We live in an unprecedented time of consumerism, when the world is telling us we need to go big or go home. We watch holiday movies where people give extravagant gifts to each other, from cars to piles of presents. Social media builds up these insane expectations and people judge gifts without context.
We also live in a time where many people have all the things they need and often even most of what they want. It's not uncommon to know someone (or multiple someones) who buys all the things they see that they like, which can make gift giving hard. Or maybe you know someone who really doesn't have any hobbies (and you don't want to get them a 'useful' or work related gift). Or someone who constantly complains about having too much stuff and how they don't want anything.
And this year, we add in shipping issues, where one of the things we take for granted in the modern age (being able to buy just about anything online and have it at our doorstep in days) might not be possible. We are seeing things stuck 'in transit', shipping costs have gone up and many places are giving shipping estimates that are much longer than we are used to.
This has led a lot of people to be unrealistically concerned about holiday gift giving. Which is sort of strange considering how long, in the history of gift giving, overnight shipping just hasn't been an option. Of course there is always the (wonderful) option of buying local and supporting small businesses, but that still may leave you struggling to find things for those tricky people in your life.
We often get trapped 'in the box' so to speak, when it comes to gifting. We think that gifts need to be things we have bought, stuff that is will last for years, things that can be wrapped and put under a tree or in a stocking. And yet, that leaves out a whole realm of gifts that are often well received and might be more desired than another item that will sit on the shelf and collect dust.
Let's first talk about the elephant in the room. Gift cards and money. These are often seen as generic gifts, like the things you get people you don't know much about. And they certainly can fit that bill, as money is useful for anyone! Especially for people who are struggling (and aren't we all right now...), a little extra cash, or a gift card for somewhere we like to go, is just so useful. Plus, many places give extras when you purchase a gift card, so your money can stretch just a bit more. Honestly, I've never gotten a gift card that I was unhappy to receive.
Another gift that many people don't think of as a gift, or think of as a generic gift is food and drink. But it's a great way to treat someone to something a little extra. Think of a food or drink they like, and look for a fancy version of it. Do they like cheese, maybe find a nice cheese sampler box, so they can try a variety of cheeses that you just can't find at the local grocery store. Maybe get them some exotic coffee blends or chocolates from around the world. If you want to go homemade, bake or cook their favorite dish for them, or share with them that coveted recipe that they always ask for.
Speaking of handcrafted, this is a great way to support small businesses. This is especially great if you know they like a particular artist, but haven't gotten something of theirs yet. Or maybe you know someone local who is making things for some extra money for the holidays. You can help them out and get a nice gift in the process! One of the best things about handcrafted things is they are unique.
And, if you are the crafty type, you can make things yourself! Some people scoff at handmade gifts, thinking they are cheap, but let me tell you, firstly crafting supplies are not cheap, and even if you do start with cheap items, making stuff by hand is a labor of love. It always takes longer than you think it will, and normally ends up having some kind of issue along the way you have to figure out. But it's also super fun and you can literally make things specifically for the person you are crafting for. Fair warning, if you are planning on crafting gifts, double the time you think you are going to need....you'll thank me later!
Time is also a great gift. Time can be gifted in a lot of ways. Maybe you spend extra time with someone (a wonderful way to gift any elderly people in your life who may not get out much, especially if they live in any kind of assisted living facility). Also great for stay-at-home people, who might spend a lot of time alone in their daily life. Or maybe you take your time to give them more time. This might mean doing some housework to give someone some extra leisure time, or offering to watch the kids so they can have a date with their partner. If you are going to a gathering, you can help organize or show up early to help set up (or stay late to help clean up), as a gift to the host.
Another neat thing to gift is experiences. This might be giving someone a coupon for a spa day or a rock climbing adventure. Some kind of activity they can go and do makes a unique gift that will give them memories to remember. You could also make it a group activity, and go with them, so it becomes a shared memory!
And finally, if you have someone who is really trying to downsize their life, and who also is very community minded, making a donation to a charity in their name is a unique way to gift them. Some companies also do a combo-gift, where you get a small token to remind you of your donation, but the bulk of the money goes towards the cause.
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