from vintage clothing that was popular when they were young to a poster from the first rock concert they attended. Today, it’s easier than ever to track down super-specific items online.
Another option is to create a gift of your own, such as a photo album to commemorate your journey together, a customized playlist featuring favorite songs, or even a family heirloom you’ve restored.
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3. Services
Nearly everyone has a talent they can use to show their appreciation for others: maybe you’re a burgeoning chef who can concoct a dinner party or a “soup of the month” meal for a busy family; a babysitter extraordinaire who can host the kids while their parents hit the town; or a proficient organizer who can whip a friend’s closet into shape.
Even if you doubt your specific skills would translate into a gift, anyone can help an elderly relative scan and label a box full of photos or help them set up their tech. (And members of this age group can be particularly hard to buy for.)
4. Charitable contributions
Perhaps your friend’s mom lives with breast cancer or your neighbor has a huge soft spot for animals. Making a donation in the recipient’s name is a thoughtful way to honor their favorite charity at the holidays rather than just buying them something that they may or may not appreciate.
Just make sure you choose a cause that’s important to them—not to you. Taking the time to understand their concerns and priorities means you’re truly giving a gift rather than just fulfilling your own philanthropic goals.
Make planning a family affair.
Your advisor will get to know your family and can help you build a comprehensive financial plan. The plan will help protect all of you—and grow your wealth.
Let’s get started5. “Four Gifts”
One of the most popular holiday gifting trends started several years ago by parents aiming to limit the number of gifts their children received—and maybe even teach them about gratitude and sustainability at the same time. You may be familiar with the “Four Gift Rule,” which directs you to take this thoughtful and practical approach by giving your loved ones:
- something they want;
- something they need;
- something to wear;
- something to read.
Some parents swap out the “something to wear” option for “something to do” or make other adjustments based on their family’s interests. But one of the best parts of this model is that it is infinitely adaptable to individual interests and needs—and it can suit just about any age or budget. For example, with “something to read,” you could buy the next novel in a favorite series, the latest in anime or a subscription to an eBook or audiobook service.
6. Vacations
If your family typically takes a spring break or summer vacation, consider using the holiday to "gift" the big reveal of your planned destination. You can even drop breadcrumbs to turn it into a guessing game, such as wrapping up related items as hints—think flip flops for a beach getaway or gloves for a ski trip. Or extend the fun by creating a scavenger hunt. This can work for a partner as well—you can surprise them with a planned itinerary, including excursions and restaurants.
Giving the trip as a gift not only allows you to budget for the adventure in advance but it also offers the opportunity for your fellow travelers to enjoy the excitement of anticipation. The payoff will be the memories you make together—and a gift that won’t wear out its welcome.
