One spin around Target, and it’s easy to see that Christmas and Halloween seasons go together. They’re side by side. That’s your clue that it’s time to start thinking about Christmas shopping. Some people love it. I dread it. But never fear, online shopping is here to save the season!
Here are some of my tips for a joyous gift-giving season.
1. Give because you genuinely want to. 2 Corinthians 9:7 God loves a cheerful giver. Although I think that means tithing, I’ll appropriate that verse for Christmas. I choose to honor my family members with tokens of thoughtfulness and appreciation.
2. Make a budget. While we want to give our loved ones the world, we must be realistic. Don’t regret your gifts in January.
3. Think consumable! For everyone I know, space is at a premium and clutter is frowned upon, so think something they will use and use up, yes, even for children.
4. Find something in their wheelhouse. What are they interested in?
5. Gift Cards, yay or nay? That depends on the person. I love to give and get Chick-fil-a gift cards. I think after Wal-Mart, Chick-fil-a gets most of my disposable income! I don’t drink coffee, so I typically re-gift Starbucks cards. Gift cards are easy to mail and can be personalized. Night at the movies? AMC gift card, Have lunch on me? Chick-fil-a. Teenager? Then I would say yes to gift cards or cash. Just make sure the gift card you’re giving is with a company that will be around for the whole year.
What’s my game plan?
I keep a notebook with my budget and the names of people on my Santa list. Then I hunt for bargains. I watch Amazon.com closely for deals of the day. I also love, love, love Zulily.com. They have everything from cute, to unusual, to niche products.
I’ll admit to being a Sci-Fi geek, and they will have a Star Trek store and a Star Wars store and sometimes just a pop culture geek store. The trick with Zulily is the stores are open for about three days, items do sell out, and shipping takes for-ev-er, ok like 3-4 weeks, but I am super spoiled by Amazon Prime. I’ve already purchased a couple of games and some personalized name stamps to for my children and my nephews from Zulily. Check that box!
What if you don’t know the kid?
Basically, what does my kid raid my desk for? Sticky notes, markers, scotch tape, band-aids with characters on them… all consumable, all things all kids love. Anything for the bath or bathroom with characters on them; bubble bath, toothbrush, bath soap, and shampoo. Again, all consumable and all will be well received.
What about my parents they have everything!
Wall space is now a premium at my parent’s newly downsized house. So I make photo books or photo desk calendars. Those gifts are always welcome. My whole family loves to read, so books are always appreciated, and even if your family is not into reading novels, there are beautiful photography books or joke books. Who doesn’t like a good joke book in the bathroom? Admit it!
Other relatives?
What do they like? My brother is a grill-master so I gift him spices each year. I go to Penzeys and get their curated boxes for different types of cooking. It can get pricey. On a budget? Our international farmers market or global grocery store has aisles of cool spices at bargain prices. I make a “spice run” to the Dekalb Farmer’s Market aka “The Disney World of Food” a few times a year for specialized spices at rock bottom prices. No cute containers, but for $5 you can fill a gift bag.
My sister-in-law is easy. She likes coffee and scarves, warm socks, and she’s a faithful churchgoer. I can always find an inspirational book for her and a nice pair of cute socks. Who doesn’t love cute socks?
More ideas…
Subscriptions are a great idea… magazines, if their favorite is still around, streaming services, premium podcast services, audible audiobooks, music subscriptions like SiriusXm or Apple music.
Family memberships are another great idea… museums, zoos, aquariums and the like offer memberships for around $100 give or take. Just a couple of trips is worth the money. We enjoy our membership to the Botanical Gardens and Puppetry Arts museum. My kids are asking for an aquarium membership this year, it’s more than $100, but Santa just might come through on that one.
Personal or homemade gifts…
When I was broke and we had a breakout of brides in my office, I made each of them a handwritten collection of my favorite recipes based on what I knew about them. One of them refused to touch meat with her hands. One was a fan of casseroles. A simple index card notebook and a Saturday was all that was required. I think I spent about $4 each and an afternoon of my time. I was proud to give my simple gift at the work bridal shower, and each one teared up when they realized I had given them something so personal. One my most treasured items is my grandmother’s recipes written on index cards by her. They are priceless to me and so simple, yet profound. What talents do you have to share?
Remember, It’s not the money you spend or the extravagance of the gift. Even though it is cliché to say it, it is the thought that counts.
What’s on that list for Santa?
I asked my children what they wanted for Christmas to include in this article. Their answers are always surprising. My 9-year-old wants a clicker so she can learn to clicker train our dog. That’s less than $10, so this Santa is saying Ho-Ho-Ho and will probably throw in that aquarium membership to boot.
Merry Christmas to all and happy gift hunting!
