Gift Guides, Holiday
8 Well-Received Gifts to Have on Hand for the Holidays
With everyone spending more time apart this year, you might have a hard time figuring out what that special someone wants for the holidays. Normally, you can rely on non-verbal cues or hints during conversations at family gatherings, but this year you might have to get creative. Or, maybe you just want to have some gifts on hand for last-minute drop-offs for people who may have slipped under the radar. Either way, I’ve put together a list of gifts that are always well-received so you can go through the holidays worry-free.
1. Gift card to a local restaurant
As you know, local restaurants and other small businesses were hit hard this year, so they need our support. A gift card to a popular local spot will be well-received by your recipient and the small business you’re purchasing it from. Or, you could send a meal to someone around the holidays so they can spend less time cooking and more time with family.
2. A bottle of wine
Keep a nice bottle of wine on-hand around the holidays in case you have to make a quick porch drop-off or need something for a gift exchange. Great wine doesn’t have to be expensive, and there are plenty of options on Wine.com to choose from. I suggest a pinot noir because they tend to be fairly “neutral” wines that aren’t too dry or sweet.
3. A holiday card
A holiday card is a simple gesture that can go a long way. I know, I know. You might be thinking this is a boring pick, but hear me out. Lovepop offers some incredible cards that you have to see to believe. They’re much more than a basic card, and some of them come with ornaments and other small gifts. I recently covered a full list of the best places to get holiday cards online if you want to check out some other options.
4. Ghirardelli chocolate
There’s usually a lot of chocolate floating around during the holidays, but it’s never as good as Ghirardelli’s chocolates. They’re a staple in our house and make for great gifts around the holidays. You can find everything from small bags to full gift baskets on Ghirardelli’s website, so you’ve got options depending on your budget.
Holiday Brilliance Cylinder with Assorted Squares Gift Bag (80 Pc.)
5. E-gift cards
These are super easy gifts that don’t even need to be bought and stored beforehand. When the time comes, browse e-gift cards from over 100 retailers and restaurants, all with Cash Back. You can send it to your recipient instantly via email, so even if you’re shopping last minute, it’ll still be a great gift to get.
6. A copy of your favorite book
With everyone at home more often these days, reading has made a resurgence. My wife is asked for book recommendations about once a week, and we’ve sort of turned into a mini library, lending books to friends and family on a regular basis. This year, we’re picking up a few copies of her favorite book to have on hand for the holidays, and we’ll give them to our favorite bookworms.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
7. Pre-made gift baskets
There’s nothing wrong with a good old fashioned gift basket, especially when you’re ordering from Gourmet Gift Baskets. The site carries a number of baskets with different themes including meat and cheese, wine, beer, sweet, savory and much more. Simply choose your basket, find a size you like, and order away. These effortless gift options are perfect to have on-hand for the holidays.
A Taste of Christmas Gift Basket
8. Family photos
We’re all missing our family these days as we stay safe and distanced, and we’re looking for ways to stay connected. The gift of a family photo can go a long, long way, especially with immediate family if you need a stocking stuffer or are struggling with what to get them. It’s another simple gesture that will mean so much to the recipient. You could also consider a photo book with your favorite pictures to make their holiday extra special. Snapfish is the perfect place to order up prints or create your own book today.
These are just a few options to help you prepare for the busy holiday season ahead, but there are plenty of other gift ideas in our growing list of gift guides. Remember, you can get all of our favorite gift ideas with Cash Back from Rakuten. You can search by your favorite store or the item you have in mind. Make sure you’re signed in so you can earn Cash Back for your purchases. If you’re not a member, it’s quick, easy and free to join. Happy holidays!
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