Gift Guide 2020
Goodness, what a year it’s been! You may remember from past gift guides that my family doesn’t really exchange gifts, so I often try to incorporate some clever options for non-gifting activities. And in this year’s Instagram poll, more than half of you said you were planning on reducing your gift-giving this year as well. So, to make sure there’s a little something in here for everyone, I’ve created a thoughtful guide that includes ideas for traditional gifts, ideas for creating family experiences, games, charitable giving and more.
My top 5 unique gift choices are:
- The Skin Deep “The { } And” card game | This is a great activity for couples or groups to play. Each card poses a thoughtful question that encourages meaningful conversation between the players. It’s a great way to get to know one another on a deeper level! Use this link here for 15% off your order.
- A Masterclass Annual Subscription | This is a great gift for just about anyone, especially since we’re finding ourselves at home more these days. The production and I binge my courses the same way I would watch Netflix. Get a second annual subscription for free when you shop here.
- Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set | These sheets are truly the softest sheets I’ve ever felt and they’d make a great luxury gift for someone special. I’m a big fan of this company because bamboo is a sustainable product and these sheets are hypoallergenic and chemical-free. Use this link here and code GOLDCOAST50 for 50% off your entire order.
- Artifact Uprising Custom Photo Products | I was never super into creating photo books until I came across this company. They use recycled paper and other reclaimed materials for their products. Their templates have such an elevated look that my travel photo book is often confused for a published coffee table book! They also have top-notch customer service and have happily re-printed my order for me before when I wasn’t totally satisfied with my work. Use this link here for $20 off.
- Airbnb Online Experiences | See the “All For One” section at the end of this post!
Gift Ideas: Her
One of my favorite finds this year is this adorable electric kettle that doubles as countertop decor. More ideas on the list below!
Gift Ideas: Him
Brad swears by his recovery massager [here] after a long surf sesh or a tough workout and I love this gentler one [here] for tension headaches. Both are on the list!
Gift Ideas: Kids
Gift Ideas: For The Home Decor Lover
There’s a new artist on the scene and I can’t get enough of the prints in her Etsy shop. I’m also really into the cute and affordable selections from this name we all know, here. More ideas below.
Supporting Small Shops
Small shops often rely on their holiday season sales to get them through much of the year. And this year has likely been especially difficult. If you are gifting, you might consider incorporating some small businesses on your list! Here are some of my all-time favorites:
Cloth & Main | Beautiful, one-of-a-kind and vintage pillows [shop]
Sarah Kaitlin Art | Soft and dreamy landscape art prints [shop]
Meridian | A great curated selection of heirloom quality home decor [shop]
Deb Presutto Art | Conversation-worthy fine art prints and originals [shop]
Rowhouse Shop | A ridiculously yummy collection of coastal decor [shop]
Bloomist | A conscious company that brings nature indoors [shop]
My Bali Living | Handmade artisan goods straight from Bali [shop]
The Sunset Shop | Vacation vibes in every stunning photo print [shop]
Evangeline Linens | Heirloom quality textiles, rugged yet luxurious [shop]
Charitable Gifts & Volunteer Activities
Operation Santa
Did you know that you can “adopt” real letters to Santa and make a child’s wish list come true? The US Post Office allows you to read real letters to Santa, purchase the items in the letter and ship them directly to the child’s home. You can sign up here.
Food insecurity has increased dramatically this year and many cities are taking action. One Saturday a month, I help a local organization distribute groceries to families in need and it’s been a really humbling experience. This site here has a large directory where you can search for events and organizations in your area.
For additional ideas for being charitable over the holidays, I like using this site here to find and verify organizations.
Unique Ways to Gift
White Elephant
Every few years, we’ll opt to get gifts but we do so by playing White Elephant! It’s fun, a little ridiculous and very inexpensive. Read up on the full rules here.
Secret Santa
I’m sure most people are familiar with this one. You can even use this site to help you organize it!
Trades
This works a bit like “Secret Santa” except that you gift something that you already have. This works well for families with older or grown children and is a great opportunity for parents and grandparents to pass down meaningful mementos to younger generations.
All For One
Instead of exchanging gifts, each participant contributes to the cost of a group activity. I love the idea of a virtual cooking class like this one seen on Chris Loves Julia. Airbnb [here] also has a whole new selection of online experiences to choose from like virtual escape rooms, coffee-making classes and nature and city tours in other countries. Many of these experiences are less than $10/person. And the best part? You can all join in on the same experience together, no matter where you are.
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