Okay, gift cards are literally the ultimate multipurpose tool of all the existing types of gifts. No more cringing watching a person force a smile over something as silly as a ceramic cat or that strange candle that smells like rotten flower.
But here is the catch, what do you do with gift cards when gift cards just seem too basic? When a simple gesture of handing a plastic rectangle to another person just makes your skin crawl?
Top 6 DIY Gift Card Alternatives
Okay DIY gift gurus, let’s get down to the real deal of gift making! No more getting some packaged foods from the stores that are less interesting. Let us explore the amazing world of shouting ” I totally get you” gifts without putting a hole through the wallet.
1. Personalized Coupons: The Gift of YOU
Picture this: A collection of coupons created on your own that are virtually a superpower pass for your loved one. They are most suitable, unique and can be designed specifically to fit the personality or needs of the intended person.
Consider ‘Free movie night’, ‘next weekend brunch is on me’, or ‘three chance passes for getting out of chores.’ (your moms are going to adore this one.)
Get some paper, markers and your neatest writing, or look for templates that you can print from the internet. Sew it up in an envelope, or better yet, tie it up with a ribbon, there you have it!
You have come up with a rather unique and completely different “gift card” that they will actually use. Bonus? The major advantage is that it costs nothing out of pocket to start.
2. When in Doubt, Combine It All
Here’s the thing: Actually, there is absolutely nothing wrong with integrating DIY and store-bought which many people do without knowing. When giving your homemade coupons or sweets, include a small gift card inside the same wrapper.
If you do not have time for any of this, buy gift card online from their preferred store or service, you can even wrap it up in a creative DIY greeting card or any box.
You will be getting the essence of a card in a way that is combined with the feel of personal. And come on, let’s be really honest, that is perfect combination every single time.
3. Treat Jars: Small Surprises, Big Impact
Picture a mason jar that is in essence, an explosion of happiness. We’re not just talking candy here, we’re creating an experience: What do they always crave? Dump in their absolute favorite treats. Add some self-care products (tiny lotions bath bombs lip balms).
Add a small message which says “Choose me when you need a smile”. Boom! Congratulations! You’ve have just make the most personal gift ever.
4. Subscription Cards: The Gift That Keeps Giving
Throw out the single-use holidays gift card. We’re talking experience subscriptions that are going to leave your friends and family saying “WHOA!!”
To think you would hand someone a coupon that will look something like this: “6 Months to Free Coffee Every Week” or “Finger Lickin’ Good Pizza Nights Paid For By ME”.Want to make it official? Get a voucher which has an authentic and professional appearance.
Get creative! Hand-stamp it. Print it fancy. Bear it to the point that it looks like a real golden ticket to happiness. The goal? You simply have to make them feel like they just have hit the friendship lottery.
Add some personality. Maybe weird doodles. Inside jokes. Make it shout ‘you know this is from ME!!!’ Subscription gifts are really just an overly polite way of saying “I want to hang around you more than once.”
5. DIY Wallet of Surprises
Here’s a cool spin: Unlike purchasing one fun card, organize a “wallet” of fun. Crease some tiny envelopes and using a permanent marker, write what the envelopes are such as, ‘coffee,’ ‘movie night,’ ‘dinner date’ etc.
Not only does this DIY gift seem so much more special than anything purchased, but it also allows the person to determine how to proceed with each of the little surprises. Just imagine their reaction when they will open it up: It feels like a lot of winning of lottery.
6. Memory-Filled Scrapbook with a Twist
For loved ones, a memory book will never go wrong when you’re choosing a gift for a close friend, relative or a partner. To do this, you will have to compile the photos, the inside jokes, and the little messages and compile them into a scrapbook.
But here is where things get fun; insert small ‘coupons’ or gift cards into the pages. For example: a coffee shop card on a page with your favorite coffee date photo or a bookstore gift card with, “Let’s pick new books soon!”
Final Thoughts
So in actuality, it’s not about how much money you should spend but how much effort you have made in choosing the gift. If you want to go fully homemade or complement your handmade creations with a purchased card, it’s the gesture that matters.