Shopping for one gift for the whole family can be hard. Each member has different likes, interests, and of course ages. If you're shopping for the whole family, it's not about buying an item. It's about getting a gift that encourages time together. Quality family time is something that kids and adults will remember long after toys wear out. But, how do you give the gift of time together? Here are some of the best family gift ideas that will strengthen the family bond.
Matching Clothes
Families can bond by wearing matching clothes. When you look alike, you're showing how close you are to each other. Matching family outfits, matching pajamas, and matching socks for families are all great ideas to get the family looking alike. Whether they're at home together or away at work or school, each person will feel connected. And besides, it brings a smile to your face when you see everybody matching!
Board Games and Toys
Some families love the opportunity to work together and/or compete with one another. Board games do both. There are so many games to choose from, but there's always the classics. Monopoly, Twister, Sorry, Jenga, Uno, Pictionary, Yahtzee, and many others are always a hit. When shopping for the whole family, also consider toys like Legos, K'Nex, and Erector sets. Building toys encourage families to work together. And, be careful not to get toys that only one or two family members will enjoy. Make sure it's simple enough that everyone can take part.
Movies
Watching movies together is a nice, relaxing way to spend time with your family. A holiday film pack makes a season-appropriate gift. Put together a package of holiday movies like Home Alone, The Grinch, Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street, and others. Movies like these give your family several nights of entertainment. For the family that likes the movie theater experience at home, make a movie night kit. Wrap together popcorn, fun popcorn bowls, candy, soda pop, and of course some movies.
Outdoor Games and Camping Gear
Outdoor games bring families together much like indoor board games. Family members can team up and compete with each other. Some outdoor games that both young and old can play include croquet, badminton, volleyball, beanbag toss, frisbee, and hula hooping. Just make sure it's appropriate for the whole group. A lot of families also enjoy the outdoors together. Giving camping gear or picnic accessories can get them excited about your next family outing.
Food
We're not talking just any kind of food here. We're talking about the good stuff! Put together an ice cream sundae kit. Gather a variety of cones, cups, sprinkles, candy, nuts, cookies, and other toppings. Every family will enjoy getting together to make their favorite ice cream treat. There are also kitchen appliances that bring the family together. Making homemade ice cream, indoor s'mores, stovetop popcorn, waffles, pancakes, and snow cones are all fun ideas. Everyone can get in the kitchen and then sit down to enjoy their delicious snacks.
Memberships, Tickets, or Gift Cards
This may seem like the easy way out. But, memberships or gift cards for something that the family can do together can make a lasting impression. Think beyond the traditional retail store. Think about things like amusement parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, and local swimming pools. A family outing is sure to make some memories! Even simple activities will make the family happy. Gift cards for ice cream shops, movie theaters, miniature golf courses, bowling, and painting classes are less expensive and fun for everyone. And don't forget about the sports tickets. A family is always ready to band together to support their favorite team. If your family prefers stay-at-home activities, consider streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
Craft Boxes
Encourage your family to be creative together. Put together supplies like packs of construction paper, glue, glitter, markers, crayons, felt, pipe cleaners, and more. See what they can come up with together, or include books with some craft ideas.
Personalized Gifts
What's nice about personalized or monogrammed items, is that each person still gets their own thing. Think about family mugs, tumblers, pillows, towels, and blankets. Each family member will have their own gift, but it will fit into the larger gift idea given to the entire family. Buy or make the same item for each member of the family. Then customize each item to fit each person's style and interests.
Give Family Time
Gifts for families should encourage quality family time. If you can give a thoughtful and valuable family experience, you will make memories that last a lifetime. Your family can enjoy the anticipation, the actual experience, and then the memories.