The Joy of Stress-Free Holiday Gift Giving

Finding the right present for everyone on your list will be much more meaningful and fun with these simple gift-giving strategies.
The Joy of Stress-Free Holiday Gift Giving
Handmade gifts can be very touching and meaningful. Lore Schodts/Unsplash
|Updated:
0:00
One of the most beautiful aspects of the holiday season is the undercurrent of love and generosity that is embodied in many traditions, particularly in gift giving. Determining the best gifts to give each special person on your list can be challenging, especially amid the hustle and bustle of this hectic time of year. Here are some tips for simplifying the process of procuring meaningful, heartwarming gifts for everyone on your list.

Define Your Parameters

Before you start shopping, take the time to make a thorough list of every person you’ll be giving a gift to, from your closest of kin to your mail carrier and everyone in between. Your list should include their names, when you’ll be giving them their gift (aka your deadline), your budget for each gift, and any ideas you have about their interests, likes and dislikes, current needs, and personal wishes.

Edit as You Go

This is a great list to create digitally so that you can view and edit it on your phone no matter where you are. If you’re out shopping and you find a great option for Grandma, make the purchase and edit your list accordingly. If you’re out with Grandma and she mentions that she could really use a new toaster, pull out your list and jot that down. This can be a living document that keeps you on track all season long.

Visit Social Profiles

Social media can be a helpful tool for discovering the interests and challenges of people on your list. You might not realize that your neighbor loves to sew, but when you head to her Instagram account, you notice that she’s following sewing influencers and posting her latest projects. Perhaps they can guide you to the perfect gift for her. You might see a post from your cousin about how he keeps losing his keys. A tracking keychain under the tree is sure to please!
Put your sleuthing hat on and see if you can discover things you didn’t realize about your loved ones and surprise them with a well-thought-out present.

Devise Formulas

Sometimes, concrete guidelines can help narrow down the best gifts to give. Some people use gift-giving formulas to guide them. For example, one popular idea is to give children “something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.” This allows for nice variety and also limits givers from going overboard.
Barbara Danza
Barbara Danza
writer
Barbara Danza is a contributing editor covering family and lifestyle topics. Her articles focus on homeschooling, family travel, entrepreneurship, and personal development. She contributes children’s book reviews to the weekly booklist and is the editor of “Just For Kids,” the newspaper’s print-only page for children. Her website is Barbara-Danza.com
twitter
facebook