Tick tock, tick tock. If your gifts need to ship out, it’s time to lock in those decisions and purchases! Here are some creative gift ideas that will extend the joy:

1 – Encourage the gift of giving. Have your kids clean out the playroom and box up toys they’re outgrowing or are willing to share with someone less fortunate.

2 – Magazine subscriptions. You can give a year of fun to someone in their specific interest area. Pick up a copy of the magazine at the grocery or book store; send in the subscription card yourself; and wrap the magazine with something related (for example, tools if it’s hardware-related; beauty products with a fashion mag; a portable USB flash drive with a computer magazine; some kitchen utensils with a cooking magazine).

3 – Draw names – Gift giving can get really excessive. Draw names; set a spending limit; and have each person purchase for their “Secret Person.” Use the extra time to add a family activity to the night (charades, roast s’mores, board games, etc.).

4 – Give the gift of an experience, rather than a thing – a certificate for a special dinner out; a day trip; a local adventure together; an overnight at a hotel. Unwrap something greater than a gadget! There are lots of free printable coupon books, and some even have creative suggestions for what to gift.

5 – Non-Tech Holiday Gifts – We’re so consumed by the latest technology that we often forget to think outside the box. Love this list from the MomTini archives. (thanks Screenagers!). Just spotted Screenager’s 2019 list here.

Shameless self-plug for a free gift that doesn’t require gift wrap and arrives year-round – a subscription to The MomTini Lounge – free parenting tips each week AND a MomTastic Savings Report? (Sign up on our home page).

Happy holidays!