5 Outside the Box Gift Ideas

     Are you tired of giving the same types of gifts over and over again? Maybe you always give your mom new jewelry, or your best friend always gets a different gift card. These are nice gifts, of course, but sometimes it pays to be a little more thoughtful. Luckily, there are a lot of easy ideas for gifts that push the boundaries on what’s expected and offer something unique. 

     This list has 5 gift ideas that are completely out of the box. They’re probably not what you’ll find in your typical department store, but that just makes them all the more special. Thanks to these ideas, you’ll never be stumped for what to get again. 

5 Outside the Box Gift Ideas
Image via Unsplash

1. Handmade Gifts

     Let’s face it: we aren’t all crafting gurus. If you don’t know your way around a hot glue gun, you might think handmade gifts are out of the question for you. Luckily, there are a lot of unconventional ways to get your craft on that you might not think of. If you’re not a very hands-on maker, consider other ways to harness your best talents. 

     Are you a creative writer? Nothing touches the heart more than a thoughtful poem about your loved one. Are you a baker? Nobody would be disappointed with a plate of cookies from scratch. Still not sure you have enough skills to DIY a gift? Visit your local farmers market or your favorite Etsy shop. Choosing something handmade and personal is just as kind. 

2. Subscription Services

     Subscription boxes and services are all the rage right now, and with good reason. These are truly the gifts that keep on giving, and there’s something for everyone. No matter your recipient's interest, you can find a subscription that works for them. 

     Purchase a coffee subscription so the caffeine addict in your life can try out different coffees or try a clothing subscription for a budding fashionista. Who doesn’t love getting a special surprise in the mail every month? This is the gift that keeps on giving again and again. 

3. Meal Delivery

     Not everyone is a wiz in the kitchen. If your loved one would rather eat out than try to wrangle together a meal after work, they might appreciate a meal delivery service. These services will deliver all the ingredients and instructions needed to cook a high-quality meal at home without the stress. No matter how experienced they are in the kitchen, they can handle these simple meals. 

     Blue Apron is a simplified meal delivery service that offers gift packages for all the foodies in your life. Your recipient can choose their favorite meals for their week which will be delivered directly to their door for easy cooking. These dinners are so delicious they’ll be thanking you for months to come. 

Image via Unsplash

4. A Special Donation

     Sometimes it’s good to give back to the community and beyond. Giving the gift of a donation is a powerful gift that will make both you and your loved one feel good. Talk to your recipient about what matters most to them. There’s a local or international foundation for just about everything. With Global Giving, you can easily make a gift in honor of a loved one to a variety of projects and organizations around the globe. 

5. An Experience

     Finally, if all else fails, give an experience. While you can’t physically wrap an experience, it is something that your recipient will remember forever. This is priceless! You can give the gift of a trip or a tour if you have the budget for it using an all-inclusive service like Viator. On a smaller scale, consider treating your loved one to a night out at his or her favorite restaurant. It’s best if you can do these things together so you can share a special memory. 

     How can you tread the special person in your life? Sometimes it feels like certain people already have everything, and it’s hard to find the right gift. These out of the box ideas above make it easy to impress even the most challenging to shop for people on your list, and they’re guaranteed to make them smile.