Rewind to 12 months ago, and we wouldn’t have thought twice about dashing out to the shops to buy a last-minute birthday or anniversary gift. Today, shopping for presents has become more complex, and it requires forward planning. If lockdown has got you stressing about finding gifts for friends and family, don’t panic! In this guide, we’ll explore some simple, stress-free suggestions to make gifting easy.
Online ordering and deliveries
Online sales have soared since March last year, and many of us are now using websites to order everything from clothes and books to groceries and home gym equipment. Online shopping was popular before the pandemic, but it has provided a lifeline for shoppers who don’t feel comfortable leaving the house, as well as those looking to buy products while lockdown measures are in place. If you’re looking for gifts for loved ones, you can explore hundreds of different products online and arrange for delivery to the recipient. Many websites provide a gift wrapping service for an extra charge and you can also add a card or leave a message with the order to ensure your loved ones know who is responsible for buying their fabulous present.
Image from https://www.pexels.com/photo/cheerful-couple-making-online-purchases-at-home-3756345/
Hampers, flowers and letterbox gifts
Traditionally, we would buy a gift and give it to a friend or family member in person. Unfortunately, at the moment, we can’t do this. Luckily, there is a solution. Many brands and retailers have expanded their product ranges and created innovative new products to enable people to keep up with and celebrate special occasions. If you search online, you can find everything from Tasmanian gift baskets for foodies and letterbox flowers to at-home spa hampers and boxes of beer, wine and cocktails. You can filter results based on your budget and the interests of the recipient and you can post directly to a friend, neighbour, relative or work colleague.
Subscriptions
Subscriptions are a brilliant lockdown gift idea. Not only are they simple and quick to find and pay for from the comfort and safety of your couch, but they also provide a little pick-me-up for the recipient at a time when many people feel low, anxious or a bit flat. You can subscribe to everything from magazines and book clubs to craft beer providers, houseplants and beauty and grooming products. You can buy a subscription for your mum, your dad, your siblings, friends and workmates and even your pet.
Image by https://www.pexels.com/photo/healthcare-gift-products-5632343/
E-vouchers and gift cards
Gift vouchers offer the advantage of enabling the recipient to spend their money on something they really want, eliminating the risk of investing in something that might end up at the back of a drawer or cupboard. E-vouchers and online gift cards allow people to shop online, and they’re a really easy, safe way to treat a loved one. You can order a voucher and send it your friend or relative’s email address in an instant.
Flexible, refundable trips
Many of us like to spend money on making memories and experiences, rather than tangible goods and material items. With travel restrictions in place and hotels and restaurants closed, you might assume that you can’t treat your partner to a night away or a meal at a fancy eatery, but that’s not the case. Many hotel chains and restaurants offer vouchers and you can also take advantage of refundable booking options. If you book a weekend away, for example, and the offer is refundable, you’ll be able to rearrange the date if restrictions have not been lifted in time or the hotel or resort has not yet reopened. Organising mini-breaks, nights away and holidays will give your loved one something to look forward to. If you are thinking about going down this route, always take time to read the small print and the terms and conditions and check the validity of vouchers. Most vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, but this can vary. If you’re booking a holiday, it’s wise to put a deposit down on a package holiday and to make sure that the operator is fully insured and protected. If your holiday is cancelled due to Covid-19, you should be able to claim the payment back or reschedule without losing any money.
Picture courtesy of https://pixabay.com/photos/hotel-living-room-indoors-595121/
The days of popping out to the shops to buy last-minute gifts may be over, but that doesn’t mean that shopping for presents for friends and family has to be stressful. There are so many options to choose from and you can buy amazing gifts at the touch of a button. Browse ideas online, arrange delivery directly to the recipient and consider vouchers, gift cards or refundable trips or experiences if you’re keen to organise something to look forward to once lockdown ends.
