2021 Holiday Gift Guide (That Don't Require UPS)!

With Halloween now behind us and Thanksgiving rounding the corner, it is just about that time again to begin prepping and planning holiday gifts for friends and family. If your intense gift-giving family members are anything like mine, the news about unfortunate shipping delays has them unsettled, to say the least. While the rumors are true, aka dozens of ships delayed in the Long Beach, CA shipping port, there are tons of other gifts to give this holiday season that do not require elevated shipping costs and wait times, especially when in a time crunch.

1. SHOP SMALL

First and foremost, try to shop small this season for some of the most unique and authentic local items. Better yet, support your closest small businesses on Small-Business-Saturday over Thanksgiving Break on November 27th for great deals while giving back to the community. If staying on campus this Thanksgiving break, I would be sure to check out Easton Outdoor Company, Easton Antique Emporium, and Yellow Balloon Consignment!

2. GIVE A VIRTUAL SUBSCRIPTION

While this suggestion is not the conventional way we view unwrapping a holiday gift, giving a paid subscription service you know they will love for months to come is an ideal way to get around shipping delays. Here are a few ideas…

For the music lovers:

• Spotify premium

• Apple Music

For the Youtube/TV lovers:

• Youtube premium

• Netflix, HBO, Disney +, Hulu, Apple TV, Peacock, Amazon prime video… the list is endless

For the Readers:

• Kindle Unlimited

• Audible.com

For the workout junkies/those looking to pick up a new hobby:

• Peloton App (workout classes)

• Classpass (workout classes online and in-person at chains like Orange Theory)

• MasterClass or SkillShare (tons of online classes for niche hobbies)

• KnitCrate (Knitting)

• Cratejoy (crafting)

For the social media stars:

• VSCO premium (photo editing)

• Tezza premium (photo editing)

• Adobe Lightroom Presets (photo editing)

3. MONTHLY/ DELIVERED SUBSCRIPTIONS

You may be thinking this is counterintuitive to shipping issues, but these companies are better equipped to handle the whole shipping thing… and these packages are set to come all year round, not just in the busy holiday season.

For the plant lovers:

• The Sill

For the Fashion/makeup lovers:

• FabFitFun Box (seasonal fashion/accessories)

• Ipsy or BirchBox (makeup samples)

• Rent the Runway (rotating wardrobe)

For the Bookaholics (again):

• Book of the month

For the organized and practical:

• Silk + Sonder (journaling)

• Dollar Shave club (men's shaving)

• Billie (women's razors)

• Quip or Smile Direct Club (toothbrushes)

For coffee/tea/self-care lovers:

• Sips by (Tea)

• Counter Culture Coffee (coffee)

• The Bouqs Co. (flowers)

• Therabox (self-care items)

• Headspace or Calm (online meditation)

• Nest New York (candles!)

4. AN EASY DIY

While it may seem simple, gifting a beautifully laid-out spread of someone's favorite food, like a nice charcuterie board or an awesome dessert is a gift that shows lots of effort and care. I would say the same for a decorative painting that matches their aesthetic of house decor.

5. A SERVICE

Getting a gift card, whether that be done over the phone or in person, to their favorite nail salon, hairdresser, or spa is a great gift that you know they will use and enjoy. Another idea could be treating someone to dinner, taking someone shopping, or providing any other experience with a loved one. This gift allows you to spend time together doing something fun rather than gifting a material item.

6. LASTLY, A FEW RANDOM VIRTUAL GIFTS (for those really last minute purchasers)

• A Cameo!

• E-gift card!

• Concert or sports game tickets!

Happy gifting!