I may not be happy about our post-pandemic world, but our new normal is here to stay whether I like it or not. So this holiday season I’m looking for ways to make the best of our new normal. Here’s one idea…
We’ve all made changes to our lifestyles these past months. Some of those changes provide great opportunities for Christmas gift-giving.
Here are some New Normal Gift Ideas that I’ve thought of:
Home office equipment
Many people are now working from home. Have they invested in the proper equipment to remain productive and healthy long-term? A PT friend recently commented on the uptick in back problems and repetitive-motion injuries from people who have been using the dining room table or bedroom floor as their primary working space. Do you or someone you know need to consider investing in a chair or desk that provides better ergonomic support?
And what about other office supplies? Might the people on your gift list enjoy a pack of quality pens, blank notebooks, or a home-sized white board to help them stay productive?
Art supplies
Most kids are at home a lot more than they are used to be. Why not encourage them to use some of that extra time to experiment with various creative mediums? You just might spark a hobby they will enjoy for life. If they already dabble a particular medium give them some quality supplies. If not, choose a selection of fun supplies, from modeling clay to googly eyes. Browse Pinterest or Etsy for inspiration on unusual items you can use to create fun or beautiful objects.
Technology
Creativity goes beyond craft supplies. What about those who enjoy music, theater, photography, or graphic design? They might love to receive a new piece of tech, such as a microphone, camera, lights, lenses, or backdrops. And there’s probably a cool new software program they’d love to own, too.
Outdoor gear
People are spending more time outdoors these days. If your loved ones have developed an interest in hiking, running, or kayaking, consider some quality clothing to help them enjoy their new hobby in all weathers. Socks, gloves, thermal layers, backpacks, and water bottles are all possibilities.
Kitchen gear
Most of us are cooking more at home. Those who are doing that extra cooking and baking may appreciate an upgrade in their pots, pans, or utensils. As in all things, quality tools enable quality results. The cooks on your list may enjoy a specialty cooking item, new, sturdy skillets that heat evenly and don’t stick, or a few more cookies sheets.
Rethink a room
If your new normal involves one or more family members working (or studying) from home, it may be time to reassess how you use your house. Ask yourself if your dining room or formal living room might be put to better use if you moved that furniture out and turned the space into a classroom, sewing room, or exercise room instead. Maybe you can give yourselves a family Christmas present of a new, more useful room that will make the months ahead less stressful and more productive.
And did you know that you can now buy special paint to turn a wall into a whiteboard or a chalkboard? If you’ve ever wanted to draw on the walls, this may be your chance.
Consider a gift to a non-profit
The Christmas season is a time when we consider giving gifts to our favorite non-profits. Before you write that check, consider organizations like summer camps and theater groups that were closed all year. That means they had to maintain their facilities without any income from their normal users. Also consider libraries and other institutions that serve the public, which have not been able to hold their usual fundraisers. Pick an organization you care about and consider an extra gift this year.
I hope these ideas have inspired you to identify how the pandemic has opened new avenues of gift-giving potential in your family. Happy shopping.
