Out of the Ordinary Holiday Gift Guide 2015

The holidays are back, again. Gift giving is a custom in the wintertime season, but sometimes it can become redundant. Sally gets a new doll, Jimmy receives a bike, and don’t forget the ugly sweater from Aunt Marge. There can be a lot of pressure when trying to find that perfect gift, one that hasn’t been given already. So how does one find such an object? This Out of the Ordinary gift guide should come in handy for shoppers seeking an original idea.

The one thing that matters most about the gift is the person receiving it. Friends and family members all have unique personalities, tastes, and interests, so when browsing through stores, keep an eye out for significant items. The item should remind you of the person or maybe a memory you had together. Making it personal or cherishable is key to seeking a great gift.

Another tip to follow: stay away from mainstream shops. That statement sounds very hipster, but it makes the task easier. Plenty of other shoppers will wander into the mall and choose the most known brand or the most popular. To be different, search for antique shops, thrift stores, or even small local shops. In Utah, there are a few places to find independent retail, like Historic 25th Street or Trolley Square in Salt Lake.

Often, the actual item is the problem that occurs while thinking of present ideas. To get started on brainstorming, here are a few suggestions:

• Magnetic Poetry Kit: These gained popularity in the 1990s but are still less common, if not retro. Each kit contains small words on magnetic strips that are used for creating poems. They can be used to decorate refrigerators, lockers, or any other metal surface. They usually come in different themes like zodiac signs or pop culture topics.
• Coloring Books: It may sound lame, but they aren’t the child coloring booklets. Adult coloring books are increasing in relevance to the public, but they are still entertaining and they have even been said to be therapeutic. If you have an artistic friend, then this would be a suitable gift.
• Mugs: Hot chocolate is a winter hallmark and it’s nice to have a fun mug to sip it out of. Mugs can be customized with names, words, or pictures. They can come in different colors, themes, and even shapes, and some potters get extra creative when sculpting.
• Photo Album: Put together a nice album with some great pictures and add commentary or personal notes to them. Designs can be made by hand and your own creativity will definitely be unique.
• Knitted Items: Keeping warm in the chilly air is important, so remind your friends and family by giving them hats, gloves, scarves, or socks. If you’re knowledgeable in knitting, then making them by hand will make the gift sincere. If you can’t sew, don’t worry, there’s plenty of time to stop by a shop.

Still can’t find the right gift? If this is the case, then that’s one selective person you’re shopping for. Holidays are busy, hectic, and stressful; take a break from all of it and don’t think about shopping. Also, don’t overthink the whole process. Buy something meaningful, simple, and sweet. Those are the three keys to this year’s holiday gift searches.