50+ Epic Gift Ideas: No Mall, Cheap, Big Kudos
Who doesn’t need some Epic Gift ideas to get moving on Holiday shopping?
Epic Gift ideas for every person on your list? CHECK! Super simple, no mall shopping? CHECK! Different than everything else they’re getting? CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!
DO NOT GIFT THE DOG!!!
I shamelessly included him to draw you in. But you and I both know that is a life decision.
It’s time to think about Christmas Gifts. I know, it seems early, but if you get in the right mode, and follow some of our ideas, you can get it taken care of painlessly, have some fun doing it and become known as an awesome gift-giver.
EPIC GIFT
I’m not a shopper – I’m a buyer. Do you hate the mall or really crowded stores as much as I do? Does shopping online float your boat? Who doesn’t adore a notification that a package is sitting at their door? Online shopping for the win!
I go to the grocery store at least weekly, and the liquor/beer/wine store more than I’d admit to. These are the places I’m going to go out and buy at.
Budget by spreading out the non-perishable purchases from the grocery store and the liquor store. It’ll also save you from hauling it all in last minute. Of course buying everything at the last minute works too.
First of all, make a list. I’ll wait.
.
.
.
Did you remember your mother?
Father? How about the lady at the daycare? Teachers? Roomies? Best bud? Brothers? Door man? Cleaning lady? Boss? Secretary? Special co-worker? Favorite bartender? Anybody special you want to impress? There are a whole slew of people that could use an Epic Christmas gift.
After you have your list, think about anything happening in their lives. Are they traveling (or would they like to)? Did they just get married? (If they did – check if there’s anything left on their registry that would make a fun gift.) Think about what they like in general that you might be able to gift them.
Let’s get them something useful that they wouldn’t necessarily get themselves!
Onward!!
On the obvious but necessary front:
Click on the RED LINKS or PICTURES to check out purchase options.
A note about wrapping: consistency is the key to making this easy on yourself. Buy KRAFT PAPER, CLEAR CELLOPHANE WRAP, and DECORATIVE TWINE (affiliate links) and use those to wrap everything you can. Use GIFT BAGS & TISSUE PAPER for the tough to wrap stuff. I use a sharpie to write the recipient name directly on the present – no need for name tags! Include who the present is from if there might be any questions – like with teachers.
Jump Ahead to the “Buy Local” Section
Even though a LOT of the gifts in this section have a local component, hop down to the “Buy-Local” area to get great ideas for buying in your own neighborhood. These are truly Epic Gift ideas.
1. AMAZON PRIME
If you don’t have Amazon Prime, you might want to get it for yourself before you do any shopping, but it makes a fun gift for anyone just starting out too.
2. PIZZA PACK
PIZZA STONE, PIZZA CUTTER, and/or PIZZA PEEL
From the Grocery Store, add some ready to cook dough, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and a small jar of sauce.
Use the stone as the base, and pile up the rest of the items decoratively on top. Secure everything with clear wrapping paper and tie with some festive twine.
3. MARGARITAVILLE
BLENDER, MARGARITA GLASSES
From the liquor store, add a jug of Margarita Mix (Chi-Chi’s is excellent). Pick up a bag of chips, kosher salt, and a lime from the grocery store.
Wrap the blender and the glasses and in the kraft paper and everything else in clear wrapping paper tied with some twine.
4. LUNCHTIME
CANVAS LUNCH BAG, THERMOS
From the grocery store, add a jar of all natural peanut butter, Oreos, and snack size chips.
Wrap up everything in clear wrapping paper tied with decorative twine.
5. A CUT ABOVE
DECORATIVE CUTTING BOARDS, COLORED KNIVES
From the grocery store, pick up some exotic fruits and veggies.
Using the cutting boards as a base, wrap up everything in clear wrapping paper tied with twine.
6. A BIT OF BLARNEY
GUIDE BOOK, MAP
From the grocery store get some Irish butter and a loaf of soda bread. Add a 6 pack of Guinness from the beer store.
