This list of gift ideas is based on personal experience. It includes thoughtful gifts I have received. It also includes gifts I’ve given and noticed have delighted the receiver the most.
9 Joy Sparking Gift Ideas
1. The Five Minute Journal
One of the best gifts I received unexpectedly from my husband was The Five Minute Journal and I have since given one as a gift to several people.
I love this journal - it’s simplicity, the way it looks and feels, the quotes, and most importantly, how in just a few minutes it can recenter your day and focus.
2. Plants
Another unexpected gift received from a friend that I have loved and enjoyed for years now was a small indoor plant that came in a beautiful flower pot. Actually, I’ve received a few plants from different friends. I love plants!
Make sure your gift receiver loves them too before getting them one. Plants require care and can become a burden for someone who doesn’t enjoy that or currently just doesn’t have the bandwidth to look after them.
3. Chocolate
My absolutely favorite chocolate is the local, San Francisco made Dandelion. Chocolate is like wine, where the beans come from matters. This chocolate is pure, gorgeously and sustainably wrapped, and I’ve never heard anyone say they dislike it.
4. Books
Have you read a book that you loved? Consider giving that as a gift. You could even gift it as an audio version, if you know the person listens to audiobooks.
5. Gift Certificate
Gift cards often make the list because they are easy and give the receiver some flexibility. They can also end up unused and cause the receiver to stress about when and how to use them.
For this reason, gift certificates to services or experiences are preferable.
Think about something you know for sure the receiver will want to use:
Restaurant:
I have given certificates to the receivers’ favorite restaurant and once to my favorite restaurant that I knew the person wanted to try.
Travel:
I have given vouchers towards air travel on a few occasions when I knew the person was planning to travel or hoping to travel.
Fitness:
I have been given a gym membership as a gift and it has been one of the best gifts I’ve ever received! Again, you have to know the person well to make sure they will enjoy and use the gift.
Retreat:
I have also been given a yoga retreat as a gift. Loved it!
Spa:
My favorite spa is International Orange. This place is so beautiful and so serene. One of my best days was spent here with a friend relaxing. In San Francisco, my favorite place for a relaxing day is bath time in KabukiSpa, Japantown.
Movies:
We have given a certificate to go see a movie together.
Store:
If you know the person has been eyeing something from a particular store or truly needs something specific, a gift card is a pretty safe bet.
Experience:
This could be circus tickets, museum membership and it could even be something completely free, like a bike ride with friends that you organize.
6. Handmade Gifts
Handmade gifts are unique and you can feel the love that was put into making them. In the past, our kid has received knitted doll clothes and booties from her grandmother. We have also requested woolen knitted hats and socks as gifts when there has been a need.
Giving kids artwork as gifts has been very well received by grandparents. You could also use them as gift tags or to decorate the gifts.
7. Photo Gifts
One year we received a photo book my mother in law had made of a trip we all took together. That book has been cherished by all of us and the kids especially like to flip through it and remember what we did.
I have also given grandparents photo calendars which take less effort than a photo book but can similarly remind us of happy moments.
Stay with paper materials that can be recycled after they’ve been enjoyed. Coffee cups, t-shirts, and fridge magnets with loved ones' images cause people trouble when it’s time to let them go.
8. Well Designed Items
Useful, well-designed items that can be part of everyday life can be practical and beautiful gifts that truly spark joy. This could be scissors or duvet covers. Just make sure you know what the receiver needs and what kind of style they love. Include an option to exchange the gift just to be sure.
9. Multipurpose Toys
Usually, my kids have one or two things they really want for Christmas and usually, their grandparents ask what the kids would want for Christmas. I forward one request to my parents and another request to my in-laws and we’re all set!
If I have an idea of something my kids would need or really appreciate even though they didn’t know to ask for it (my six-year-old often has a hard time coming up with anything she would like!), I’ll get them that.
I prefer toys that can be used over and over again in new ways.
Dress Up:
My daughter loves dressing up and making little scenes. One of her most treasured items is a cape from Sarah’s Silk. She wears it as a dress, bundles her soft animals in it, uses it as a tablecloth, etc. This year I purchased her a rainbow silk and wings.
Wooden Trains:
My son loves trains and building things. When he was younger, his favorite toy was wooden train tracks and he would request a new piece or train for birthdays or Christmas. These are of such good quality. We even have some heirloom pieces from 40+ years ago.
Legos:
Both of my kids like Legos but my son absolutely loves them. These last for years and can be reconfigured over and over again.
If you have a kid who is obsessed with Legos, I highly recommend ReBrickable which gives you instructions to thousands of new ideas that you can build with the pieces you already have. No need to buy anything new!
Art Materials:
This year I’m also getting my kids some quality art materials that they use daily - colored pencils and drawing pads.
Games:
I love playing board games with my kids and try to get a new one for us to play every Christmas. This year I got so excited about Uno that I had to purchase it before the holidays arrived! I also like to give puzzles, which are easy to pass along once they’re done with them.
I hope this list has given you ideas this holiday season, and beyond. Joyful gifting!