A COVID-19 CHRISTMAS: Gift ideas to feel more connected during the pandemic

Christmas is literally around the corner, and in most parts of the globe COVID-19 is still very much a part of our everyday lives. This is making this festive season a lot more difficult for many, from financial difficulties through to the fact that, depending where you are in the world, you may be restricted when it comes to having large family gatherings which would ordinarily be the norm during this time of year.

However, amidst the doom and gloom, people are still trying to find a way to enjoy the festive season and gift shopping is still happening. But what gifts are popular? What sort of gifts are making the top 10 lists?

Let us take a look, and hopefully if you have not got your gifting sorted just yet, you may find something that inspires you.

GIVE THE GIFT OF MEANING AND CONNECTEDNESS

When it comes to gift giving, we always want to give something that has meaning, but this year more so than ever this seems to be the dominant trend when it comes to Christmas shopping.

We also want to feel connected to our families if we cannot physically be with them. Reports are showing that this people are shopping with a lot more thought and intention and they have also started earlier which is allowing them more time to plan and really make things special during these difficult times.

I did some research to find out what most people are putting in their trolleys (physically and online) and I came up with the below:

1. Care packages – These are great to put together and you can customize them according to what the individual likes. You can do anything really from gorgeous smelling bath and body products through to delectable indulgent treats. You could even add in a soft fluffy bath towel, gown or slippers. Or all of the above. Whatever you decide, make it special! If you need some inspiration, you can click here.

2. Shiatsu Heated Back, Shoulder, Neck Massager – The times we are in are causing stress levels to be at an all time high, from home-schooling, remote working, numerous online meetings in a day – I think that this gift will be a most welcome one, and you are sure to get lots of brownie points.

3. Gift of knowledge – How about gifting your friend or family member a course where they get to learn a new skill or even add to their current profession. The gift of knowledge is one that keeps on giving after all.

4. Memories – If you have not been able to share some special moments with family members this year, why not create scrap book or even add some memorable photos to a digital frame or digital book they can download. It will take a little time, but the effort you put in will mean even more than the gift itself – and it will be lasting

These are just some of the more “normal” gift ideas I came across. But seen as these times are anything but normal, I had to share some of the more uncommon and unusual ones that popped up too.

1. Terrarium Candles – For the person who loves plants but cannot keep them alive. These candles look like the real thing but they take no effort to look after and they will also fill the home with a delightful aroma.

2. Cool Beauty – A mini beauty refrigerator, I must say this one was new for me, but it is wonderful for the person who really takes their beauty products and skincare routine very seriously. This little gadget is perfect for serums, creams, eye gels and skin rollers.

3. Do not forget the furkids – Is your friend or family member an avid animal lover and has some furbabies? Then a pet portrait pendant may be a good way to go. With two discs you will have one with an engraving of your pets face and the other disc you can have engraved with their name.

4. Customized masks – Masks have come a part of our everyday attire and are probably here to stay for some time. So why not gift a tie-dye face mask set. If it is something you will need to wear for an indefinite period of time, you might as well make it your own.

5. Attitude of gratitude – Last but not least, now more than ever we need to practice gratitude in our daily lives, and what better way than to have a diary, journal or notebook where you can put on paper what you are grateful for. Do it daily and read it back at the end of the week – you will be amazed how much you have to be grateful for, even when it does not look that way.

AND THAT’S THE END….

Now I hope that you have found some inspiration for your gift shopping (assuming you have not already completed it) and that you are able to give a gift that has more meaning and gives a sense of connection even if you are not physically with the person in question.

Whatever you decide on, make it special, make it personal and just go with your feelings.

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Tammy Nortier – Mother | Virtual Assistant |Writer |Lover of Christmas

Cape Town, South Africa