Wrap the book and map in kraft paper, use a gift bag for the groceries, and add a ribbon to the 6 pack.
7. STEAK DINNER
GRILL PAN, SERVING TRAY
Add a steak, a bagged salad and some mushrooms from the grocery store.
Wrap the pan and tray in kraft paper, and use a gift bag for the groceries.
8. NO WHINING
WHITE WINE GLASSES, RED WINE GLASSES, WINE OPENER
From the liquor store, buy a bottle of red and a bottle of white. Get a card describing each if possible.
Wrap the glasses in kraft paper and put the wine and the corkscrew in a gift bag.
9. HYDRATION
INFUSER BOTTLE
From the grocery store, get oranges, lemons, limes, cucumbers and berries.
Wrap the bottle/recipe booklet in kraft paper, and use clear wrapping paper and twine for the fruits and veggies.
10. SPICE TIME
PEPPER MILL, SALT CELLAR
From the grocery store, get peppercorns and coarse sea salt or kosher salt.
Wrap all items in tissue paper and then into a gift bag.
11. BONJOUR
GUIDE BOOK, MAP
From the grocery store, pick up some Brie Cheese and grapes. Buy a nice bottle of french wine from the liquor store.
Wrap the book and map in kraft paper and put the cheese and wine in a gift bag.
12. BEST DIGITAL COOKBOOK EVER (SHAMELESS PLUG!)
Print out receipt and link, and put in gift bag.
13. BLOODY MARY MORNING
HIGHBALL GLASSES, PITCHER
From the grocery store, pickup tomato juice, horseradish, celery and Tabasco sauce. Pick up a bottle of vodka from the liquor store.
Wrap the glasses and pitcher in kraft paper. Put everything else in a gift bag, wrapped individually in tissue paper.
14. COOKING CLASS
RECIPE BOX, RECIPE CARDS, PEN
Write out 5 of your favorite recipes to get the collection started.
Wrap the recipe box and pen in kraft paper.
15. SPIRALING IN CONTROL
SPIRALIZER, COOKBOOK
Include zucchini, carrots and sweet potatoes from the grocery store.
Using the spiralizer as a base, pile the cookbook and the veggies up on top, wrap in clear wrapping paper and fasten with colored twine.
16. TEA TIME
TEA POT, TEA ASSORTMENT, TEA CUPS
From the grocery store, add some sugar cubes, creamer and lemon.
Wrap each box separately and stack. Tie together with twine.
17. MAN THE GRILL
GRILL ACCESSORIES
From the grocery store, buy a box of pre-made burgers, hot dogs and buns.
Wrap the box in kraft paper.
18. CIAO!
GUIDE BOOK, MAP
Get a bottle of Limoncello from the liquor store, and antipasti from the grocery store. Include olives, salami, etc.
Wrap the book and map in kraft paper and put the liquor and antipasti in clear wrapping paper.
19. DO BE BLUE
TONGS, HOLDER, UTENSILS
Put utensils in holder, slide tongs so one part is inside, and wrap entire thing in clear wrap.
20. GIFTCARD – BARBERSHOP (# OF HAIRCUTS)
21. GIFTCARD – SHOE SHINES
22. GIFTCARD – PEDICURE
23. GIFTCARD – DRY CLEANER
24. GIFTCARD – DESSERT FROM FAVORITE RESTAURANT
25. GIFTCARD – GOLF RANGE
26. GIFTCARD – GAS
Always useful, these are quirky gift cards that should make the recipient smile.
Wrap them in tissue paper and put in a gift bag.
27. CLEAN UP
Aprons, aprons, aprons
From the grocery store, add some dish detergent and a roll of paper towels.
Put in gift bag.
28. PASTA NIGHT
SERVING BOWL, SERVING UTENSILS, BOWLS
From the grocery store, pick up a box of spaghetti, a loaf of bread and a jar of marinara.
Put everything in serving bowl and wrap with clear wrap.
