Shopping for one gift for the whole family can be hard. Each person has different likes, interests, and, of course, ages. Instead of trying to find one item that everyone wants, consider a gift that gives the family something fun to do or enjoy together. But how do you give the gift of time together? Here are some gift ideas that everyone can get in on.
Matching Clothes
Matching can be a fun way for the whole family to show off their togetherness. Matching family outfits, matching pajamas, and colorful matching socks for the whole family are all great ideas to get the family looking alike. Whether at home together or away at work or school, each person will feel connected. And seeing everybody in the same colors or patterns can make for a fun family moment!
Board Games and Toys
Some families love the opportunity to work together and/or compete with one another. Board games offer plenty of opportunities for both. There are so many games to choose from, but there are always the classics: Monopoly, Twister, Sorry, Jenga, Uno, Pictionary, Yahtzee, and many others. When shopping for the whole family, also consider building toys like LEGO, K'Nex, and Erector sets that everyone can work on together. Just make sure whatever you choose is appropriate for the different ages in the family, so everyone has a chance to take part.
Movies
Watching movies together can be a nice, relaxing way for a family to spend time together. 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 can provide several nights of entertainment. For a 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 give families another way to play 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 the game is appropriate for the whole group. For families who enjoy the outdoors, camping gear or picnic accessories can also give them something to look forward to using on their next 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 with a variety of cones, cups, sprinkles, candy, nuts, cookies, and other toppings. Everyone can create their own favorite combination. You can also consider kitchen appliances or supplies for making homemade ice cream, indoor s'mores, stovetop popcorn, waffles, pancakes, or snow cones. Making—and eating—the treats becomes part of the gift.
Memberships, Tickets, or Gift Cards
This may seem like the easy way out, but memberships, tickets, and gift cards can give a family something to look forward to doing together. Think beyond the traditional retail store and consider amusement parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, or local swimming pools. For a smaller gift, try an ice cream shop, movie theater, miniature golf course, bowling alley, or painting class. Sports tickets are another option for families who love cheering for the same team. And for families who prefer staying home, consider a streaming service or another at-home entertainment option.
Craft Boxes
Encourage the family to be creative together. Put together supplies like construction paper, glue, glitter, markers, crayons, felt, pipe cleaners, and more. See what they can come up with together, or include a book 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 gets an individual gift while still being part of the larger family gift. Buy or make the same type of item for each person, then customize each one to fit their individual style and interests.
Give Family Time
Some of the best family gifts aren't just things—they're family experiences that give everyone something to look forward to doing together. Whether it's a game night, an outing, a creative project, or a matching tradition, choose something that fits the family's interests and gives everyone a chance to join in. The family can enjoy the anticipation, the actual experience, and then the memories.
Give a Gift That Brings Everyone Together
Looking for a simple gift the whole family can enjoy? Choose coordinating socks in men's, women's, and kids' sizes, so everyone gets their own pair while still being part of the match.