If being at home this year has taught me anything, it’s this – we don’t need any more stuff. I’ve probably been better at letting go of clutter and objects than ever before. But as Christmas nears, I find myself shopping primarily online and wanting to click that buy button more than necessary. If you’re looking to bless those you love but not add to the mound of stuff in your home, have no fear. Many of these experience gifts allow for celebration all year long, too and they’re gift ideas you can deliver digitally!
Digital Subscriptions
From favorite Disney movies to the entire catalog of music in the world, from audiobooks to fitness apps, some gifts can be used every single day of the year. Purchasing a digital subscription might be a great fit for someone you love this year. Many of these services actually have gift cards you can purchase or you could set up an account for your loved ones. A few ideas include:
- A video streaming service like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, HBO+ – you can sometimes find gift cards for these in places like Meijer, Walmart, or Target. But it’s probably best to head straight to the individual provider’s website (or Google the name of the service and the word gift card).
- Video Game streaming service like Xbox, Playstation, Ninetendo, or twitch would be a great fit for your favorite gamer.
- Audible, an online newspaper subscription, or an online magazine subscription are great fits for the readers in your life.
- Sirius XM, Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and Amazon Music are great ideas for those who love music more than anything else.
Weekly or Monthly Meal Services
I can’t imagine any mom who wouldn’t cry tears of joy to not have to think about what to fix for dinner. And the foodies in your life who relish in trying out new recipes while also having the ingredients show up right at their door. Here are a few to consider:
- Home Chef (this is the brand I went with for my mama this year for Mother’s Day)
- Hello Fresh
- Blue Apron
- Every Plate
- Dinnerly
I love this article explaining some of the differences between these options and their price points. Almost every one of these services has introductory offers and/or coupon codes available. Don’t shop without one. And be sure you specify exactly how long you want the service to continue so you’re not automatically charged the next month.
Cameo
This unique online service allows you to send a video greeting through a favorite athlete, entertainer, musician, or more. You choose who and they prepare a message specifically for you recipient. The prices range from $10 to hundreds depending on who the person is. From favorite HGTV stars to professional wrestlers, Broadway performers, and more, your greeting will be a Christmas gift they’ll never forget.
Music or Dance Lessons
If you have a budding performer on this year’s gift list, consider giving something that lasts beyond December 25th. Find out if a local studio offers gift certificates for lessons. Obviously, keep COVID restrictions in mind. But you may even be able to purchase online lessons, too. We LOVE Creative Grounds Fine Arts Academy and they’re offering this service!
Specialty Subscription Boxes
From science kits and world exploration kits for little learners to book and wine of the month clubs, there’s a subscription box for almost any passion out there. Amazon has hundreds rounded up on their site and they’re offering 15% off your first box, too. And CrateJoy is another great site to check.
Again, if you choose a subscription box, be sure to set the parameters so your credit card isn’t automatically dinged for more than you plan on spending. We’ve done both Owl Crate and Uppercase for our reader and she’s loved it.
College Fund Money
Friends, college is not cheap. As parents of a college freshman (who got an amazing scholarship), I kind of wished we asked for more 529 contributions and fewer toys when they were growing up. By the way, you’ll get $20 for setting up a 529 if you’ve never established one before by using my referral link (full disclosure, I’ll also get $20).
Meal Delivery Gift Cards
The pandemic has taught us one vital lesson: to ask for Grubhub gift cards for our favorite Thai Restaurant. It turns out, we even enjoy the meal more at home than we did in the restaurant and having someone bring it straight to our door is a luxury we love (but rarely pay for). Uber eats, Grubhub, DoorDash, and more all offer online gift card options so you can give someone the gift of dinner or lunch without the hassle of getting out and about. By the way, Rakuten offers cash back on Grubhub purchases, too! Win, win.
It’s another weird 2020 holiday but these gifts are likely contactless and will be a huge blessing to the people you love, no matter how much (or little) you spend.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
