By Maya Cruz '23
Amidst times like these, the holiday season is a beacon of joy. Dedicated to giving, kindness, and love, the holiday season is sure to bring everyone the comfort and togetherness COVID-19 has restrained. Gift giving and surprising friends and family are the perfect activities to look forward to. To feel alive and in the holiday spirit during a pandemic, here are some gift ideas that are sure to put a smile on someone’s face:
1) Donate
Donating to a cause you and your loved ones are passionate about is the ultimate act of generosity. Some suggestions include donating used toys or clothes to the homeless or old towels to animal shelters. As a gift, you can donate a certain amount in the gift recipient’s name.
2) Name a star
If you have a friend or family member who is obsessed with astrology, you’re in luck. You can actually go online and purchase the “name of a star” in a variety of different constellations. While the name isn’t official (only the International Astronomical Union can do that), it’s still sweet to have the coordinates. The company will send you a star certificate. Depending on what package you choose, you can get a map of where your star is, as well as how to locate it. You can also make your own “star birth” kit by creating a certificate and including a map: the perfect way to add a personal touch!
3) Create some art
If there’s someone in your life who loves art, or you just want to create something more personal, a portrait is a great idea. To have fun with it, you can draw or paint the piece using a specific artist’s style. Draw your gift recipient as an anime character! Create a comic! Imitate Picasso’s style of geometric shapes and cubes! The options are endless.
4) Assemble a spiritual set
Everyone could use some spiritual practice during a time like this. However, if you’ve noticed a friend who’s having a particularly rough time, or there’s someone who is just into spirituality in general, you can make them a spirituality kit. Assemble a box with candles, incense, crystals, meditation books, and tarot cards.
5) Embroider clothing
Embroidery is a great gift idea, just because of how personal you can make it. You can embroider a message in the sleeve of a sweater for someone, or just design them a t-shirt. You could even embroider a patch for them to put on a bag, or jeans.
6) Create a care package
A care package can help lift someone’s spirits and put them in the holiday mood. Put in some hot chocolate or chocolate coins, a candy cane, a list of movies to watch, a blanket, a letter, or other personal things you know they might enjoy into a box. Using a combination of these gift ideas and putting them into a care package could make for a really thoughtful gift!
7) Work on some music
If you’re into music, you could write a song and record a video of you playing/singing it. You could also record a video of yourself performing a song that already exists. If your friend/family member has a favorite song or band, this would make for a thoughtful holiday surprise.
8) Create handmade jewelry
Handmade jewelry is always a sweet gift, even if it’s not fancy. You can use letter beads to spell out a little reminder for them. Bonus points if you put an inside joke!
9) Organize a playlist (with a hidden message!)
Compile a list of song recommendations you think your friend may like. Decorating it and making it handwritten makes it a little more personal. You can even use the words or letters in the song titles to create a message.
10) Compile a photo collage kit or box
This is one of my personal favorites. You can compile photos of memories and get them printed professionally. To take it a step further, you can write messages (poems, descriptions of the memory, etc.) on the back of each print.
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