Quality entertainment can be hard to come by, especially for those actively trying to stick to a budget. When it comes to cutting back on family expenses, entertainment often comes first, and that's no fun for anyone.
You can help your friends and family by giving them a form of entertainment to make up for what they're missing out on. In this article we explore all kinds of gift cards, subscriptions, and gadgets that are perfect for this, and most of them work well as afterthoughts!
Netflix is one of the safest options for gifting. Their library may be thinning out, but most of what remains is top-notch stuff and there's something to see for everyone. Even if you don't watch dramas or comedies, you can still enjoy documentaries and “slow TV”.
Gifting Netflix is easy. Simply buy a Netflix gift card on Amazon (if you want to do it electronically) or buy a physical gift card available at most major retailers (if you want to make it more personal).
If you think Hulu is more his style, check out our comparison if you're not sure about Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Amazon Prime:Which one should you choose? Netflix vs. Hulu vs. Amazon Prime:Which one should you choose? It's been years since we've compared the big-hit streaming services Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. And with changes in pricing, content, quality, and interface, we thought it was time to take a fresh look. Learn more:You can then purchase a physical gift card at places like Target, Best Buy, and Walmart. As of this writing, the Hulu Digital Gift Card program is temporarily suspended due to a system upgrade.
For the entertainment fanatic who cares more about music than movies or TV, there is nothing better than Spotify. You can buy a Spotify gift card directly on the website, or you can get a physical card from a major retailer.
Other music-related gift cards include:
Not sure which streaming service is the right gift for you? We've got an exhaustive comparison of Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music that might be insightful, but they're all pretty good, so it's hard to go wrong here. Only go with Pandora if you know the recipient is already actively listening to Pandora.
Please note that while many of these services offer family or other shared plans that may be cheaper overall, these plans are generally excluded from gift card redemptions. Also note that these cards can usually only be redeemed in the same country in which they were purchased.
Amazon Prime may not be for everyone, but it is extremely useful for many. And chances are, gifting Prime to a friend or family member will be received with much gratitude. Amazon Prime offers so many benefits that this might be the safest gift idea ever, second only to the Amazon Gift Card.
What kind of entertainment does Prime offer?
Amazon Prime can only be gifted as a One Year Subscription for $99 (CA) . But for anyone who loves digital entertainment, that price is easily justified.
Scribd is a great option for someone who prefers to read over other forms of entertainment that involve watching or listening. Your library consists of hundreds of thousands of e-books, comics, academic papers, and other documents.
The good thing is that Scribd has special deals with several major publishers, lending themselves to their huge library. Some Kindle exclusives are not available though. See our comparison of Scribd and Kindle Unlimited for more information.
Give the gift of Scribd using the dedicated webpage.
If you know someone who loves to read (fiction or nonfiction, it doesn't matter) but doesn't have enough time these days to sit down and block out segments of the day, then audiobooks can be life-changing. What is the difference between podcasts and audiobooks? What is the difference between podcasts and audiobooks? It may seem like a simple question, but do you really know the difference between podcasts and audiobooks? You will if you read this article. Read More
Audible is the industry leader for audiobooks, and the great thing about their gift program is that you can give away entire memberships or individual titles.
For music lovers, the Amazon Echo is heaven in a cylinder. It provides immersive 360-degree audio, responds to hundreds of voice commands, and can stream music from all kinds of services, including Spotify, Pandora, Amazon, and more.
But the Echo can also be used in many other ways. 7 Creative Uses for Amazon Echo and Alexa 7 Creative Uses for Amazon Echo and Alexa. You've seen the ads starring Alec Baldwin, but you're still not sure what the Amazon Echo does. If you need one in your house. We're about to find out. Read More For music lovers. It's extremely entertaining in its own right.
