All of us can relate to not “needing” more stuff, right? Sure, there will always be things we want but getting or gifting a thoughtful but potentially unusable gift is a bummer for everyone involved. So here’s what we wanted to do with this list – give you really amazing, thoughtful, but USEFUL gift cards that will likely make you the favorite on Christmas morning:) I’m only half kidding because seriously, I would LOVE to get any of these gift cards. And don’t worry, if simply giving a gift card feels like a bummer to you I’ve come up with some ideas to “jazz them up”. Ok, let’s dive right in!
This is Emily’s #1 gift she loves giving to family and friends (the adults, of course). She says it’s always a hit and people love and appreciate them so much. An Airbnb gift card is great for a family who loves to travel, a mom or a couple to encourage a little staycation or a new graduate about to backpack abroad. I mean it’s actually great for almost anyone on your list. Any amount of money towards a vacation is always helpful and may even inspire one.
To make it a little more personal:
- If you know a place they are planning to travel you can research some restaurant or shop recommendations.
- If you know they don’t have a passport holder or luggage tag, that could be a fun little addition.
- I’m always one for a heartfelt card to accompany any gift (or gift card).
Another gift that could be perfect and avoid adding to their pile of books is an Audible subscription. I have loved “books on tape” for as long as I can remember. No wonder all I do know is listen to podcasts. But for those who aspire to read more (like me), an audiobook is a pretty idea since I can listen while I work, walk, whenever. What’s also cool about this is that you can gift only a month which is only $15 or go up to a year plus!
To make it a little more personal:
- Depending on budget and needs, a new set of headphones would be quite the generous addition!
- A list of books you think they’ll love.
- And always a card:)
Emily is a Substack FAN! If you don’t know what Substack is it’s “an online platform that allows writers, journalists, and other content creators to publish newsletters and build a subscription-based audience” (Thanks, Google AI). I think Emily subscribes to at least 5 and I subscribe to 2 (Maybe Baby, thought-starting personal essays, and Snake, design-focused interviews, info, and auction picks). It’s just such a cool way to find interesting people talking about interesting topics. There’s something for everyone!
To make it a little more personal:
- You guessed it! Make a list of newsletters you think they’d like (this may take a little research but is so thoughtful).
- Get them a new phone or computer to read them on (JUST KIDDING!) 🙂
- But yes, a card.
For The On The Go Lover
Lyft Gift Card | Uber Gift Card
Ooooo baby, what a gift. It may seem a little generic but I am telling you they will be singing your praises next time they need to go to a restaurant, head to the airport, get safely home from a night out, the list goes on! Who among us wouldn’t love this? Ok, maybe a few (there’s always a few…) but that’s it. A total crowdpleaser that won’t crowd any space on their shelves at home.
To make it a little more personal:
- Make a list of cool bars or restaurants in their area that they could be driven to.
- Tips on how to improve their score (ha jk jk, unless they need the help??)
- A sweet card, obviously.
I wouldn’t consider myself a big concertgoer. I somehow missed every major concert tour from this last year and I’m trying not to get to bummed about it (except the Charli XCX & Troy Sivan SWEAT TOUR show. I may never forgive myself). ANYWAY, what I mean is that it’s never top of mind to search for shows and I always give the reason to myself that tickets are expensive. But first off, many shows and events are affordable and if I had a gift card I would be 100% motivated to seek them out. Giving the gift of an experience is always a great idea!
To make it a little more personal:
- I’m sure you guessed it…make a list of shows or events they might like in their area.
- If they are a purse wearer, and they don’t have a clear small bag (something that a lot of large venues in LA require), you could get them one of those too!
- Woah, I almost forgot to say a thoughtful card!
If you’re asking “Do people still use Groupon?” the answer is yes and you are looking right at one. I love Groupon. They have so many services (and things) that you can save on that are so useful like an oil change, a carwash or detail, a message, a facial, the sky’s the limit. A gift card here will be so appreciated!
