5 Christmas Gift Ideas That Bring People Together

Christmas is a magical time of year filled with friends and family, good food and many thoughtful gifts. But have you been finding that gift giving has become stressful or not bringing any joy to your holiday season?

Getting just another video game for your teenager to get bored with quickly, or adding to the pile of legos and Barbie clothes you already have doesn’t sound that exciting this Christmas.

Instead, check out these 5 Christmas gift ideas that will limit clutter and provide quality time together as a family or with friends.

1. Christmas Eve Box

A Christmas Eve box is the perfect way to start the celebrations off right! This gift is intended to be open the night before Christmas and is filled with family fun items to do together. You can have a separate box for each individual or one big one for the whole family. What’s great about this idea is you can adapt it easily to different age groups and personalities. Include items for everyone to enjoy like a new Christmas movie to watch or game to play. Find more Christmas Eve Box Ideas for the night before HERE

Note: If your Christmas Eves tend to be busy with parties or activities, you can even do this December 1st or the first night of the school break to set the tone for the season!

2. Christmas Coupons

Christmas coupons are a great way to extend the holiday season and provide intentional time together with your favorite people. The idea of Christmas coupons is that they can be used at a later time and include activities involving everyone.

Coupons ideas include a movie night at home (including all the treats), an ice cream date at your local shoppe, or picking out a toy in the store. If the budget is tight this year, your coupons can be for special one-on-one time with mom/dad, making pizza at home together or family bike ride. Children especially love these as they feel they are in control of the activity and they get to do things that might usually get a hard "no" from you before.

*Coupons also make amazing stocking stuffers for boys and girls!

3. Family Games

This gift idea can be utilized in so many ways! Introduce your kids to some of your favorite games in the past like Monopoly, Sorry, Trouble or Clue. Not a fan of board games? Boggle, Uno and Scattergories are great alternative options. If you have older kids, check out Left Right Center--for family gatherings we like to play this game with $1 bills, but you could do quarters or dimes too! Schedule a game night with family or friends and have everyone bring their favorite game to try out (don’t forget the drinks and snacks!).

To spend more time together you don’t have to play a physical game either; play Would You Rather or Never Have I Ever while drinking hot chocolate by the fire.

4. Memberships:

Purchasing a membership for your family or friends can be such a thoughtful and appreciated gift! Does your family love going to the Zoo or Children’s Museum a couple times a year? A membership will save you money, provide extra benefits and give you reason to spend more time together all year long. Seasonal activities and holiday events will keep it new and exciting throughout the year. If you have parents or friends that love going hiking or camping, give them something they can truly use, a State or National Park Pass. For the thinkers in your life, an art or science museum membership would be a great idea. A membership is the gift that keeps on giving!

5. Experiences:

Great for any individual, gift an experience you can enjoy together. Personalize your gift by curating an experience that highlights their favorites or "if onlys" (if only I had the time or money to do this…). If you know music lovers, get concert or community theater tickets. For littles, a night bowling or passes to a trampoline park would be well received. Go out with friends and take a painting or cooking class together. Whatever the activity, you’ll all enjoy time together, maybe trying something new or enjoying a forgotten passion.

"I don’t need anything more for Christmas than this right here. My family." --Lou Lou Who, The Grinch

Jenn writes at her blog healthyhappyimpactful.com. She’s a mom of three looking to learn and grow. Check it out if you love helpful tips on health, family, and personal growth.