Amazon Echo - Black (1st Generation) Amazon Echo - Black (1st Generation) Buy now on Amazon
For someone who wants to stream Netflix or Hulu to their TV, there are plenty of streaming media devices out there. The 8 best devices to stream movies to your TV. The 8 best devices to stream movies to your TV. There are several ways to stream media to your TV. and deciding which path is right for you can be overwhelming. Let us help you explore what is currently available. Read More
Not sure which Roku to get? Take a look at our overview of all Roku devices. Which Roku Media Streamer Should You Buy? Which Roku Media Streamer Should You Buy? The current offering is divided into five products:the Roku Streaming Stick and the Roku 1, 2, 3, and 4. This article looks at what each product can offer and tries to determine which... Read More And whoever you're gifting it to, be sure to share these essential Roku tips with them. Get more from your Roku with these 10 tips. Get more from your Roku with these 10 tips. Ok, so you have your Roku up and running. but you're probably not maximizing its utility. These 10 tips will help you get the most out of your Roku. Read More 10 smart tricks for your Roku. 10 smart tricks for your Roku. Roku boxes are incredibly easy to set up and use, but there are plenty of tips and tricks out there that will greatly improve your experience. Here are 10 of the best... Read more.
Roku 2 Streaming Media Player (4210R) with faster processor (2015 model) Roku 2 Streaming Media Player (4210R) with faster processor (2015 model) Buy now on Amazon $99.99
A Kindle is the perfect gift for any avid reader, even those who think they prefer "real" books Books Suck:Why I Love My Kindle More Than Dead Trees Books Suck:Why I Love My Kindle More Than Dead Trees Modern E-Readers they hold thousands of novels, weigh next to nothing, have built-in lights, and don't give you a concussion when they touch your nose. Read more . The e-ink technology that powers Kindle screens is nothing like reading on a smartphone or tablet, and some even think it's superior to paper.
The great thing about Kindle is that there are several different models to choose from. Which Kindle Device Should You Buy? A Comparison Guide Which Kindle Device Should You Buy? Comparison Guide There are four different Kindle readers available to purchase for different types of users. But which Kindle device is right for you? Read more . But if you treat yourself and you can afford it, the Kindle Oasis is a luxury worth its high price. 3 Compelling Reasons to Buy an Amazon Kindle Oasis 3 Compelling Reasons to Buy an Amazon Kindle Oasis Once you get past the shock of the price of the Kindle Oasis, you'll find that it actually offers a lot of bang for your buck. Here are three reasons to consider purchasing one. Read more.
Kindle Paperwhite E-reader (Previous Generation - 7th) - Black, 6" Hi-Res Display (300 ppi) with built-in light, Wi-Fi - Includes special offers Kindle Paperwhite E-reader (Previous Generation - 7th) - Black, 6" High-Res Display (300 ppi) with Built-in Light, Wi-Fi - Includes Special Offers Buy Now on Amazon $119.99 Kindle Oasis E-reader with Leather Charging Cover - Black, 6" High-Res Display ( 300 ppi), Wi-Fi, Built-in Audible - Includes Special Offers (Previous Generation - 8a) Kindle Oasis E- Reader with Leather Charging Cover - Black, 6" High Resolution Display (300 ppi), Wi-Fi, Built-in Audible - Includes special offers (Previous Generation - 8th) Buy now on Amazon
Games are hard to give away. You never know if a person is going to like a game or not. Even if you know someone's favorite genres, not all games in that genre are created equal.
So if you're going to buy a gift for a player this year, don't buy it from individual games unless they've specifically asked for one. It's too risky. Just get them a GameStop gift card and let them decide. Digital and physical cards available..
When all else fails, you can always rely on a trusted Amazon (CA) Gift Card. This stuff is so versatile and valuable that it's almost equivalent to cold cash - the benefit is that it doesn't feel as impersonal or desperate as cash.
If you don't want to give it electronically, you can opt for the Amazon Print-at-Home Gift Card. Or you can just buy a physical card from any major retailer.
Whatever you do, make sure you don't overdo it and screw up your finances just because it's Christmas. 10 Ways To Screw Your Budget This Christmas 10 Ways To Screw Your Budget This Christmas Christmas can be a tough time of year for your budget. Follow these tips to make good financial decisions this holiday season. Read more . Although it is always good to receive gifts, nobody wants that to happen to you..
So tell us, which, if any, of these are you giving as a gift this year? Do you know of any other entertainment related gifts that we have overlooked? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