To make it a little more personal:
- A list of cool services they might enjoy! Duh.
- A cute little card with a sweet little note.
Want to be the real MVP? A gift card to a food delivery service. Need I say more?? Of course, it doesn’t have to be GrubHub but the service that your friend or family likes the most will be so appreciated. Personally, I don’t love to cook but of course, feel a lot of guilt when I’m spending a lot on delivered meals. This would help that;) But my cousin and her husband are still in the newborn baby phase with their son and order out all the time because you know, the newborn phase. I know they would love it too! Actually, my cousin’s husband (my cousin-in-law?) let me know that the Chase Sapphire card gives you free delivery on GrubHub, HUGE win for me now and something to also keep in mind for you:)
To make it a little more personal:
- Don’t just make a list of restaurants but great dishes you think they might like that maybe you’ve had!
- Add in a bottle of wine or sparkling waters.
- Always a card:)
Ok, this is the only rec that is technically for “things” but for that person on your list that has everything or is really particular about their home and close (Jess looks at herself), or likes to shop small then an Etsy gift card is perfect! Not only are there obviously incredible vintage finds but it’s a gold mine for anything you might need. Truly, Etsy has it all!
To make it a little more personal:
- Find pieces or Esty shops that they might like!
This is a newsletter I signed up for and renewed once my $36 annual subscription was about to be up! It’s a daily email that introduces to you an incredible artist and their work. I feel like I’ve been introduced to so many that I love and it’s something I look forward to every day! Perfect for the art person in your life.
To make it a little more personal:
- If they are also an artist maybe some supplies for the type of art they do?
- I think a sweet card could also be nice;)
Caitlin told us this HAD to be on the list! Her boyfriend is a big Criterion Channel guy and now Caitlin is too! This is what she said about the other week: “The best part about having a boyfriend with a Criterion Channel subscription is that sometimes, you’ll be sitting and feeling restless on a Sunday night, and he’ll pose a question like, “Hey, do you want to watch a documentary about the people who make 85% of the world’s carpets, including all of the crazy psychedelic patterned ones that coat hotels and airports and city busses and such?” and then suddenly, 90 minutes have passed, and you’re staring at the screen, mouth agape and in awe, because 90 minutes was NOT ENOUGH TIME. Y’all, I am begging you to add Carpet Cowboys to your to-be-watched list. I wish it had been made into a series – it captured an incredible slice of life in Dalton, GA. I loved it. (PS. Highly recommend a Criterion Channel subscription for the cinephile in your life. It’s a great last-minute gift!)” What’s also cool is that you can gift anywhere from 1 to 12 months of a subscription!
To make it a little more personal:
- Make a list of must-watch shows and movies (might need to do a little Googling if you don’t have a subscription yourself).
- Add in a cozy blanket, popcorn, or socks to enhance the watching experience.
- Don’t forget the card, people!!
Last but not least is a Google Play gift card in order to gift them YouTube Premium (of course they can use it for other things too:)). This was another Caitlin/Boyfriend rec and it’s such a good one. It’s hard to live in a world of commercials! I should know since I sadly don’t have YouTube Premium. But what a gift to give and one that, like me, some just won’t do for themselves. Taking away daily annoyances (like commercials) might be the ultimate gift:)
To make it a little more personal:
- Like for the Audible rec, a new set of headphones is a wildly generous addition!
- You know I have to say it one more time, a thoughtful card:)
Well, that’s all we have today! So while we love a thoughtful tangible gift, we also love an experience or a highly practical gift:) The best part about these gifts too is that they can be purchased as late as your heart desires…but maybe don’t stress yourself out and get them a little sooner. And if all else fails you can always go the compliment jar route🙂 It’s up to you though! Please put any other easy but thoughtful non-thing ideas in the comments!
Love you, mean it.
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: Our Scandinavian (And Easy, Mess-Free) Holiday Living Room Reveal + How I Finally Figured Out My Biggest Styling Problem… And Solved It