Wait, didn’t summer just end? I don’t know about you, but it sure seems like it to me. Now holiday commercials are already playing, and I even heard Christmas music the other day in a store. As the holiday season fast approaches, many of us are on the lookout for the perfect gift. And we’re not talking about another pair of socks (though I would take those!), but something special. 

While store-bought gifts can be thoughtful, there's something truly special about a gift that's not just beautiful but also deeply meaningful. Here are a few ideas for you to think about as you look at your Christmas shopping list. 

10 Creative, Meaningful Christmas Gift Ideas 

1. Local Gift Basket - Does your loved one like tea? Coffee? Wine? Create a small local gift basket with items that they’ll love! In fact, some local businesses even offer gift baskets so you can grab and go. One of our favorite coffee shops is O’Sheas Caife and Tea! This amazing Irish coffee shop is right across the street from us. 

2. Meal Gift Certificate - Do you have a friend or family member who could use a night off cooking? A certificate/gift card to their favorite local restaurant is the perfect way to send them a meal. Meal delivery services are a great option as well. 

3. The Gift of Organization -  Imagine giving your bestie the gift of an organized home! Declutterize with Dawn is a professional organizer who creates organized households. She helps busy moms take back their space and live more peaceful lives. You can purchase a digital gift card here.

4. The Gift of Relaxation - Give your loved one a relaxing experience after the busy holiday season. Tranquil Hands- is owned by the lovely Phyllis! She’s a mobile massage therapist and the sweetest person on the planet. Visit her Facebook page here or send her an email here.

5. Local BBQ Sauce - Okay, hear us out! These are NOT grocery store BBQ sauces. Phyllis (from Tranquil Hands!) and her husband Dan also own Big Dog Sauce Company making healthy BBQ sauce! This NH-based Business Premium Sauces, all-natural no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. If you haven’t had this sauce yet, this is your sign to try some and then gift some to a friend. Here’s their Facebook Page to learn more. Or, go ahead and purchase a 12oz gift set here. 

6. Pressed Bookmarks - Kaylie is a local maker creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind handmade pressed floral bookmarks! She’s even been featured on Buzzfeed! You can order a bookmark through her Etsy shop. If the deadline to order has passed, favor her shop for any future gift ideas!

7. Storyworth Subscription - Storyworth is perfect for a relative who has stories to tell! Each week, the recipient gets an email with a question. They then reply to that email with an answer. At the end of the year, their responses get put into a physical book! Click here to check it out.

8. Memberships or Passes - What about a membership or pass to something they’ll love and use a lot throughout the year? One example is to purchase a state park pass! Sometimes, they send it digitally, or you could print it off and put it in a small gift basket. 

9. Custom Gift Box - Need a beautiful custom gift box for a family member, friend, client, or colleague? The Bee Witched Box Company is a local company that offers customized gifting! They work with small businesses to put together a gift box with high-quality and hand-curated items. Visit the Etsy shop here!

10. Custom Portrait Artwork - We have one more idea that we hope you love, and that’s custom portrait artwork. We started writing this description and realized it needed its own section! 

Why Portrait Artwork?

Portrait artwork is a timeless and cherished way to capture and celebrate special moments and the people we hold dear. Giving it as a gift is something your loved one will have and cherish forever. Here are some of the best reasons. 

1. Personalization - Portrait artwork can be customized to reflect the personality, interests, and style of the subject, making it a highly personal and thoughtful gift.

2. Long-lasting - A beautifully crafted portrait can last for generations, becoming a family heirloom that preserves the memory of your loved ones for years to come. I guarantee this is a gift you will never regret giving. 

3. Emotional impact - Portrait art has a way of evoking emotions and creating a deep connection with the subject. It's a gift that can tug at the heartstrings and bring tears of joy to the recipient.

4. Unique and one-of-a-kind - Each portrait is a work of art, making it a unique and one-of-a-kind gift that can't be duplicated or picked up a the store! 

Gift Ideas: Portrait Artwork

1. Wall Art - A custom wall art piece is perfect for a loved one who lives far away or would treasure a professional piece on the wall. We offer wall art pieces that come in many different sizes and colors to create something that’ll look beautiful on your loved ones wall. 

2. Album - Our heirloom albums are carefully curated to tell the story of the session. We have different style and size albums too that would be a great gift for someone on your list, or even yourself! ;) 

3. Gift Certificate - Giving a gift of a portrait gift certificate offers the recipient the flexibility to schedule the session when it’s convenient for them. Furthermore, they can use it for whatever session or special occasion they want. The portrait session itself becomes a cherished memory, making the entire experience even more meaningful. 

Greater Boston Portrait Photographers 

As professional photographers, there's no greater joy than capturing families in meaningful ways. So, get your calendar ready, reach out, and let our lens capture the magic of the season together. If you’re looking for a portrait photographer in the New Hampshire and Greater Boston areas, we’d love to chat with you and discuss your session! You can check out our work and reach out to us here!