How are those Christmas preparations going? There's only one week left before the whirlwind of meals, family gatherings, and gifts, and it's time to tend to the final details to make everything special. In today's post, we're going to suggest some original gift-giving ideas. We've chosen a few that work for children and adults, although it's true that at this time of year we're all a little bit like kids.
If you have kids at home, they bring all the magic and excitement in the world. It's inevitable, and barely anything else is needed. Just seeing their faces, their excitement when they realize that Santa Claus or the Three Kings have stopped by while they were sleeping, staying awake all night, getting up very early, and jumping on Mom and Dad's bed to tell them they've come…
But if your kids have grown up enough, or the gift exchange is between adults, it's lovely to add a little extra magic to bring back that lost excitement. Here are three ideas that will help you do it.
And remember that we also have a post with fun ideas for wrapping gifts. You can combine things from both posts in this year's gift-giving ceremony to make it unforgettable.
Original gift-giving ideas1. The Reverse Letter from the Three Kings
Normally, we're the ones who write a letter to the Three Kings, and it's usually to ask them for gifts. But what would happen if they were the ones leaving us a letter? Expressing feelings and kind thoughts toward others doesn't always come easily to us. But if we hide behind the Magi from the East or good old Santa Claus, it can become much easier.
Does it seem like it doesn't make sense? Then try it. Try writing a letter to each member of the family in which you say all the reasons they deserve those gifts, along with many other things. You'll see what an emotional and special moment it creates.
2. The Story That Comes True
This is one of those original gift-giving ideas that can create a wonderful atmosphere. Plus, you can use your sense of humor to make it a lot of fun. After all, the best part of giving gifts is when we haven't opened them yet. So let's try to extend that moment so the house fills with laughter.
It involves writing a short story starring one or more of the people who will receive gifts. The gifts are hidden, so they have to search for them while acting out what happens in the story.
For example, through the story you can have them jump hand in hand from the sofa, pretending it's a cliff; you can have them hide under the bed to escape a monster, or have them perform a magic dance to open a door sealed with a spell… Anything goes! The important thing is to have fun and for the journey to eventually lead them to the eagerly awaited gifts.
3. The Treasure Hunt
A classic among classics. It can also be a lot of fun if you do it right and work on the clues with a sense of humor. You probably already know how it works, but just in case, here's a reminder.
Hide the gifts and leave clues leading to them. You can place different gifts next to the clues or leave them all for the end. Don't use too few clues, but don't use too many either. Remember that the game should be fun and exciting. The clues can be texts, objects, or anything that serves the purpose well.
Choose whichever one you like best and make the gifts only a very small part of the magic. Have lots of fun!