Buying gifts in 2020 seems more difficult than ever. Perhaps it’s because we can’t shop like we usually would, or maybe it’s because some gifts feel a little redundant right now.
I usually love gifting people experiences, but it’s quite hard to do when everything is closed. I mean, sure, you can buy someone a gift voucher for a future experience day, but who knows when life will return to normal? Especially when it comes to things like travel and events.
If you’re stuck for gift ideas, then here are some ideas that might help (and there’s still plenty of time to get your order in online, if you’re unable to get to the shops). Here are 7 gift ideas that…
… contribute to wellbeing
Spas and salons have been closed for months, meaning people have had to get creative at home, doing DIY haircuts and experimenting with at-home beauty products. Believe me, I miss having my eyebrows waxed and shaped, but what I miss the most is the relaxation I’d get from a salon experience. Gifting luxury skincare, such as this gift set from Typology is a great way to bring the spa home and feel a little pampered, without stepping out your front door. The Typology range of minimalist products are completely made from natural products and are vegan, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced.
… are sustainable
According to a recent survey conducted by Nielsen, 81% of consumers say it’s extremely or very important for companies to implement programs to improve the environment. So giving the gift of sustainability is not only a safe bet, but you’re doing our planet a favour, too. Wildlife gifts, such as bug hotels, make great gifts for couples. Bug hotels offer a sanctuary to beneficial insects, especially pollinators, insect hotels are considered to be the urban solution to the declining population of beneficial insects in human environments due to habitat loss, pollution, and abuse of pesticides.
… add sparkle to 2020
When you spend a lot of time at home, you stop wearing things like sparkly earrings and cute necklaces (at least, I have). I don’t wear a huge amount of jewellery, except for my wedding ring. That said, I have a pretty great collection of watches, and I’m always appreciative of a new addition. I’m currently obsessed with these new watches from Nordgreen, they’re simple and classic, so it’s the perfect gift for anybody.
… support charities
Did you know, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than there are fish? This is a terrifying prospect, and it’s one of the reasons why I’m a plastic-free volunteer in association with Surfers Against Sewage for my local community. Some of the presents we’ve bought this year are made from ocean plastic supporting local not-for-profits. The more items the charity sells, the more they have to clean the beaches to make more products. So you’re not only giving money to charity, but you’re actively encouraging more beach cleans. Beautiful and genius!
… everyone will love
Whenever I leave the house now, I make sure I have my phone, keys, wallet, and mask. I have reusable masks dotted all over my house, in my car, and hidden in coat pockets. I still end up forgetting them though, and once this meant I had to buy a disposable facemask which felt like such a waste, financially and environmentally. Instead, I’ve started hiding them in my purse, so I purchased this large brown leather wallet from Trendhim. It’s gorgeous, high-quality, and fits my mask in! If this isn’t the perfect lockdown gift, then what is?
… support local
Thousands of businesses were negatively impacted as a result of COVID-19, especially those that were forced to close on the run-up to Christmas. There were so many small companies and freelancers that missed out on the government support too. Purchasing from these shops online, from websites such as Etsy or Facebook, supports your local community. I’m based in Cornwall and there are tons of Cornish gifts made from local driftwood and sea glass (such as these ones!). Honestly, I’m going to fill my house up with all of them if I’m not careful.
… make you feel special
During lockdown, it’s safe to say that jeans are a thing of the past. Everyone that is working from home is wearing sweatpants, and maybe a shirt if on a Zoom call (if you say otherwise, you’re lying!). Receiving a gift that gives you an excuse to dress up can give you a new lease of energy and motivation, which is honestly the best gift of all. I recently received the cutest outfit from Joe Browns and I can’t wear to wear it on a blustery walk. Lockdown won’t stop me from wearing boots and a full face of make-up!