29. WHISKEY TASTING
WHISKEY GLASSES, SQUARE ICE CUBE TRAY
From the liquor store, get several mini-bottles of whiskey.
Wrap glasses and ice cube tray in kraft paper, wrap all mini-bottles inside a pouch made of clear wrap.
30. SOUP’S ON!
CROCK POT, SOUP BOWLS, SOUP LADLE
Print out the CHICKEN FIESTA SLOW COOKER SOUP RECIPE and get the canned ingredients at the grocery store.
Wrap the crock pot and bowls in kraft paper, and put the ladle and the cans in a gift bag.
31. PLAN FOR SPRING
PAPER WHITES, PLANTER
Wrap both boxes in kraft paper and tie together with twine.
32. CHEESY
SLATE CHEESEBOARD, CHALK
Pick up a couple of different cheeses and some crackers at the grocery store.
Use the cheese board as a base and wrap groceries on top in clear wrap.
33. CAKE WATCHER
REVOLVING CAKE STAND & DECORATING KIT, GEL FOOD COLORS, SPRINKLES
Add boxed cake mix (or three) from the grocery store.
Wrap everything in kraft paper and stack together using twine.
34. COOL DOWN
From the grocery store, add a case of pop. Get a case of favorite beer from the liquor store.
Wrap in kraft paper. Leave beer and pop free form unwrapped.
35. TIP PLUS (MAYBE PLUS!)
LOTTERY TICKETS
Add some cold hard cash for those people that you need to tip.
Place both in a gift bag.
36. CORDIALLY YOURS
CORDIAL GLASSES, BOTTLES FOR HOMEMADE, FUNNEL
If you have a little extra time, make some homemade Irish Cream, Limoncello or Kahlua. If not, buy mini-bottles from the liquor store.
Wrap glasses in kraft paper. Put bottle in gift bag.
37. SUPER SALAD
SALAD BOWL, SERVING BOWLS
From the grocery store bring bagged salad mix, and croutons. Add a jar of your favorite homemade salad dressing and recipe card for same.
Put everything in the big bowl and cover with clear wrap.
38. COFFEE BREAK
COFFEE POT, COFFEE GRINDER, COFFEE MUGS
Buy coffee at the grocery store – ground or beans, and assorted creamers.
Wrap everything in kraft paper and stack, tied with twine.
39. TOASTER TIME
TOASTER
Pick up some artisanal bread from the grocery store plus some butter and jam. Or, an avocado and eggs could switch it up.
Wrap toaster in kraft paper, put bread and toppings in clear wrap.
40. COSMO ANYONE?
MARTINI GLASSES, COCKTAIL SET
Get vodka and triple sec from the liquor store and follow up with cranberry juice and lemons from the grocery store. Print out Cosmo Recipe.
Combine all items in clear wrap.
41. GO GO GADGETS
KITCHEN SCALE, KITCHEN THERMOMETER, IMMERSION BLENDER
Get one, two or all three.
Wrap in kraft paper.
42. AFTER SLEDDING HOT CHOCOLATE
FROTHER, HOT COCOA MUG
From the grocery store get assorted hot chocolate mixes, cream, cookies or biscuits, and marshmallows. From the liquor store get mini-bottles of peppermint schnapps or coffee liquer.
Gather everything into clear wrap.
43. MAIL CALL!
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Put a current edition in a gift bag with a written notification of term.
44. SWEETS FOR THE SWEET
Buy local candy (if possible) or
Wrap in kraft paper.
45. HAPPY HOUR (FINALLY!)
BEER GLASSES
From the beer store, get an assortment of beers – a six pack or two.
Wrap in kraft paper. Put a ribbon on the beer.
46. TRIFLING
TRIFLE BOWL
Print out this Salted Caramel Cinnamon Trifle Recipe. Get cake mix, pudding, Cool Whip, and Caramel Sauce from the grocery store.
Wrap the bowl in kraft paper and put all grocery ingredients in a gift bag.
