The Gif That Keeps on Giving: Find the true meaning of the holiday season with these great low to no cost gift options

This holiday season, we can give thoughtful and touching gifts without touching either our loved ones or our pockets. We just have to get creative and sentimental.

Humans are social beings and those with whom we form the greatest bonds deserve to be honored in a special way during the holidays. Typically, it’s in gathering for traditions and trading gifts. This year, the holidays as we know them are cancelled and we are faced with decisions on how to move forward. It will be difficult, no doubt, but not something we can’t tackle with a plan and the best of intentions.

The following “old and new school” gift ideas will encourage you to explore new levels of intimacy and connection with those who deserve a present from you this holiday season.  

Old School

Letters and Cards

A letter will always be the most intimate expression in a tangible form. Take out a piece of paper and a pen and just write a letter in your own handwriting. For some, this may be the hardest gift to give someone. (Be extra with some fancy stationery.) Charlotte Clark behind the bar of Sullivan’s in Pawtucket was irked when the idea of “virtual gifts” was mentioned saying, “I rather a letter. Taking the time to write something out and not have auto sentences form the sentences for you. It’s more personal because everyone has their own handwriting style too.” Use one of these prompts to start writing: Was there a time [recipient’s name] made you feel happy, safe, or thankful?  Why do you think [recipient’s name] has earned a letter? No one is going to get mad at you for writing a nice letter. 

Phone Calls

There are some people who are just hard to get a hold of via email or social media, or you aren’t running into them anymore. Give them a call. Remember when people used to call just to say “hi”? We haven’t cancelled the practice, people just became obsessed with the new technology because emojis are great, but phone calls are still greater. Just do it.

New School

Video Cards

Why should celebrities have all the fun? (Cameo is a website where people buy videos of celebrities wishing their friends/family happy birthday, congrats or giving other well wishes.) There is no reason you can’t film a message to a loved one for their birthday or holiday. It is 10 times more personal than just typing, “Happy birthday” on social media. You can share a short memory, sing a song, or just say “hi.” Don’t overthink it or you won’t do it. The more you do it, the easier it will become. You don’t have to post them publicly, either! You can send them privately and they will be truly appreciated. Don’t forget to look into the camera when you talk. It’s like staring into their soul.

E-Cards

Make an e-card, but with a twist. No longer must we head to the stock e-card websites. Websites like Canva.com are a great tool to create all sorts of fun graphics. You have the ability to download your creations as static images, the ever repeating gif, or video. Add your own photos and video to make it more special or choose from their libraries. Some elements of this online program are only available to premium users, but there are several great free options. The customization is just enough to make them realize you did it because you love them! Like, read it, it says “Love, You!”

Dates

Actually set those plans to have dinner with your favorite friend couple that you’ve been talking about, but plan it through a teleconferencing app. Set the day and time, then let each household choose their food. Zoom parties have their place, but this is 2 to 4 people enjoying dinner conversation safely, not a party where the drunk guy hijacks the room. Plus, it’s a great option for people with incompatible food allergies.

Bonus: Mail your guests a box of surprises. This box can contain snacks, an activity like painting supplies with canvas or other fun and random things to share while you delight as they open it for the virtual date. Giving gifts is meant to be fun. 

“Live Stream” an Old or New Tradition

If your family has a tradition that you’d like to be able to share even though you are separated, start thinking about what you would need to make it accessible to everyone. Example: Do you need to film grandpa saying grace because he always says that phrase in that language that no one else can remember? Do you need to have a laptop at one of the empty seats so those missing can pop in and make an appearance? 

Now is also a great time to try to incorporate a new virtual tradition into the holidays. Let’s face it: There will always be years when someone is missing for one reason or another. Why should we limit ourselves and our ability to connect? Technology is just a tool and it can be used for good! 

This period in our lives will not be the easiest, but we will get through it. We will continue to grow and learn who is important to us. We will find ways to make safe connections and we will stay hopeful in Rhode Island. Happy holidays!