Here it is. I mean it’s been here for awhile, but it’s really sinking in now, isn’t it? Christmas. What does that mean to you? What is the first thing you think of? For me, it’s that feeling in your chest when you wake up Christmas morning knowing that surprises lie ahead. As a kid, the magic was that Santa had come. As an adult, it’s seeing the excitement of my kids.
But let me ask–are you given the delicious container of assorted Christmas cookies from a family member? Yeah, so are we. And they’re great–please don’t get me wrong. Treats have a time and place. But we certainly justify any sort of poor behavior from September thru the New Year because “it’s the holiday season.” You know what else it is? Flu season.
While it’s joyous to have desserts at Christmas dinner, we should consider some healthier and simpler ways to gift our families, friends, and loved ones. Since gifting is also something that has become much less exciting for me over the years, I’ve also decided gifts should be much easier than we make them out to be in our minds. Below I’ve compiled a list of some simple and healthy alternatives to gifts this holiday season-and hopefully for the holidays to come.
Health Supplements
Alright, I get it. This sounds like you’d win the worst gift of the year award from family. However, consider this: instead of fueling sickness and disease by giving sugary goods, you’re encouraging the receiver that starting healthy habits is encouraged and they have your full support. Right? I know it may sound lame, but the reality is we have to start treating our bodies as they are: that they’re all we’ve got in this lifetime. Me? I want to live a long and enjoyable life. This means I prioritize my health. Knowing family and friends stand behind you is huge for motivation.
Plexus offers all-natural gut health supplements for the whole family. Try out their best selling Triplex System, the NEW Holiday Cherry Lime Blossom Slim pre-biotic drink, Lean White Chocolate Peppermint protein powder, or the Active Lifestyle Twin Pack for those active family and friends.
Classes
Pilates, gym memberships, Pure Barre, yoga, ballet, sports–whatever it is, it’s money well spent. I know that a lot of times as busy parents, we don’t prioritize making sure we’re in classes or activities for ourselves. Encourage your family and friends to be active, be fit, and be healthy. And start young! Pay for a month’s tuition of ballet class for your best friend’s daughter and make sure to show up at her recital. Instill these habits while they’re young and continue to encourage them through adulthood.
Experiences
This goes along with the vacation fund a bit, but gifting experiences is great for kids and adults. One place my family frequents is Disney World. We always have our next trip planned as we’re on the plane home from the last visit. Building that fund is important to our family.
On a much smaller scale, one year my kids were gifted time at a trampoline park. That was amazing! Tired kids for free? More options that come to mind are zoo memberships, a day at a children’s museum, aquarium passes, or even a ticket to the movie theater.
Two Words: Gift. Cards.
Gift cards seem like the easy-way-out gift, right? W R O N G. I have two young kids, who DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT need toys. I shop for most everything for them at Target, from their clothes to their crafts I have to continuously replenish to their shampoo and bubble bath. A gift card can go a long way. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative, send e-gift cards! And then maybe send a Starbucks gift card to mom and dad to enjoy a latte while they’re shopping around Target.
Point being, gift cards aren’t an easy way out and they’re much appreciated. Consider even gifting grocery store gift cards or Instacart gift cards. Both of these options help with every day life that still goes on after the holidays. I’d really appreciate not having to pay for my groceries or having the ability to have them delivered!
Money Toward Savings
I don’t necessarily mean a savings account, but this is certainly an option. We all put away money toward things we want: emergency funds, a new car, college tuition, vacations, investments, our children. Instead of gifting a toy that they will lose interest in within a week, reallocate that money to something for their future. Small investments over time grow.
We opened up Capital One savings accounts for our children. You do have to be a cardmember first, so follow the link to apply. This is a slow growing savings accounts that will only grow more the more we put in. Acorns is where I personally do small investing and banking. They have the option for retirement and children’s accounts as well! Both of these options are great for small investing so, even if you can’t put large amounts in at a time, it’s still continuously growing and you’re still saving for your future.
With all that said, I hope that these ideas can help you on your way to a merrier holiday season. I know Christmas shouldn’t be about the gifts or the money, but somehow it always is. Break away from traditional gifting with these ideas above. The best part is–not matter your budget–nearly all these options work!
Do you offer any nontraditional gifts to family or friends? Let me know below!
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