Holiday shopping often brings to mind the latest phones, tablets, gaming devices, and other technology products. However, not every shopper is looking for a gift with a screen.
For the 2026 holiday season, PwC’s Holiday Outlook report points to growing interest in screen-free gifts and experiences, reinforcing a simple takeaway: many consumers want presents without screens. Its survey found that 64% of consumers are prioritizing gifts that do not involve screens. That figure rises to 78% among Gen Z respondents.
The finding suggests that shoppers are considering gifts that encourage hands-on activities, shared experiences, and interests outside digital devices.
Here are seven screen-free gift ideas worth considering when putting together a holiday shopping list.
Board Games for Family Gatherings
Board games give people a chance to spend time together without everyone focusing on individual devices.
Classic games can appeal to different age groups, while newer strategy and party games provide alternatives for households that want something unfamiliar.
When selecting a game, consider how many people will play, the recommended age range, and how long a typical round takes. A complicated game may not be the best choice for a casual family gathering.
Related: 7 Unique Ways to Entertain House Guests Without Breaking The Bank
Books That Match the Recipient’s Interests
A book can be a thoughtful gift when it reflects what someone genuinely enjoys reading.
For a person who enjoys cooking, a cookbook may be appropriate. Someone interested in travel might appreciate a guidebook or collection of travel stories. A reader who enjoys fiction may prefer a novel from a favorite genre.
Consider whether the recipient already owns the book. A special edition, a book from a favorite author, or a carefully selected new release can make the gift feel more personal.
Art and Craft Kits
Art and craft kits give recipients something practical to do after opening their presents.
Options include painting sets, knitting kits, embroidery materials, beginner pottery projects, and model-building collections. These gifts can suit different experience levels, from complete beginners to people with established creative hobbies.
A good kit should include clear instructions and most of the essential materials needed to complete the project.
Puzzles for Quiet Evenings
Jigsaw puzzles remain a familiar option for people who enjoy activities that can be completed gradually.
They come in different sizes, designs, and difficulty levels. Some feature landscapes, city scenes, animals, artwork, or familiar movie themes.
A puzzle can also become a shared activity when several people work on it together. For a more personal gift, choose an image or subject connected to the recipient’s interests.
Related: 14 Unassuming Apps That Could Leak Your Family’s Location
Cooking and Baking Accessories
Not every screen-free gift needs to be a game or entertainment product. Practical kitchen accessories work well for someone who enjoys preparing meals.
Examples include a quality mixing bowl, measuring cups, a decorative serving tray, a baking set, or an attractive cookbook stand.
Before purchasing kitchen equipment, consider what the person already owns. A useful item that fits their cooking habits is generally more thoughtful than an expensive gadget that may remain unused.
Experience-Based Gifts
Some shoppers may prefer giving an experience rather than another physical item.
Depending on the recipient’s interests and location, possibilities include tickets to a live performance, a pottery class, a museum visit, a cooking workshop, or a planned day trip.
Experience gifts can be especially appealing because they give two people a chance to spend time together. However, check dates, location, booking conditions, and whether the recipient can realistically attend.
Journals and Stationery Sets
A well-chosen stationery set can appeal to people who enjoy writing, planning, drawing, or keeping personal records.
A gift package might include a notebook, pens, sticky notes, bookmarks, and a storage pouch. Some people may prefer a simple journal, while others might enjoy a more decorative planner.
The best option depends on how the recipient likes to organize thoughts and daily activities. A practical set is often more useful than one filled with decorative pieces that may never be used.
Related: 8 Household Items That Begin to Feel Immature After 30
How to Choose a Screen-Free Gift Without Overspending
A gift does not have to be expensive to feel thoughtful. Before shopping, consider the recipient’s hobbies, available space, and lifestyle.
PwC’s 2026 Holiday Outlook also points to more careful spending. The report says eight in ten consumers plan to adopt a budgeting strategy during the holiday season, while 79% say deals and discounts influence when they shop.
That makes it useful to set a spending limit before browsing. Compare prices, check return policies, and avoid buying an item simply because it is heavily advertised.
For experience-based gifts, check whether you can change or refund the booking. For physical products, consider durability and whether replacement supplies will be easy to find.
Final Thought
Screen-free gifts do not mean rejecting technology altogether. They offer another way to make holiday giving personal. Whether it is a board game, a book, a craft kit, or an experience shared with someone special, the best gift reflects the recipient rather than blindly following a shopping trend.
