Christmas Day is fast approaching. Your tree is decorated, your house is adorned with beautiful lights, and the presents…are still on your to-do list! For busy people, finding the time to buy the perfect gift is not easy – but you still want to get something meaningful for each person. So, how do you choose the perfect gift this Christmas?
Remember the spirit of Christmas
Before we look at how to choose the best presents, we need to set our intentions. The festive season can be busy and stressful, so it’s important not to lose the real meaning of Christmas. For Christians, it commemorates the birth of Jesus. It’s not in the gifts we can receive, but in the time we share with others and kindness we show.
Christmas is the season of giving and showing gratitude. We can be thankful for those who share this special time with us, reflect on the year that has passed, and show a willingness to give to others, including those less fortunate than ourselves. We benefit from avoiding the “gifting frenzy”, and carefully choose presents that reflect our appreciation towards family and friends.
So, here are my top 5 gifting tips this holiday season;
1) Consider their personal interests
Think carefully about that person’s hobbies, interests, values and, if appropriate, what they’ve expressed a need for. This might be something that they’ve specifically asked for, or it could be a gift that responds to a recurring need. Showing that you’ve given this some thought makes a real impact on the receiver.
2) Set a budget
Consider what you can reasonably afford. You might find it helpful to make a list of everyone that you wish to buy a gift for, making a budget much easier to decide. On the other hand, consider the situation of your recipient. If they’re struggling financially, buying an expensive gift could make them feel uncomfortable, and they may become self-conscious over the value of their own gifts.
3) Practical or fun?
It’s always nice to have a variety of presents. A great gift balances practical use with enjoyment, and that applies to every family member! No matter how great the need, everyone wants a present that will make them smile. As an example; everyone needs more pairs of socks at some point, but no one wants a whole year’s supply in one Christmas morning! In addition, think carefully about taking up space in their home, and how easy their gift is to store after use.
4) Especially for you…
Since the Second World War, personalised gift giving has become more commonplace…and there are now hundreds of ways to make your gift something truly special. Whether this means engraving their name into a new watch, or stitching their initials into a stocking, giving a present that was specifically designed for its recipient shows thought, care, and attention.
5) For someone who wants nothing
There are individuals in every family or friend circle who just never seem to want for anything. Perhaps they’d prefer a less materialistic gifting experience – and this could be the perfect opportunity to gift an activity. Experiences make lasting memories (and they don’t take up space!). Consider cooking classes or spa days- anything that they can book to enjoy when it suits them.
Should you give your gift in person?
I firmly believe that the best gifts are given and received in the same physical space. While it’s now easier than ever to have your gifts delivered, it’s always enjoyable to share that special moment with each person. Of course, there are lots of occasions where this simply isn’t possible. In such situations, it would be good to make the presentation of that gift extra special. Select a gift-wrapping service when purchasing your present to show thoughtfulness.
If you can give a gift in person, take time when wrapping the present. It shows real care and attention when a gift is presented neatly wrapped or carefully nestled in a gift bag or basket (if appropriate).
Christmas is, after all, the season of giving. We should always strive to give our loved ones the best that we can.
Regifting – is this an acceptable practice?
Unfortunately, there are times where our gifts don’t quite hit the mark, or perhaps it’s something we/they already own. Instead of returning or refusing the gift, it’s good to accept it in the spirit in which it was given. But what should you do with the item afterwards?
This is where regifting might come in. Just because the present wasn’t right for you, doesn’t mean that it won’t be loved by someone else. So how can you do it, and is there anything that you should consider?
- Do not regift within the same friendship or family group
- Do not immediately list or advertise the present online
- Only regift if the item is unopened and not personalised
- Don’t tell the recipient that their present was unwanted
- Don’t tell them who the present was from/how much it was worth
How can you navigate the holiday season successfully?
While gift giving can be a difficult part of Christmas, it’s not the only area of the holidays where you might need some additional support on how best to handle a situation. If you have any other questions about “best self” behaviour this Christmas, please send me a message. Otherwise, from all of us here at Polished Manners, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.