15 Alternatives to Gift-Giving This Holiday Season

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Does anyone else feel like the months between “Happy New Year” and “Merry Christmas” is just three business days? We just kicked off the year, and here we are again with the holiday season upon us. Along with this comes the classic question: What do we give to the people we love?

This year, maybe it’s time to shake things up and move away from the usual routine of socks, shopping lists, gift receipts, and last-minute wrapping marathons. Sometimes, the best way to show we care doesn’t fit in a box or bag—it’s about the experiences we share, the time we spend together, and the thoughtful gestures that truly make a lasting impression.

If you’re tired of the commercialized gift-giving hamster wheel and want to try something fresh, this is the list you’ve been looking for. Here are some inspiring alternatives to giving gifts this year that just might spark a new holiday tradition.

1. Host a Themed Special Gathering or Potluck

People are busy, and you have perhaps not seen your cousin Jane since you left daycare together. Why settle for another present when you can bring everyone together for a memorable experience? Hosting a gathering centered around a fun theme creates a unique environment for friends and family to relax, laugh, and make new memories.

Try a “Winter Wonderland” evening with hot chocolate bars and warm blankets or a retro game night with laughs and light-hearted competition. Your guests will leave with something more long-lasting than any material gift—the joy of connection and shared fun.

2. Share a Skill You Love

You have held onto your basketweave stitch skill for years, maybe it’s time to pass it on now as a gift to those you care about. Offer a little workshop or informal class where friends and family can join you in learning something new.

It can be cooking a special dish, painting, or gardening tips– teaching others can be incredibly rewarding for both you and your loved ones. You get to spend quality time with them, and they build new skills.

3. Volunteer Together for a Worthy Cause

You can never go wrong with volunteering. Giving back is one of the most meaningful ways to spend time together, and the holiday season provides plenty of opportunities for helping out.

Gather your friends or family and volunteer at a local shelter, soup kitchen, or community event. This creates a positive impact. Working together toward a common good can be incredibly fulfilling.

4. Create a Personalized “Adventure Day” for Someone Special

Have your kids been asking for a “Yes day,” or your spouse has been dreaming of going hiking (or to the spa) without the kids? Sometimes, the best experiences are tailored to the person you’re celebrating. Ask what their ultimate adventure would look like to avoid surprising them with an activity they hate.

Consider creating a personalized adventure day, planning activities that you know will light up their faces. Visit an art museum or take a day trip to a nearby town. Crafting a day around someone’s interests is an unforgettable way to show you care.

5. Write Letters to Those You Love

We really need to bring letter-writing back. A handwritten letter holds a charm and warmth that’s hard to beat. Sit down and put into words what you cherish about each person, reflecting on shared moments or qualities you admire.

Letters may seem old-fashioned, but they have a timeless appeal and are often treasured for years. This gesture shows a side of thoughtfulness and care rarely matched by anything in a store.

6. Plan a Digital Game or Movie Night for Long-Distance Friends

Living far from loved ones doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate together. Use technology to your advantage by organizing a virtual movie night or game night using online platforms to connect. You can even add themed snacks or costumes.

Being in different corners of the world shouldn’t stop you from bringing the holiday spirit everywhere. It will create a lasting memory and a sense of togetherness that transcends miles.

7. Offer a “Day of Service” Voucher

Instead of something material, offer a day of help or support. Create a voucher for a “day of service” that your loved one can redeem for any tasks they need help with—from moving and organizing to a weekend of pet-sitting.

Giving the gift of assistance shows thoughtfulness and a willingness to be there when it counts. Everyone needs help with something, like installing that floating shelf they’ve always wanted.

8. Plant a Tree Together as a Lasting Tribute

If you’re looking for a unique, eco-friendly alternative, consider planting a tree. You can do it together or plant one in their honor and let them know you did. This meaningful act symbolizes growth and longevity.

Planting a tree isn’t just a feel-good moment, it’s a gift that gives back to the planet and is a lasting tribute to your relationship. It’s a gift you give to your future self as well.

9. Write a Collection of Mini-Stories or Poems for Each Other

If you enjoy storytelling or writing, consider creating a collection of mini-stories or poems that capture memories or special moments with each person. Write short anecdotes, inside jokes, or heartfelt reflections on why each person is important to you, and compile them into a small book or journal.

You may even publish them and dedicate them to your loved one. It’s something they’ll treasure for years and will make a good memento to look back on.

10. Craft a Personalized Playlist

Ask Grandpa– making a mix tape for someone used to be the height of love and appreciation. Bring that sentiment back by creating a playlist for your loved ones, adding songs that hold special meaning, represent shared memories, or simply remind you of them.

You could even add a personal note explaining why you chose each song, making it even more meaningful. You can be sure they will be thinking about you every time they press “play.”

11. Organize a Classic Secret Santa

If you want to give gifts, but keep the gift-giving stress-free, organize a secret Santa. Start by gathering your group to draw names from a hat (or use a sneaky online generator for those long-distance friends). Now, each person has one target: either spoil them with the perfect gift or bewilder them with something hilariously random.

You can set a budget everyone’s cool with, so no one ends up re-gifting those mystery socks from last year. What makes Secret Santa so much fun is the reveal—it’s like Holiday Clue, with everyone trying to guess who their “Santa” is.

12. Donate in Their Name

For a truly meaningful gesture, consider making a donation in your loved one’s name to a cause that aligns with their passions. Do they care deeply about wildlife conservation, education, food security, or mental health? A donation on their behalf allows them to be part of something bigger.

To add a personal touch, pair the donation with a thoughtful “impact card” that explains how their gift is helping—maybe a short note on the charity’s work or even a handmade card sharing a story about who or what their donation supports. It’s a great way to show your loved one that they’ve inspired you to give back.

13. Adopt a Family for the Holidays

Celebrate the spirit of giving by “adopting” a family in need this holiday season! This means sharing gifts, meals, or essentials with a family who might need a little extra help to enjoy the festivities.

You can team up with local organizations or churches to find families that could use some support. Get your friends or family involved to make it a fun community effort and spread joy and warmth to others.

14. Plan a Holiday Getaway Together

Instead of swapping boxes and bows, why not swap scenery? Planning a trip together can be a fantastic alternative to traditional gift-giving. It doesn’t have to be a big, exotic adventure—a weekend cabin, a day trip to a nearby city, or even a staycation exploring your own town can make for an unforgettable experience.

Traveling together creates memories that last far longer than any item ever could. From road trip snacks and playlists to spontaneous detours, you’ll share laughs, photos, and stories you’ll be telling for years.

15. Share Virtual Gifts

Virtual gifts are awesome for friends who live far away or family members who are decluttering. Consider gifting an e-book, an online class, or even a digital subscription to something you know they’ll love, like a streaming service, an audiobook membership, or a meditation app.

Virtual gifts are eco-friendly and easy to deliver, so you’re skipping both the postage line and the wrapping paper mess.

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