By Sarah Fertsch
Staff Writer
Christmas is my favorite time of year. Why? Because I absolutely love giving gifts. There’s nothing like watching the intrigue transform into euphoria. You almost feel the joy with your recipient. I know that some people struggle to give the best gift, especially if they procrastinate until Christmas Eve. 2021 has already been tough, so make Christmas extra special by putting a little extra effort into the exchange. Here are my tips on how to give the best gifts and maximize thankful smiles and hugs:
Take Notes of What
People Like
The best gift givers study their recipient. Throughout the year, create a note in your phone with everyone you’d like to buy for at Christmas. When they say something they want or think about buying something for themselves, update your note. You might even consider finding that item online and pasting a link to it in your note. When December rolls around, you can just pull up your note and order everything in one moment. Easy!
Shop At the Right Place
One part of gift giving is utilizing all your resources to make the best selection. Back in the day, shoppers were limited to the inventory of a brick-and-mortar store. In 2021, we have the benefits of the internet. Suppose your mom really wants a necklace for Hanukkah. You could stop by Target and look through their jewelry section and find maybe ten necklaces. If you look online, you’ll have hundreds of options. You could go on Etsy and customize a piece just for her. That makes the gift more meaningful.
Experiences Over Things
Most people live in a world of clutter, surrounded by packages unopened and shirts that fit a few years ago, but not now. Don’t add to their ever growing pile! Studies show that people would rather make a memory than receive a physical gift. You could buy your dad a new tie, or you could fulfil his dream of going skydiving! Buy two tickets and remember that crazy day when you jumped out of a plane! Instead of browsing the aisles of Wal-mart, check out Groupon or Ticketmaster and pick up tickets to that experience they’ll never forget.
Avoid Self-Improvement Gifts
Say your sister is hoping to lose weight next year. That doesn’t mean you should buy her a keto book for Christmas! Save the self-improvement for someone to choose themselves. So, this holiday season, do NOT buy any of the following:
- “How to” manuals
- Exercise equipment
- Budgeting or Finance tools
- A daily planner
- Books or documentaries that conflict with their views
Wrap Beautifully
You may purchase the perfect gift but don’t wrap it in a ten-year-old gift bag and bow that falls off in the middle of the party. Be proud of your offering, especially if you are at a white-elephant gift exchange. I would recommend wrapping gifts in paper as much as possible over using a gift bag. You can show off your beautiful creases and lines and include a cute bow with a sprig of pine. Add a holly twig, handmade gift tag, or metallic ribbon that makes the present pop. Use newspaper as a sustainable, frugal wrapping paper and your gift will look old-fashioned and quaint. Use Pinterest for inspiration.
Don’t Make It About You
Don’t be a Scrooge. An important aspect of the holidays is focusing on the well-being of others. When someone opens a gift from you, don’t brag about how expensive or hard to find it was. Let the recipient feel the joy and don’t take up their spotlight. Don’t embarrass others by buying over-the-top expensive gifts or get too personal either (stay away from buying lingerie, perfume, or body products). Make the gift thoughtful and meaningful, but it’s good to let your gift speak for itself and remain similar (budget-wise and of similar theme) to the others’ gifts.
