Buying a special something for all your special someones is one of the best parts of the holiday season. But it can also be one of the most stress-inducing. To ease your hemming and hawing, we suggest gifting your recipient a gift card. But not just any ol’ gift card to TGIFridays, Target, or Amazon (all three are great, but admittedly not very creative). Instead, consider an off-the-cuff suggestions for a truly special holiday treat. Below are some of the best gift cards to give this season.
2020 was the year of a lot of things. For example: learning how to bake bread, starting your own indoor garden, and checking off your “must read” list. It was also an explosive year for the podcast industry. If your giftee is a podcast fanatic (new or old!), then consider a gift card to Wondery+. Wondery is an independent publisher of podcasts—including some of Apple’s top-rated listens—and a paid subscription provides access to bonus content, ad-free podcasts, and early access to your giftee’s faves. A one-year subscription to Wondery+ costs $34.99.
In addition to getting our bake and listen on, this year allowed a lot of people to tap into their creative side. Skillshare facilitated that with their broad range of classes, which range from graphic design to photography to watercolor painting and beyond. You can buy a limited membership for your giftee so they can enjoy a month, several months, or even a year of developing their creative skillsets.
Who doesn’t love dining out? On OpenTable, you can search your recipient’s city for trending restaurants or by their favorite cuisine, then select from a list of local eateries. What’s more, this gift will support the restaurant industry, which is more important than ever. Win win!
New Yorkers know the mouth-watering goodness of an Insomnia Cookie, which is delivered freshly cooked right to the doorstep. Your giftee doesn’t have to be in the city to get a taste of their iconic cookies, though. Insomnia Cookies ships nationwide.
Is there a more timeless gift than a gorgeous timepiece? We think not. At the same time, it’s an incredibly personal gift, so consider letting your recipient choose the style that speaks most to them. Austin, Texas-based Jack Mason is one of our favorite purveyors of high-quality, affordable watches, and they offer a broad assortment of designs that appeal to all people.
It’s not every year you can get away with buying someone toilet paper for Christmas, but 2020 is certainly the exception. Especially if you’re gifting really nice toilet paper. No. 2’s eco-chic TP fits the bill. Not only is it super soft and made from 100% bamboo, but each roll is wrapped in stylishly recycled paper. Opt for the “Prepaid Subscription” option.
Seeking the perfect gift for your travel-loving giftee? Get them a gift card for HipCamp, which is basically the adventurer-equivalent to traditional home-share marketplaces such as AirBnB and Vrbo. They HipCamp specializes in more explorative stays, including campsites, glamping reprieves, cabins tucked into the countryside, yurts, treehouses, and more.
Shopping for a new mama or papa? We’re loving the assortment of high-quality foods from Little Spoon. This company offers fresh baby food made with organic ingredients, including blends for babies and plates for toddlers and kids. Each item is also housed in an adorable container.
Yard + Parish
The impossibly chic lineup of carefully curated luxury goods at Yard + Parish will have your giftee swooning. All items fit neatly into the “modern Island girl” aesthetic; think satin scarfs, reclaimed rosewood and tortoise sunglasses, and kelp-infused skin serum. What’s more, the offerings are eco-conscious.
While the cult-fave Peleton Bike and Treadmill make great gifts, they are a serious splurge. However, for just $12.99 per month, you can gift a subscription to their streaming workout content instead. This includes unlimited bootcamp, strength, yoga, meditation, running, and cycling classes, with or without equipment, as well as outdoor audio-only classes. Members can track progress, set new goals, and earn achievements to help them stay motivated.
Mysa Natural Wine Club Gift Card
When in doubt, wine is always a great go-to. You can take your gift one step further this holiday season by gifting natural wine via Mysa. You can purchase a month subscription for your recipient or send them a gift card so they can shop for their own bottles.
Ranavat was founded by Michelle Ranavat, a first-generation Indian American who set out to celebrate her culture and pass on traditions. The line of products is exquisite in every way, which makes spending a gift card a delight. For example, there’s a jasmine hydrating mist, an imperial glow face polish, and a brightening saffron serum.
AirBnB shifted gears in 2020 to really amp up their online experiences. These run the gamut from macabre London history lessons to under-the-sea exploration with a shark expert. They even have a festive Virtual Visit and Story Time with Santa! Trust us, you’ll be able to find a fun experience for everyone on your list.
A little greenery adds joy to any home. Bloomscape sells a wide assortment of plants, including easy-to-care for options, exotic plants, pet-friendly plants, and more. Their houseplants are grown and tended by plant experts in their greenhouse, which ensures healthy, happy plants end up at their doorstep.
It’s been a stressful year, which means a massage will go a long way. Soothe delivers the massage therapist straight to your giftee’s door—no commute necessary! You can purchase gift cards for a 60-minute massage or 60-minute couples’ massage, which your giftee then redeems for a time that works for him or her. (Do check to make sure they offer massages in your recipient’s city.)
Given how much time we’ve all be spending at home, giving their living space a bit of extra love makes perfect sense. Whether your giftee has been talking about finally getting to the spare bedroom or re-doing their living room, a gift card to Modsy, a virtual interior design service, will set them up for success.
Not sure what to get your parents this year? Surprise them with a personalized, professional photography session from Shoott. Next time the whole family gets together, just pick a time and a place for your free 30-minute photo shoot; afterwards, select the photos you like best to be covered by your gift amount. *Available in select cities.
Anyone can drop into a Sephora or Ulta, but for a beauty gift that feels extra special consider an indie brand. Primally Pure sells an assortment of stunningly beautiful natural skincare goodies, including luxurious body oils, creams, and serums.
"We often receive complimentary products to review at Family Proof. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team."