Whether you’re looking to stick to a budget, avoid consumer culture, or just simply reignite your creative spark this holiday season, I hope these ideas will inspire your process.
make a photo or video keepsake
At your next event, don't forget your camera! Photo and video footage of epic moments can easily become keepsake items for gift-time. Websites like Shutterfly allow you to customize calendars, mugs, cards, t-shirts, etc. with your own photos. Better yet, put the photos in a DIY SnowGlobe.
A new tradition I've created for all the young ones in my family: Instead of getting them each a random gift or toy, I invite them to a "Movie Making Party" in which everyone gets to be part of a fun creative process. After, I edit the footage together to create an awesome video that the kids and parents can watch and have forever as a keepsake.
give an experience
Another way to go is to give someone an experiential gift - tickets to a show, a class card for a yoga or dance studio, or membership to a program that they would love. Try Groupon, or better yet, visit a local studio and buy directly from them.
We have gift certificates available for our Dance Again class series and shop - click here to gift someone dance classes!
shop small
image via Rosy Made Designs
Support artists, artisans, and small businesses and get gifts that are really unique and really meaningful. Check out Etsy for personalized gifts, crafts, vintage stuff, and more.
I’ve also seen Facebook posts asking people to share local businesses and artists so that they can make their shopping lists from those sources. I love this idea - what a great way to source your community and make good use of social media, rather than just having to go by the advertisements that are fed to us! It’s a great way to give exposure to local artists/businesses, as well.
get crafty
image via Paper Source
If time allows, get some supplies at your local arts & crafts store or use found items to make a bunch of gifts. Make your own chapstick or candles. Collage together cut out images from magazines and make cards. Or search Pinterest for more ideas!
You could also get crafty in a digital or written way. make someone a dance video, a poem, or a playlist. Thoughtfulness goes a long way!
give creative books + journals
Did I mention that Dance With This Book comes with a link to a free video series? Great way to give an experience along with a book!
A book can open up a whole new world for someone. Give a book or a blank journal as a way to spark their creativity.
There’s nothing I love more than a blank journal or notebook - it signals new ideas and possibilities, especially at the start of a new year.
Books on creativity are also my JAM and have helped so many times to get me out of a creative rut. Here are some of my faves: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon, Walking in this World by Julie Cameron (she has way more than just The Artist’s Way, including these creativity cards), The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, and of course Dance With This Book by yours truly ;)
items with thought or humor
Check out the “dancer” Christmas reindeer sweatshirt for the dancer in your life!
If you do choose do a more typical gift of clothing or other times, make it creative by adding some humor or thoughtfulness towards what you pick. I’m really pumped about the new reindeer “dancer” design I created for these sweatshirts in the shop, and can’t wait to gift them!
hope these creative gift ideas have sparked something in you.
I know that holidays are not always the happiest time for many, so hang in there, take dance breaks, and stay in touch. The new year will be here before we know it!
