Picking Christmas Gifts that Work Articles | Christmas

By: Liam

Whether you buy a Christmas gift for one or two people or for a long list, it can be difficult to find the perfect present.  It is especially difficult if you are buying for people you do not know well, your children’s bus driver, and schoolteacher, not to mention a distant uncle!  When you’re frustrated about finding gifts consider these tips:

 Consider Their Personality:

Just because you would never want something, doesn’t mean the person you’re giving it to will not love it.  If they like quirky items, feel free to go a little crazy when deciding on their gift.  Consider what you know about your recipient’s style, personality, and interests when shopping.  But also consider their living situation.  After all, if your aunt already has 40 trinket boxes displayed in her one bedroom apartment, she may not appreciate anymore.  But, if she’s always talks about the lovely shawl she saw a local shop, by all means buy her one!

 Cost isn’t Everything:

A common mistake is to think an expensive gift will be appreciated more.  Sure, a pearl necklace may be beautiful or something your mother would never buy for herself, but if she never wears them were they really a good choice?  Choose gifts that will be used and appreciated.  A great book costing $30 may be worth a lot more in the long run than that necklace.

 Shop Early:

People who wait until just before Dec. 24th for the best deals are often disappointed by the selection.  In fact don’t relegate your shopping to just late November and December.  When you see something that reminds you of someone special and that you know they’ll love – buy it – even if it is the middle of summer!  Finding the perfect gift can be difficult, so when your eyes light up at an item, pick it up and put it away until the holidays arrive.

 Use Your Skills (or develop a new skill):

Let’s face it; most parents love all of those unusual (and sometimes ugly) things our kids make for us.  Why?  Because the child took the time and the effort to make something just for you!  It isn’t its beauty or its usefulness that makes it special – it’s the love it represents.  Everyone likes the warm feeling that someone knows you are worth that little extra.  If you’re good at making things, by all means do it.  Does your child’s teacher love your homemade bread or cookies?  Bake her some!  Does your mother-in-law like your woodworking?  Make her something useful in her home.  Don’t worry if your homemade gifts aren’t perfect or expensive.  They don’t need to be!

 Consider Performing a Service:

Short on cash?  It need not be a problem.  There are a lot of things you can do for the people in your life that will be more appreciated than any store-bought gift.  A friend knew a relative needed a new handrail around their back stair for safety, and spent a weekend building one, one of the best gifts he could give.   Think about simple services you can provide: babysitting, yard work, housecleaning, snow shoveling, to help ease the burden of those you wish to share the holidays.  You may be surprised at how much it really is appreciated.

 A lot of us find gift shopping a stressful and unfulfilling endeavor that detracts from the good feelings of Christmas. Following these tips may help you express your love and reduce your stress by taking the time to think more and plan ahead. Your recipients will appreciate it.