This year, why not think beyond material possessions and consider gifting a training course?
It’s a thoughtful, practical, and highly personalised way to show you care about someone’s passions, goals, and self-improvement.
Here’s why training courses make an excellent Christmas gift and how to choose the right one.
Why Gifting a Training Course Is a Brilliant Idea
Invest in Their Future: A course can open doors to new opportunities, whether it’s professional growth, a new hobby, or personal development.
Customised to Their Interests: From creative pursuits like painting to career-focused options like coding or leadership training, there’s something for everyone.
A Gift of Experiences: Unlike physical gifts that might gather dust, learning experiences create lasting memories and skills.
Flexible and Convenient: Many online courses are self-paced, allowing the recipient to learn whenever it suits them.
Eco-Friendly and Clutter-Free: Training courses don’t require packaging or storage, making them a sustainable gift choice.
Types of Training Courses to Consider
Professional Development:
Courses in management, marketing, or IT skills can give a career boost.
Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and Coursera offer a range of industry-specific certifications.
Creative Hobbies:
Painting, photography, pottery, or creative writing classes are perfect for sparking creativity.
Websites like Domestika and Skillshare specialise in creative arts.
Health and Wellbeing:
Yoga, meditation, or nutrition courses can help someone focus on their mental and physical health.
Apps like Calm or Headspace often include guided courses in their subscriptions.
Technology and Coding:
For tech enthusiasts, courses in Python, data science, or graphic design can be exciting.
Providers like Codecademy and FutureLearn cater to all skill levels.
Language Learning:
Help someone learn a new language for their next travel adventure.
Rosetta Stone, Babbel, and Duolingo offer gift subscriptions.
Practical Skills:
Cooking classes, gardening workshops, or DIY tutorials are great for hands-on learners.
Look for in-person workshops or virtual options on platforms like MasterClass.
Fun and Quirky Options:
From wine tasting to magic tricks, there are courses for every quirky interest!
Websites like Airbnb Experiences often host unique online or local classes.
How to Choose the Right Training Course
Understand Their Interests: Think about what the recipient loves or has expressed curiosity about. Do they have a hobby they’d like to refine or a skill they’ve always wanted to learn?
Check Their Schedule: Ensure the course format fits their lifestyle. Self-paced online courses are ideal for busy individuals, while in-person workshops work better for those with more flexible time.
Look for Quality: Choose reputable providers with good reviews. If possible, opt for courses that offer certificates of completion.
Consider Age and Skill Level: Select a course that matches their current knowledge level—nothing too advanced or too basic.
Personalise It: Add a note explaining why you chose this course for them. It shows thoughtfulness and adds a personal touch.
How to Gift a Training Course
Digital Gift Cards: Many platforms offer gift cards or vouchers, allowing the recipient to choose their course.
Printed Certificates: If the course provider allows, print out a beautiful certificate detailing the course and package it in a festive envelope.
Bundle It: Pair the course with a related item. For example:
A photography course with a journal for ideas.
A cooking class with a set of spices or an apron.
A coding course with a quirky mug or keyboard accessory.
Popular Platforms for Training Courses
Udemy: Affordable courses on nearly any topic.
Coursera: University-led courses with options for certificates.
MasterClass: Celebrity-taught classes on cooking, writing, and more.
Skillshare: Creative and entrepreneurial courses for all skill levels.
Domestika: Specialised creative classes with a focus on design and arts.
FutureLearn: Academic and practical courses, many of which are free.
The Open University: Accredited courses for long-term professional growth.
Why It’s Perfect for Christmas
In a season focused on giving, a training course is the ultimate thoughtful present. It’s a gift that says, “I see your potential, and I want to support you in reaching it.” Plus, it’s unique—far more memorable than yet another pair of socks or a box of chocolates.
So this Christmas, skip the queues and gift something meaningful. A training course is not just a present—it’s an opportunity to inspire, educate, and bring joy that lasts far beyond the festive season.