It starts about this time of year every year. The coffee shops roll out their “Holiday drinks”, stores start playing Christmas music, there are green garlands and red bows everywhere – personally, I love it, but not everyone does and for good reason. There is stress about all of the holiday parties you may have to attend and trying to afford all of the presents you feel you need to purchase; we won’t even get into having to spend time with your least favorite family members!
It can often be difficult to come up with gift ideas for people and if your family is anything like mine, you have those you know exactly what you will be getting for them and others who you may need to spend a little time on. I tend to be an extremely picky person when selecting gifts for someone; I absolutely want them to love it and if it is practical at the same time – all the better! Here are three gift ideas that you may be able to use this holiday season!
#1. AAA Membership
I grew up in a family that drove cars until they died – and they were always purchased used. Actually, my dad just purchased his first brand-new car just last winter time! I personally, however, drive a 1997 Ford Escort Wagon (Bessie) who is a real trooper – but even she has her moments sometimes where I’m not sure if I’m going to make it to my destination. If there is someone in your life who doesn’t’t have a back-up plan if they find themselves on the side of the highway because their car broke down, a Triple A membership may be the perfect gift for them!
The sense of security in knowing that you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to pay for a tow or change a flat on the side of the highway is one that is quite comforting. It’s a yearly membership so not only is it a gift that can keep on giving over the year (if necessary) but you can also renew it for them every year as well. It also doesn’t apply to the car, it applies to the person themselves so if they’re driving someone else’s car, they can still use AAA if needed!
Being a AAA member also gives you discounts on things such as hotel rooms, rental cars, restaurants, and stores. A practical gift that gives, and gives, and gives!
#2. Airline Flight
If you know your friend or family member is planning a trip somewhere for the upcoming year, surprising them with a voucher or gift card to help them pay for their flight might be something to look in to, especially if you know they are counting pennies to be able to afford the trip. The thought of not having to worry about paying some or all of their flight will be something they will definitely appreciate.
#3. Gas Cards
Gas prices dropping tends to be a rare sight these days and so this may be the perfect gift or finishing add-on to someone’s present! You have the option of purchasing as much as you want on a card so it’s flexible for your budget and if you include it with something else, you might just be promoted to most thoughtful person ever in their book for being fun AND practical! Win-win, right?
I definitely wouldn’t mind finding one of these gifts under my Christmas tree, but what do you all think? Is there a present you’ve found that people really love to get?
I hope everyone is starting to enjoy “the most wonderful time of the year!”
____________
Photo by Alan Cleaver
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I would be great if someone wanted to pay for our airfare this year. With a family five it gets a little expensive. Thank goodness the baby flies for free right now. I remember giving a friend a gas card a few years ago. They thought it was the best thing ever.
YourDailyFin Flying is so expensive! My sister lives out-of-state and loved it when her kids were young enough to fly free as well.
Last year my parents got us a Costco membership. I thought this was a silly gift but now we love it. Will definitely be renewing the membership this year.
BudgetforMore I love Costco and Sam’s Club! It might seem like a silly gift, but it could easily turn into a favorite!
Wow I would definitely appreciate if someone will give me an airplane ticket! Especially this Christmas season tickets are very expensive it’s almost thrice from the regular price.
Clarisse @ Make Money Your Way I would too! Flying can be so expensive!
Gas cards are a great gift. I like gift cards in general, though. I also like money as a gift =)
Holly at ClubThrifty My mom loves giving gas cards! It’s always her go-to :) And I definitely wouldn’t mind money as a gift either :) :)
For some reason, I’ve always had an aversion to giving gift cards. I’ve always just felt like a present was an opportunity to communicate a personal connection rather than just exchange money. But I’m a huge fan of receiving useful gifts, so I like the thought process here.
Matt @ Mom and Dad Money My mom absolutely refuses to give gift cards as a present – (unless it’s a gas card) because she also feels that it’s impersonal. I love shopping for specific presents for people as well but if they tell me they want a gift card for whatever reason, then I usually try to please them (and get them a little gift on the side as well).
I know I would LOVE to receive an airline flight! I think something everyone loves to get is a gift card to their favorite store, or a place they like to go but don’t want to spend their own money on (I’m thinking something like Starbucks). I know when I’m the gift-giver, I always feel bad when I give a gift card because it feels a little impersonal and it’s not exactly a big surprise – but then I remember how much I love getting gift cards because it enables me to get exactly what I want, or is an opportunity to treat myself to something I would not normally purchase for myself.
I’d love a free flight! Our youngest one turns two in a few months which means we have five tickets to buy whenever we want to fly. Other than that, a gift card to anywhere I like to shop is always a nice gift.
AAA is a good membership to have if you don’t have it already. I have roadside assistance with my car, but my project Jeep might need something!
Gas cards would be a great gift for me as that is something I know I will use. I prefer practical gifts anyway. If you asked me what gift I wanted, I really couldn’t name something I want. Gas card is fine. I might need a new pair of shoes as they are getting worn out…but other than that I’m good! I’m glad I don’t have much Christmas shopping other than my immediate family.
You and my mom must be best buds as she gives me AAA every year. We actually share a membership which is weird when I call in NYC and I get the Georgia service people (she lives in GA) but it’s totally come in handy this year when my car battery died twice and I was able to get it replaced on the spot with the second jump. I have an almost-whoopty car so I would not drive without it!
An AAA membership is a great one. My parents used to get them for my grandparents when they still drove. It’s something I wouldn’t buy for myself (given my current vehicles), but I sure wouldn’t mind if someone else bought them for me.
These are definitely useful gift ideas! I wouldn’t mind getting a membership to the AAA, actually. It is good to have a back up plan, just in case something goes wrong. Gas cards are a great idea for almost anyone, too. My grandma always tells us to get her gift cards, so we get her one for her hair, one for her nails, and one for her favorite store. I know I also appreciated receiving restaurant gift cards – nothing like a free meal!
Oh wow, did I learn what a great thing AAA is on my family road trip this Summer. Before the trip I actually upgraded to the premier membership and it was a lifesaver when we broke down. We got free towing and they even reimbursed us on lodging and meal expenses. Great piece of mind and a great gift idea for sure!
Very practical suggestions. I love practical gifts because they are things I get a lot of use out of, or maybe was on my own list already.
The AAA membership reminds me of a scene I saw on a TV show. The characters went out to a bar and didn’t want to drive home drunk. So they called AAA to tow the car back home for them. The conversation when he shows up.
Tow Truck Driver: “what’s wrong with the car?”
Car Owner: “Operator Error” *while shaking a half full glass of alcohol*
Tow Truck Driver: “you mean your drunk.”
Car Owner: “Yep, but my membership gives me free towing so get on it”
I laughed quite a bit and actually found it a creative way to avoid doing something dangerous. Even if it was a bit of a dick move.
Gas cards are a GREAT holiday idea! As someone who lives in NYC, I would also say that Metro Cards are a great holiday gift idea.
Yes, yes, and yes! I received my first AAA card for Christmas 4 years ago. I renew every year and trust me, I get my money’s worth :)
This year, my grandparents are reimbursing my plane ticket home (which I bought for January instead of December because it’s half the price). Such a nice gift!
My family plays White Elephant during Christmas and the gas cards are the popular gifts!