47. OIL SLICK
OIL DISPENSER BOTTLES, DRESSING SHAKER
Get a couple different kinds and flavors of oil from the grocery store. Provide your favorite salad dressing recipe.
Combine all items in clear wrap.
48. SAFE ARRIVAL (EPIC GIFT OF SAFETY!)
Gift a ride or a specific amount on UBER or LYFT.
49. CHAMPAGNE DREAMS
CHAMPAGNE GLASSES, CHAMPAGNE BUCKET
From the liquor store add champagne. Get strawberries from the grocery store.
Wrap in kraft paper.
50. MOVIE NIGHT
From the grocery store get microwave popcorn, pop, ice cream sandwiches and sweet tarts.
OR – Get movie gift cards.
Combine in Gift Bag.
51. GAME NIGHT
From the grocery store get some snacks and pop. Maybe throw in a bottle of something from the liquor store!
Wrap all in kraft paper. Stack and tie with twine.
52. GIFT OF TIME
Promise to spend some time with someone special and follow through with a hike, grabbing a cup of coffee, or just a walk around the mall. (The horror!) Your time is the most precious gift you can give. Be the present in the present.
53. CHECK OUT THE AMAZON GIFT HUB.
Amazon has a full “store” to check out: The Amazon Gift Hub lets you drill down based on gender, age, price… you name it, they have it!
BUY LOCAL & FIND EPIC GIFTS EVERYONE WILL LOVE
54. LOCAL CANDY MAKER
Around Erieland, we have three chocolatiers. Two of them are related and have split up less than amicably, so comparing the goods can be a LOT of fun. The nice thing about chocolate is that it gets eaten (FAST!) which is why you can buy it for every occasion.
55. LOCAL ARTISTS – GALLERIES
Buy your favorite art from a Gallery that specializes in people in your neighborhood, and you help TWO local businesses. Make sure it can be returned and provide a gift receipt in case your recipient and you have different tastes!
56. BARBER
Either give a pack of gift certificates or offer to take your gift recipient with you as a way of introduction to your local tonsorial artist.
57. CONCERT TICKETS
Give a pair so your recipient can take you along! It doesn’t matter whether your tickets are for the Philharmonic or Phil Collins, everyone loves a night out. Plan on dinner first or after. Something to look forward to after Christmas is over.
58. LOCAL FLORIST
Skip 1-800-pay-too-much and go direct. You can almost always have your selection delivered too. Christmas Cactus? Beautiful centerpiece? Wreaths? Poinsettias? They have it all!
59. LOCAL BREWS
Most everyone has a local brewhouse or two within driving distance. Check out one close to you and get a six-pack or a variety pack. Heck, even a gift certificate along with an awesome mug works.
60. LOCAL BAKERY
Cookies, cakes, pies, artisan breads… you just can’t go wrong with this one. Wrap everything up in a pretty basket with a red bow.
61. LOCAL LUXURY (SERIOUSLY EPIC GIFT)
This one is likely a gift certificate, but it is a welcome one: A Spa Gift is never a bad idea. Facials, massages, body treatments are all a lovely gift for anyone that doesn’t take enough “Me-time”.
62. OILS, VINEGARS, SPICES
Pick up a selection of mini-bottles of specialty oils and vinegars. Add some spices too – and maybe even a loaf of bread (from your local bakery) for an epic taste testing.
63. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPORTS TEAMS
More tickets, and more fun! Anticipation is fun waiting to get see hockey, baseball or football, just to name a few!
64. POPCORN!
Even little Erieland has two specialty popcorn stores – going inside is simply divine! Pick up a selection of sweet and savory treats for your favorite people!
65. CHARCUTERIE
Go to a local deli and pick out some fun cheeses and charcuterie selections. Don’t forget the olives and little jars of mustard or jelly. Your foodie friend will thank you. Pair your collection with a pretty platter made by a local artist!
10 thoughts on “50+ Epic Gift Ideas: No Mall, Cheap, Big Kudos”