From meal kits to coffee subscription boxes, streaming services and more, 2020 has one of the most unique go-to gift lists around.
Whether you are doing your shopping online or in person this year, as usual, you are likely looking for the best gifts, at the right price. While some things stay the same, others change, however. People’s habits and needs have altered somewhat over the course of the pandemic. With venues such as movie theaters and sports arenas locked up until 2021 in many places, reports indicate we are turning to alternative logical but somewhat unexpected modes of entertainment. (outdoor fireplaces, cozy comfort wear, other top selling items).
Along with toilet paper board games, puzzles, Nintendo Switches, baking goods, sewing machines, and hair dye have all sold out at some point online in the last 10 months. Outdoor fireplaces are also said to be hot items this winter, along with outdoor gear in general.
Does your list leave you stumped? Here are 10 pandemic gifts to boost your health this holiday season.
Coffee Subscription Gift Box
Experts go back and forth on coffee. Is it good for you or bad? Currently, many say they feel that drinking the tempting hot drink in moderation has its benefits. One of coffee’s winning attributes is caffeine’s ability to protect the cells in your brain that produce dopamine,, your key feel-good neurotransmitter. Give the gift of good vibes to the coffee-lover on your list with a coffee subscription gift box. These allow you to get grounds delivered to your door on a regular basis. Try a variety of roasts and stay safe while doing it.
Related: Can Cold Weather Kill COVID-19?
The Perfect Office Chair
Back pain affects an estimated 8% of all adults, causing discomfort to millions. A poorly constructed office chair doesn’t do much to help alleviate this. Buy that special someone a throne to suit their stature. Check out nymag.com for a list of the most ergonomic office chairs of 2020.
Sewing Machine
It may sound totally dated, but apparently sewing machines have been flying off the shelves of virtual stores faster than you can say ‘coronavirus captured 2020’. Do you know someone who likes to work with their hands? Do they need a new hobby to lower their stress levels? This could be it. Goodhouskeeping.com can start you browsing.
Home Decor
With nowhere to go, decorating the home has become our favorite Friday night passtime. Done right, this can be a good thing, as studies show that color can influence our mental space. Blue is said to boost creativity and red, our attention to detail. It can be difficult to know exactly what someone can use, however. Gift certificates to your favorite home decor store can be the best way to go.
Outdoor Fireplace
If they have the space and love the outdoors, a portable outdoor fireplace can make the perfect unexpected gift. Time spent outdoors is said to be good for your health on multiple fronts. Chimineas can work best in smaller, yet still spacious, outdoor spaces, and fire tables, in larger ones. Check to see what your community regulations are regarding outdoor fireplaces before purchasing one, and be sure to install it properly.
Related: Should You Still Be Sleeping In on Weekends?
Digital Experiences
All things digital, all the time! Do they have a streaming subscription? If not, get them a bundle for just dollars a month, and let them enjoy all their favorites in one easy-to-access spot. Disney has packages, as well as ESPN and others. There’s nothing like kicking your feet up in the living room and indulging in your favorite show to get your mind off the world’s troubles.
Magazine Subscriptions
Looking for some good news? Try the magazine rack. Get them a digital or hard copy subscription to their favorite titles. It’s the gift of reading, and the gift that gives all year.
Kitchen Gadgets
Cooking has also become a favorite pastime during the pandemic. For some, it’s all about baking to keep busy, and for others, it’s whatever you can make on top of the stove. Check out this list of some of the best kitchen gadgets of 2020.. Cooking at home is known to not only be cheaper, but also easier on your waistline..
Work-From-Home Items
From headsets to monitors to webcams, bluetooth keyboards and more, having your desk set up to suit you can be best for both your comfort and productivity. Get them what they need to keep on truckin’ at home.
Related: COVID-19 and Vitamin D: Why It Matters
Snacks
Most people would say that snacking is unhealthy, but with the right munchies, you can get the fuel you need when you most crave it. Apparently popcorn has even higher levels of antioxidants than fruits and vegetables, so feel guilty no more! Buy them a healthy snack box subscription and let them munch away.
Meal Kits
Do they have no time to cook between work meetings, huddles, online schooling and somehow cleaning the bathroom at lunch? Two words: meal kits. Take away the stress of meal prep, and the unhealthy habit of too many drive-thru burgers. These pre-made meals are easy to put together in minutes.
Enjoy your holiday season whatever gifts you give, even if your smile is all you wrap. It is worth more than anything you can buy. Stay safe and healthy.
photo credits: fotohunter/Shutterstock.com
