Alternatives to Traditional Gift-Giving this Holiday Season

GiftGivingThe joy of gift-giving. For some people, there’s no better feeling. For others, it means a never-ending list and stress. You don’t want to leave anyone out, but you don’t want to break the bank. Here’s some inspiration for different ways to gift this season.

Want, Need, Wear, Read

Love this concept. If your kids are old enough, they fill out their Christmas list based on these four categories. Then Santa brings four gifts, one for each category. You can just Google this and you’ll find countless download options. This is a great option for older kids, for kids to give to grandparents, or even adults in the family to give to each other.

Secret Santa

Always a good option when you have a large family. Rather than spending your whole paycheck or forcing you to buy junk just for the sake of giving something, drawing names with a larger budget allows everyone quality over quantity. You can always supplement the kids with stocking stuffers if you need to.

Experiences with Family or Friends

Aren’t the holidays really supposed to be about spending time with those nearest and dearest to us? Explore options for your family, friends or colleague gatherings. Enjoy a happy hour. Find a local charity and volunteer a couple of hours as a group. Plan a short road trip to see Christmas lights. There are endless fun opportunities.

Favorite Things Party

Looking for something to do with your girlfriends? Have a bunch of women in your family and want to shake things up? You bring three of the same favorite items. Each gift or collection of gifts should be valued at or around $10 (you can take this up to $20 if everyone feels like splurging). After the gift exchange you will leave with three new favorites.

Low Budget Options

Christmas movie marathon. Classic. Comedy. Nostalgic. Who doesn’t love to snuggle up in sweats with a bowl of popcorn and watch a good movie or two?

Baking and decorating cookies.  Here’s what I do: recruit the kids to help you. Then when they don’t look perfect, the recipients will find joy in the little hands that made them.

Gifts that Keep Giving
The monthly activity boxes that come in the mail seem to be all the rage. Little Passports and KiwiCo are two of the popular brands. We’ve been gifted this ourselves and our son loves it. There’s the joy of receiving a box in the mail in addition to the hours with the fun activity. Subscription plans vary.

Ashley Cook
Ashley grew up in Augusta and has lived in the Wichita area for most of her life. She works full time as vice president at a marketing agency. She'd been in the workforce for 15 years and faced years of fertility challenges before being blessed with son Charlie in 2015. She met her husband, Josh, in kindergarten. The house-divided college sweethearts attended KU and K-State, starting their careers in Dallas before returning to Wichita in 2003. Not just a full-time executive and mom, she owns Josh Cook Golf Academy with her namesake husband. Ashley also enjoys volunteering as Wichita Aero Club vice chair, driving a golf cart with Josh and Charlie, drinking wine and spending time with family.