Want a quick way to shorten your gift list? This year, instead of spending hours finding individual presents for each member of the neighbor’s family or separate gifts for every one of your gal pal’s five children, consider getting a “family gift.” Not only will you save time, but you’ll also be giving them a chance to enjoy quality time together. The key to giving a family gift is finding something that is age-appropriate for both kids and adults that also matches the interests of all of the family members. Don’t be afraid to ask a few questions about favorite games, places to eat, movies, etc. With a little bit of “inside information” you’ll find that buying a family gift is easier than it sounds.

With some thought and planning, you can give to the families on your list in ways that not only save them time and/or expenses, but which are also creative, unexpected, and fun for all! Here are some great gift ideas to spark your imagination.

Classic Movies

Many families rent DVDs on a regular basis, but usually go for the current, popular titles. Though these include a wealth of great selections, some of the great family classics are often neglected. Give them something they might not choose for themselves, such as The Sound of Music, or even one that doesn’t qualify as a classic but which you yourself loved as a kid and still find charming to remember today. In searching your memory, you may even decide to pick up two copies – one for your favorite family, and one for yourself.

Monthly Movie Night

To add to the movie experience, consider throwing in goodies and making it a monthly event the whole family will look forward to. At FlyingNoodle.com, you can order recurring monthly film treats via their Movie of the Month Club. Each of these gifts includes a Blockbuster certificate and gourmet popcorns and seasonings, along with classic theater candies such as Raisinets and the like.

The Gift of Art

We all have an artistic side, and a fun family activity that even the youngest toddlers can participate in is creating a simple yet stylish picture using finger-paints. With just a few supplies – paper, paints and a frame – everyone in the family can choose a color, cover their palms with a light coat of paint, and make a “family handprint” poster. They may even decide to get more creative and add a family “tree” as a background, perhaps pasting each person’s photo near their handprints. The finished product can be framed and hung in the family room, kitchen or anywhere else it can be an inspiring and fun reminder of their collaborative effort.

A World of Flavor

Speaking of monthly clubs, another great gift idea for families is the Gourmet Club, offered by ClubsGalore.com. These gifts include treats from around the world, with a different region or theme each month. From pastas to preserves, condiments to candies, and more, it’s a fun, educational and delicious way for the family to share in a variety of offerings from cultures around the world.

A Slice of America

For down-home family fare, pizza is always a much-loved favorite, though not usually presented as a gift. The creative folks at GreatClubs.com, however, offer a Pizza of the Month Club, whereby your favorite family can receive deep-dish pizzas on a regular basis. Once a month, three Chicago-style pies are delivered to the recipient family’s home, ready to bake. The flavors vary by the month and are unique recipes, yet not so unusual or exotic that even the pickiest eaters won’t look forward to gobbling them up.

Author Bio: A subscription to a movie of the month club makes a great family gift. Find information and links to the best gift clubs at the blog dedicated to great gift ideas — BestOfTheMonthClubs.com.

Category: Family Concerns
Keywords: gifts for families,family gift ideas,gift clubs,great gift ideas,family gifts