‘Tis the season for thoughtful gift giving

Although it’s the middle of December I know that there are still many of us that have a lot of last minute gift shopping to do, which is why I chose this topic for my article. As you may be scrambling to find that perfect gift in the final shopping days of the holiday season, I have some thoughts on things to keep in mind as you’re doing so.

 

Remember that “perfect” gifts come in all shapes and sizes and that one person’s version of what may be perfect is most likely vastly different the other 3 people on your list. Doing your best to really listen and observe what makes the person you’re buying for happy (maybe it’s cooking – so look into buying them a cooking class), or taking note of what they’ve been pining for over the year (an expensive piece of jewelry perhaps?), will give you the guidance you need to get them something they will truly love. I learned many years ago that paying attention to what my friends, husband, parents are oohing and ahhing over when we’re shopping together or even within conversation and making a mental or written note to buy it when great sales are happening, even if it is the month after Christmas; has saved me a lot of last minute panic and has made a lot of people very happy.

 

Keep in mind that gift cards are always a fabulous gift solution and are not a gift-givers cop-out. Giving a gift card is gives the receiver of your gift the freedom to buy something that they really want and allows them to buy it when they want to. For example I’m a person that’s hard to buy for because I have very particular tastes and I have a lot of stuff. So I’ve asked for a gift card for Christmas as I would love a new pair of designer boots but know they’re way too expensive of a gift to ask for, and I want to be a smart shopper by holding out for a killer sale. Receiving a gift card will allow me to be a savvy shopper and also to get the gift I really want without feeling quite as guilty about it.

 

Another piece of advice to keep in mind when shopping for that special someone is to make sure that the gift you’re buying is truly something for them and that it’s not something for the both of you, or even for the family. This advice reminds me of the classic, “it’s not a romantic gift if it has a cord attached”. Well, times have changed but the sentiment stays the same, the holidays are not a time for practicality, unless that practical gift has been requested. And, buying a gift for a person that you’re equally excited about getting use out of should cause you to stop and think: is this the gift he or she really wants?

 

And one last thing to add before you start making your final purchases is to remember it truly is the thought that counts when it comes to gift giving. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or any money actually, to make someone feel that they’re incredibly special this holiday. Making the time to tell someone how much they mean to you and how much they bring to your life, could very well be the perfect gift and what they’re really wishing for.

 

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