The holidays can be a time of joy and community, but they can also bring stress, pressure, and expectation. Gathering with family, staying warm during the winter, and getting gifts for loved ones are all common parts of holiday routines across Canada. However, with many still feeling the pinch of inflation on their daily spending, it can be difficult to justify spending money on other people—even your loved ones—when you struggle to make ends meet at home.

Instead of going out and buying expensive items that may never get used, talk to your loved ones about switching your holidays to an “annual subscription and services model.”

What is an “annual subscription and services model” for holiday gifts, you ask? It’s simple! Rather than focusing your holiday gift-giving on individual items that may never be used, gift them an annual subscription they could use every day or a repeat service that will continue to provide value throughout the entire year. By focusing your gifts on subscriptions and services that they use, you can help relieve some of the pressure of the high cost of living, know that your gift will benefit them all year, and remind them of you every time they use it.

Why Subscriptions and Services Are the Perfect Gifts

Holiday gifting often feels like a sprint through overcrowded malls or endless scrolling online to find that elusive perfect item. Too often, these gifts end up collecting dust, forgotten after the novelty wears off. Subscriptions and services, on the other hand, bring value that extends far beyond the initial unwrapping.

These gifts are:

• Practical: They align with everyday needs or hobbies.
• Long-lasting: The recipient can enjoy them all year.
• Personalized: From entertainment to professional growth, there’s a subscription to suit everyone.

Here’s a closer look at five categories of subscriptions and services that can transform your gift-giving approach this holiday season.

Streaming Services: Endless Entertainment at Their Fingertips

The gift of entertainment is always welcome. Subscriptions to popular movie, TV, or audiobook streaming platforms allow your loved ones to enjoy movies, shows, music, or audiobooks without worrying about recurring costs.

• Added Value: These services can replace the need for costly rentals or individual purchases, providing hours of enjoyment.
• Perfect For: Families looking for kid-friendly shows, friends who love binge-watching, or the audiobook addict in your life.
• Pro Tip: Personalize the gift by including a handwritten note with recommendations for shows, playlists, or audiobooks you think they’ll love.

Streaming subscriptions are the gift of relaxation and escapism, making them a cherished option for busy individuals and families alike.

Subscription Boxes: A Monthly Surprise Tailored to Their Interests

Who doesn’t love receiving a surprise package in the mail? Subscription boxes like Book of the Month, KiwiCo, or BarkBox cater to specific interests and hobbies, delivering curated items straight to the recipient’s door.

• Added Value: These boxes often encourage self-care, creativity, or learning—without added expense for the recipient.
• Perfect For: The person who has everything or someone you want to spoil consistently throughout the year.
• Pro Tip: Match the box to their personality—think gourmet cooking kits for foodies, STEM activity kits for kids, or a wine subscription for connoisseurs.

Subscription boxes add a sense of excitement and thoughtfulness to your gift while allowing the recipient to explore new interests.

Professional or Skill Development Subscriptions: Investing in Their Growth

Gifting a subscription to platforms like LinkedIn Learning, MasterClass, or Duolingo Plus can open doors for personal or professional advancement. Whether it’s mastering photography, honing public speaking, or learning a new language, these services offer tools for growth.

• Added Value: These subscriptions help the recipient achieve their goals without bearing the cost of classes or workshops.
• Perfect For: Career-focused friends, family members with creative hobbies, or anyone eager to expand their horizons.
• Pro Tip: Tailor the gift to their ambitions—perhaps they’ve mentioned wanting to learn French or improve their culinary skills.

These thoughtful gifts communicate belief in someone’s potential and provide a tangible pathway for them to thrive.

Everyday Essentials Subscriptions: Simplifying Life’s Necessities

Ease someone’s day-to-day routine by gifting subscriptions to services like Amazon Prime, Costco Membership, CAA, or Walmart+. These memberships provide discounts on essentials, faster shipping, and other conveniences that reduce the stress of daily living.

• Added Value: The recipient will think of your gift every time they save money or skip a checkout line.
• Perfect For: Parents, busy professionals, or anyone who juggles multiple responsibilities.
• Pro Tip: Include a list of tips or hacks to maximize the subscription’s benefits—such as exclusive deals or shopping strategies.

Helping someone save time and money on everyday tasks is a gift that will be appreciated long after the holiday season ends.

Transportation Subscriptions: Make Commuting Hassle-Free

For city dwellers or regular commuters, annual transit passes, bike-sharing memberships, or even gas gift cards can significantly reduce the cost of getting around.

• Added Value: These services lower the financial burden of daily travel, offering a practical and eco-friendly option for urban transportation.
• Perfect For: City commuters, college students, or anyone with a regular travel routine.
• Pro Tip: Pair the gift with a note estimating how much they’ll save compared to daily fares or individual trips.

Practical and thoughtful, transportation-related gifts offer convenience and savings for the recipient’s everyday needs.

Tips for Choosing the Right Subscription

When selecting a subscription or service as a gift, consider the recipient’s personality, lifestyle, and preferences. Here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

1. Know Their Interests: Think about their hobbies, habits, or needs. Are they a foodie, a music lover, or a busy parent?
2. Focus on Usability: Choose a subscription they’ll genuinely use and benefit from.
3. Add a Personal Touch: Enhance your gift with a handwritten note or thoughtful accessory, such as a pair of headphones with a music subscription.

With the right choice, your gift will feel both thoughtful and tailored, creating a lasting impression.

The Long-Term Benefits of Subscriptions

In an era where financial challenges are common, gifting subscriptions offers more than convenience—it provides peace of mind. Recipients can enjoy:

• Reduced Costs: Savings on items or services they’d typically pay for themselves.
• Year-Long Value: Continuous benefits that stretch far beyond the holidays.
• A Personalized Touch: A reminder of your thoughtfulness every time they use the subscription.

By shifting your holiday mindset to focus on these meaningful gifts, you can spread joy and reduce stress for everyone on your list.

Conclusion: A Holiday Gift That Keeps Giving

This holiday season, step away from the traditional gift-giving frenzy and embrace a smarter, more thoughtful approach. Subscriptions and services not only address real-life needs but also show that you care about the recipient’s happiness and well-being throughout the year.

Whether it’s a streaming service for endless entertainment, a skill-development platform to inspire growth, or an essentials membership to ease daily tasks, these gifts are practical, meaningful, and long-lasting. They offer an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life—one month at a time.

Take a few minutes to think about your loved ones’ needs and interests, and select a subscription that fits. Not only will your gift stand out this holiday season, but it will also serve as a reminder of your thoughtfulness for months to come.

Give the gift of savings and joy this year—and make your holidays truly unforgettable.