15 Awesome Gift Ideas for A Virtual Gift Exchange
Are you having trouble getting everyone together for the holidays? Between inclement weather and holiday traffic, it can be difficult to expect everyone over for your holiday party. But that doesn’t mean you can’t share in the seasonal tradition of exchanging gifts! Virtual events are an awesome alternative to meeting in-person. Here are some great gift ideas that’ll be a hit at any holiday party!
How To Do A Virtual Gift Exchange
A virtual gift exchange is a wonderful way for your family, friends, and coworkers to enjoy time together, regardless of where they’re located. But before buying a single present, you’ll need to be sure you know how to do a virtual gift exchange, especially if you’ve never hosted one.
With a quick online search, you’ll find a number of free gift exchange sites that’ll help facilitate this process. These tools really simplify the name-swapping, and let participants create their own wish lists and personalized recommendations.
Chat with your fellow gifters and agree on a price limit for your swap, like $25 plus shipping to the recipient’s home. This creates an even playing field for everyone and eases any anxious feelings around how much to spend. Participants should wait to open their gifts until they’re with everyone at the virtual party — and don’t forget to try and guess who each present is from!
15 gift ideas everyone will love
Thanks to the wish lists provided by gift exchange sites, you’ll definitely have some solid ideas about what to buy your recipient. But if you’d rather send them something a little unexpected, we’ve compiled a list of unique yet practical gifts that are sure to surprise and delight!
Gifts for Family Members
1. Essential oil diffuser
Diffusers are perfect for taking in soothing scents throughout the entire day. All your family members will need to do is add water and their favorite essential oil to create a spa-like atmosphere right in their own home.
2. Gourmet food items
The holidays are for indulging, and sending your family a variety of gourmet foods is one of the best ways to do exactly that. To stay on budget, send small jars that’ll let them sample a number of different spreads, dips, honey, nut butters, and so on.
3. Wood board painting
Painting with a Twist is all about helping you make something unique, like a giftable (and fully customizable) wood board painting. When you visit your local studio, a Painting with a Twist artist will guide you through creating a one-of-a-kind piece, sure to be cherished by whoever opens it at your virtual Christmas gift exchange.
Gifts for friends
1. Yoga mat
It’s safe to say 2020 has brought about some unexpected challenges and stressors for just about everyone. What better way to help a friend unwind and get grounded going into the new year than with a brand new yoga mat!
2. Candle
A candle isn’t the most out-of-the-box item on our list, which is why you should look for one that not only smells great but has a dual purpose once it’s burned. For example, there are plenty of candles whose containers can be cleaned to double as a drinking glass or a small planter. Who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive two gifts in one?
3. Slippers
With all the extra time we’re spending at home these days, ‘real’ shoes have almost become obsolete. Search for a pair of slippers with extra features like fleece lining or memory foam for the ultimate in warmth and comfort.
Gifts for coworkers
1. French press
A French press is the perfect gift for that coworker who needs caffeine to fuel their day. There are plenty of affordable styles to choose from, so if your budget allows for it, complete the gift with a bag of coffee beans, as well.
2. Stainless steel tumbler
Stainless steel tumblers maintain a consistent temperature better than most other materials, which means beverages stay hotter or colder for longer. Look for a size and style the recipient will want to take with them wherever they go.
3. Portable Bluetooth speaker
A portable speaker is a great companion while working from home, enjoying a day at the beach, and everything in between. Its compact size and ease of use means your coworker can jam to their favorite playlist from just about anywhere.
Gifts for white elephant
1. Wireless karaoke mic
What’s more fun than putting on a performance in your living room? After downloading a karaoke app, users can connect to the microphone via Bluetooth, and then it’s time to belt out their best tune. Despite its simple setup, this gift is guaranteed to provide hours of lighthearted entertainment.
2. Disposable camera
Add a little nostalgia to your virtual white elephant gift exchange with a cute disposable camera that’ll remind them of simpler times. The recipient can snap pics of their best holiday moments, or save the camera to take with them on a future trip.
3. Silly socks
A pair of silly socks is a sure way to put a smile on someone’s face! Whether it’s donuts, dinosaurs, or a pop culture print, this whimsical gift will offer a laugh and serve as a great talking point whenever they’re worn.
Gifts for anonymous exchange
1. Reusable shopping bags
Reusable bags are not only an easy step in being more sustainable, but they’re an inexpensive gift that’ll get regular use. Look for bags that’ll hold up to some wear and tear so they can go on any number of errands or excursions.
2. Painting with a Twist gift card
A gift card to Painting with a Twist is really an opportunity for an amazing night out, filled with tons of laughter and memorable moments. Give someone the chance to explore their creativity and take home an original artwork at the end of the evening!
3. Throw blanket
Throw blankets are truly multipurpose — they can wrap themselves up while reading a book, enjoying a Netflix marathon, or during a car ride on a cold day. Your best bet is to buy one in a neutral shade (like gray or cream) that’ll complement anyone’s home interior.
Wrap Up Your Gift List at Painting with a Twist
A thoughtful gift can go a long way, and few gifts are more engaging or rewarding than a new experience! With a Painting with a Twist gift card, recipients can choose from thousands of paintings and studios all over the country where they’re bound to make memories they’ll hold onto for years to come.