Gifts for Every (Non-Religious) Holiday
In some respects, Christmas gifts are relatively easy to pick out. Other holidays are tinged with ideas of romantic love or sentimentality, and it can be tempting to just fall back on the usual weepy card and box of chocolates. It’s worth it to get a little creative, however, and to think of something besides what you can find in your local drugstore display. Here are a few more options to get you started, for those non-Christmas holidays.
Valentine’s Day
- For Your Partner: Tired of the usual chocolate/flowers/jewelry/underwear formula that epitomizes Valentine’s Day? Consider putting together a gift basket with a theme that they’ll appreciate. For the man who’s into cycling, get together some energy bars, new cycling shorts, new bike tubes, shoe covers, or whatever else you can think of, and arrange them in an interesting basket or box.
- For Your Mom: Gift cards are great, but you know that your mom’s so busy she might forget to even use it. If you’re around, schedule a time to go together for dinner, or dessert, or a manicure, at a place nearby. If you live far away, schedule an appointment for her alone or with a friend. Setting a time will mean your present will be used and appreciated and won’t go to waste.
Mother’s Day
- For Your Partner or Wife: Personalized gifts are always the sweetest way to show your partner that she’s a great mom. Picture frames, collages, and scrap books are all great ideas. A potentially even better idea? Make her week easier by taking over some of her normal duties; cook dinner, clean the bathroom, or pick up the kids from practice.
- For Mom: Once again, moms love to spend time with their kids, so you could pick up concert tickets or plan a class to do together. Get them something they would never get themselves, but stay away from the tired spa and beauty products; gourmet foods, fancy pajamas, or whatever fits your mom’s personality is a better bet.
Father’s Day
- For Your Partner or Husband: For new dads, personalized photos or keepsakes can be a sweet way to show them that they’re doing a great job. For dads who have been at it a while, consider something funky and out of the ordinary; a beer brewing kit, e-reader subscription, or a pair of personalized cufflinks could be interesting gifts.
- For Dad: Dads are hard, and it’s difficult to come up with a list that would fit any generic dad. Think about your dad’s personality and daily life—is he a traveler, a drink-mixing expert, an outdoorsman, or a chef? Hone in on a hobby or aspect of his professional life and cater to that.