We have officially entered into the season of giving! For something that spreads so much joy and happiness, if we are honest with ourselves, sometimes gift-giving puts a certain amount of stress on us. There is always that one person who seems to already have everything – who you cannot pick the perfect gift for, even if your life depended on it. Just in case you have one of those loved ones to shop for or if you are personally “over” the overwhelming amount of money that is often wasted by giving material items, there are tons of unusual gift ideas that do not require a giant package adorned with a pretty bow.
Whether it be the gift of a family photoshoot, concert tickets, swimming lessons for a little one or a restaurant gift card, there are many ways to get creative with your gift giving this year. Your options are virtually limitless, as long as you are willing to put some thought into it!
Work it Out
Maybe someone on your list is a health nut and loves working out regularly. Or, maybe you know someone who is interested in trying the newest trend in the fitness world. Everyone gets tired of their workout routine and can use some extra motivation in the new year! Because of the desire many people feel to get back in shape after all of the holiday treats are devoured, fitness classes or gym memberships can make fabulous presents.
There are plenty of local studios and gyms here in Frisco that offer classes with an extra flair. Take barre3, IM=X Pilates and Fitness Studio, Altitude Pole Fitness and Aerial Arts, Orangetheory Fitness and Cowboys Fit for example. There are always classes for martial arts or karate, boxing and even trampoline taking place around town. Ballroom Dancing classes at a local studio like Elegance Ballroom might even make a fun and sassy gift for couples who may need a unique date night away from the chaos and kids more than anything you could put under the tree for them.
Everything but the Kitchen Sink
You likely have someone on your list who shows their love for others through baking or cooking meals with love. Some people would rather learn new skills for the kitchen and enjoy learning about something yummy they can prepare for others.
There are plenty of classes you can gift to places around Frisco! Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table both offer a variety of skills classes covering knives, cultural delicacies and cooking with specialty appliances. Kids can learn their way around the kitchen with classes from Young Chefs Academy and The Cookie Rack will teach even skilled baker how to make their next batch of holiday cookies Instagram-worthy.
Getting Creative
For anyone who likes to unwind after work and have something to sip on while they express their creativity, Painting With a Twist offers step-by-step classes on how to paint beautiful scenes while you drink some wine. Crafted Home Décor Studio gives local DIY-ers and crafters the chance to participate in instructional classes in a fun, social environment, and AR Workshop helps crafters create everything from knit blankets and pillows to wood and holiday decorations.
That’s the Ticket
We all have over-the-top, devoted sports fans in our lives. While Dallas Cowboys tickets are always an option, the Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavericks offer tickets to games at American Airlines Center in Dallas. But, if you want something closer in proximity, you cannot go wrong with tickets to see the Frisco RoughRiders, the Texas Legends, the Dallas Rattlers or FC Dallas. Whether you choose season tickets or tickets to a single game, this provides the opportunity to spend quality time together!
For the Benefit of Others
Giving back to the community in someone else’s name or on their behalf is a memorable and heartwarming way to make a difference with your hard-earned money during this season. If you have a particularly philanthropic loved one whose heart would be touched by a gift that helps someone else, there are a number of local nonprofits, groups and charities to which you could make a donation.
For example, Frisco Arts is dedicated to strengthening the community by advancing the arts and providing opportunities to local artists. Camp Craig Allen serves an amazing purpose to encourage self-awareness, positive influence and independence in therapeutic and educational programs in an accessible environment that promotes abilities and talents of those with physical challenges. Frisco Family Services exists to help those in the community who are facing hunger, homelessness and other urgent needs to improve their quality of life and achieve self-sufficiency. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County impacts more than 7,000 area children and teenagers by offering them a safe place to learn and grow. Donating to the Heritage Association of Frisco ensures that Frisco’s important history is preserved for years to come, and groups like Frisco Fastpacs help provide food to children even when they are on breaks from school. A financial gift to LifeTalk Resource Center can make all the difference in the world to someone facing the challenge of an unplanned pregnancy.
Single or recurring monetary donations to any local organizations or nonprofits can make a huge difference. There are countless groups in Frisco and the surrounding area that are always hoping the kindness of others helps their organization give back and provide to the community.
Do not let the age-old tradition of shopping until you drop while looking for the perfect gift stress you out this holiday season. That is definitely not what gift-giving is about. Give from the heart and use a little bit of mindfulness and creativity as you draw up your list this year. If nothing else, this helps show your loved ones how well you know them, their interests and recognize their passions. Sometimes, the best things in life do not have to come in shiny packages. Whatever you do, remember there is true joy found in the gift of giving.
