Christmas Gift Ideas for Lonely People

During the holiday season, lonely people especially need some extra TLC. That includes putting extra thought into their Christmas gifts. Stay away from decorative gifts because items that sit on a shelf will not enhance lonely people's lives. Practical gifts can go either way. If the recipient is by nature a pragmatic person and specifies his desire for something specific he needs, a practical gift should work.

If the recipient is also on a tight budget and struggles to buy daily needs for himself, personal hygiene and body care products may be welcome. These include their favorite brand of body lotions, bath and shower gels, shaving cream, and special hair styling products.

What do these have to do with loneliness? If you can't make yourself presentable and feel good about yourself, you are less likely to go outside, increasing the loneliness factor. So, these are indirect gifts that will help out on many levels. Here are some other ideas for the lonely people on your Christmas gift list.

For Women

Anything that allows women to feel better about themselves and things they can use for pampering themselves will go over well. However, this is not as easy as simply buying a gift basket with bath products because this may come across as generic and impersonal. Instead, a gift certificate to a spa or salon would be ideal and serves two purposes: Getting her out of the house and making her feel pampered.

Women may also appreciate a pretty journal with their favorite flower or animal as a cover. If you do not know these, an artistic cover that uses their favorite colors would be suitable. If you do not know those either, go with scenery covers like sunsets. Receiving a journal may encourage them to start journaling which is good therapy for anyone.

For Men

Journaling is not only for women. However, men may shy away from receiving a gift they may see as a "diary." A good alternative (and really a unisex option) that encourages journaling, but is different, is the book "Wreck this Journal" by Keri Smith. Way more than a journal, it's a creative on hands exercise tool that engages a variety of emotions and uncovers a user's artsy side.

Traditional gifts like tools and model building kits are okay as well, as long as the recipient engages in these activities. And no, a man who uses tools can never have enough and he will spend his time using them.

For Couples

Yes, couples can be lonely too. Anything that gets them out of the house for a date night will be welcome. Options include tickets for live performances (ballet, theater, opera, concerts) and gift cards to their favorite restaurants.

Universal gifts to Pass the Time

Items like books and e-readers make ideal gifts for lonely people. E-readers are better if you do not know the person's individual tastes too well because they can choose what to download. A book takes careful consideration. Stick with something upbeat and lighthearted or even inspirational. Instead of shopping at a large store, go to an independent book store and let the store clerk help you pick something.

Music is a universal gift as well. Instead of agonizing over CD's, give a music player instead and include a gift card for downloading music.

Also, role playing and video games will pass time and allow lonely people who can not leave the house because of disabilities to focus on something else besides their situation. While video games and technology in general are often bashed in the media as anti-social behavior enablers, for people who are stuck at home technology is the window for interaction with others.

Another idea would be a beginner's kit for painting or crafty protects that allows lonely people to engage in creative pursuits. Despite popular belief, talent does not make an artist. Creative expression is something everyone can engage in. Most people shy away from trying out because they do not want to spend money on something they may fail. But, if it's given as a gift the temptation to try something new may be hard to resist. Besides, creative expression makes for wonderful therapy.

Time

The best gift of all is time. When delivering your Christmas gift to the lonely people, try to make a commitment to yourself to give them some of your time, not just during the holidays, but all year long.