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11 Thoughtful Gift Ideas That Aren't Things, & Resolutions That Don't Involve Diet or Exercise 🚫

Because honestly, who needs more stuff? Plus, 5 unconventional New Year's resolutions that are actually enriching.

Author

Arnelle & Emil Lozada
December 05, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

When it comes to gift-giving, the best presents leave a lasting impression, and often times aren’t even necessarily “things.” For the travel and home decor enthusiasts in your life, finding something that matches their passions without adding clutter can be a challenge. That’s why experiences and tools that inspire creativity, foster connection, or support their adventures often make the most meaningful gifts. These thoughtful alternatives go beyond material items, offering opportunities to explore, learn, and create memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Whether it’s helping them design their dream space, plan their next trip, or learn a new skill, these gifts reflect the spirit of discovery and personal growth. From virtual design consultations to global cooking classes and innovative tools to document their journeys, we’ve rounded up 11 incredible ideas that are perfect for anyone who values both the thrill of travel and the comfort of home.

For the travel enthusiast:

  1. Annual National Park Pass
    The America the Beautiful pass offers access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the U.S., perfect for outdoor lovers who enjoy road trips and nature.

  2. Language Learning App Subscription
    Give the gift of connection with an annual subscription to apps like Babbel or Rosetta Stone, making it easier to learn a language before their next adventure.

  3. Virtual Cooking Class with a Global Twist
    Sign them up for an online cooking class with a platform like Cozymeal or The Chef & The Dish, where they can learn to make dishes from different countries.

  4. Airport Lounge Access
    Provide stress-free travel with a Priority Pass membership, offering access to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide for relaxation during layovers.

  5. Skip Long Lines at the Airport
    A gifted Clear membership means they can enjoy convenience by skipping long security lines at several nationwide airports.

  6. A Digital Travel Planner
    This Ultimate Travel + Content Planner is perfect for travelers who love to take photos and snap content along the way.

For the home decor enthusiast:

  1. Virtual Interior Design Consultation
    Arrange a session with an interior design expert to help them refresh a space in their home. Platforms like Havenly make this process simple and accessible.

  2. Membership to a Home & Garden Workshop Series
    For DIY enthusiasts, a subscription to workshops like Craftsy or local botanical garden classes can nurture creativity and bring fresh ideas into their home.

  3. Digital Interior Design Planner
    This Digital Interior Design Planner will help them design, plan and budget their new home project to their heart’s content.

For lovers of both:

  1. A Home Swapping Membership
    Encourage slow travel and home appreciation with a service like Kindred or HomeExchange, allowing them to swap homes with others globally for unique and cost-effective stays.

  2. Digital Journaling or Scrapbooking Tool
    A subscription to journaling platforms like Journey for organizing travel memories and home projects can help them document their adventures and designs in style.

5 Unconventional New Year’s Resolution Ideas 📓 

New Year Dog GIF by chuber channel

Gif by chuber on Giphy

These resolutions blend creativity, mindfulness, and exploration, enriching both your travel experiences and home life in ways that last well beyond 2024.

  • Plan a "Slow Travel" Adventure
    Instead of cramming multiple destinations into one trip, resolve to visit just one place and stay long enough to truly experience it. Immerse yourself in the culture, meet locals, and find hidden gems you’d otherwise miss. Think of it as quality over quantity for your travels.

  • Adopt a "One In, One Out" Rule at Home
    For every new item you bring into your home, commit to donating or repurposing something you already have. This resolution keeps your space clutter-free and encourages more mindful consumption, whether it’s new decor or souvenirs from your travels.

  • Create a "Micro-Adventure" Habit
    Dedicate one day a month (or week!) to exploring your local area as if you were a tourist. Visit a nearby town, hike an unfamiliar trail, or eat at a new restaurant. This resolution can satisfy wanderlust without breaking the bank.

  • Host a “World at Home” Dinner Series
    Bring the world to your dining table by cooking meals from different countries each month. Dive deep into the culture by learning about the history of the dish, playing music from the region, or even inviting friends to join for a themed dinner night.

  • Start a "Memory-First" Travel Journal
    Instead of focusing on packing itineraries and logistics, create a travel journal dedicated to capturing emotions, small moments, and unexpected connections during your trips. This reflective practice can deepen your travel experiences and provide beautiful keepsakes for the future.

🚨 CALL-TO-ACTION 🚨

We’re challenging you to share one of your New Year’s resolutions OR take one of the above on board and share your experience by February 2025 for accountability! You can share either by responding to this email or clicking on the comment button below to chime into the conversation.

✷ ICYMI ➜ ON THE BLOG ✷

Arches National Park, Utah during sunrise.

We shared some thoughts about why we travel and how that perspective has deepened now that we have a son. In this members-only post, we invite everyone to share their favorite travel experience and why it made such a lasting impression. We’d love to hear from you!

📺 WATCHING → Our Oceans, narrated by former President Barack Obama. This series explores the mysteries and wonders of Earth's five oceans. The series takes viewers on a 75,000-mile journey to deepen our understanding of marine ecosystems and the challenges they face, showcasing unique marine behaviors and highlighting the interconnectedness of oceanic life. Notable footage includes a coconut octopus 🐙 using its siphon to shoot stones at fish 🐠—a behavior never before documented.

📙 READING → Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, by Matthew Walker. In the spirit of Winter, resets, rest and hibernation, we’ve been diving into this groundbreaking exploration of the science of sleep and its profound impact on every aspect of our lives. Walker, a leading neuroscientist and sleep expert, delves into why we sleep, the consequences of sleep deprivation, and the transformative benefits of quality rest for our health, productivity, and well-being. The book provides eye-opening insights into how sleep affects memory, creativity, and even our lifespan, all while offering practical tips to improve our sleep habits. Engaging and deeply informative, it’s a must-read for anyone looking to understand the vital role of sleep in leading a healthier, more fulfilling life.

🎧 LISTENING TO → Chill Winter Mix on Spotify. Winter vibes but without the Christmas songs, because Mariah Carey hasn’t quite defrosted for us yet.

One of my favorite gifts last year was an EatWith membership. I’ve met so many cool people at dinner parties through their platform. You can take cooking classes on there too, and I plan on doing that this year!

Lidia S.
❝

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.

- Nelson Mandela