The holiday season is fast approaching, and after the turbulent year we’ve had, it’s sure to be a welcome reprieve. If you belong to the majority of people who were in self-isolation for the better part of a year, then this may be the first time you’re celebrating with family and friends again.
The pandemic has indeed brought upon us some physical and mental stressors that we’re still working out to this day. Don’t let the holidays pile up on top of it. Avoid stress regarding the gift-giving process by following simple tips and tricks to find the perfect presents for your loved ones or colleagues.
Excellent gift giving can be considered an art form. Knowing when to go big and when to keep it intimate and personal are just some ways you can ensure your presents are a hit. Great gifts don’t have to come with a hefty price tag, after all. They say it’s the thought that counts. So, carefully consider the presents you’re getting for the people in your life.
Make it meaningful
The holidays are some of the best memories we have with our loved ones. Whether it’s memories of sharing meals or opening up presents while we have great conversations, these make up the memories we’ll look back on someday. Put some extra thought into your gifts by having certain inside jokes or memories attached to the presents you give out. It could be an old book you’ve read together ages ago or one of their favorite old movies on DVD.
Having old memories attached to the new ones serves as a call back to the past and history together. It’s guaranteed to have you reminiscing about old times and is a great conversation starter.
Let it be useful
Now, what if the presents are for more of a formal setting? It could be your colleagues at work or new friends you’ve just started getting to know. Determining the closeness of your relationships is also an integral part of giving appropriate presents. You don’t want to cross the line and go too far with a gift that feels too personal. Sticking to options that have use attached to them rather than memories is a great way to make sure your gift is appreciated.
Speakers or headphones are an excellent option for your coworker who loves to listen to music on their way to work. Merchandise from their favorite sports team or a wonderful bottle of alcohol will have your boss thinking fondly of you for years to come. Soft, cozy blankets or cooling fans for your bed are great gifts for your colleague that’s a homebody or loves a good nap. It’s guaranteed to have them thanking you for a great night’s sleep and relaxation.
Have a laugh
Funny gifts or gag gifts are also a great way to go. They can liven up any occasion, be it formal or intimate gatherings. Just be careful not to veer into the inappropriate territory, and you should be the life of the party. There are so many gag gifts available on the market that making sure to either be really general or get really specific is essential for getting the joke.
There are fast food scented candles, novelty night lights, miniature music instruments, funny slippers, sarcastic posters, you name it, and there’s probably a category of silly presents for it. While these may not always be the most touching or valuable, the laughs you have while opening up presents quite makes up for it.
Add personal touches
It’s been a tough year, and we can’t always afford to give out the presents we’d like to. Adding your personal touches to otherwise ordinary gifts makes for a great way to show people how much you care. You can bake their favorite cookies or frame your favorite photo of you guys together, something small but unique to your relationship that conveys how special they are to you.
Another way you could do this would be by using homemade or unique wrapping paper for their presents. These include old maps, newspapers, or crossword puzzles to wrap a book you’ve gotten your friend who loves to read. Personal touches can also be used for your workmates. Adding a particular card or note in your handwriting or specialty paper lets them know that you put in a little extra work when wrapping their present.
Remember that it truly is the thought that counts. This doesn’t have to mean getting too deep into the meaning of the presents you’ll give out, but it means that they should serve a specific purpose. Whether that’s letting someone know how much you love them, having some laughs, or making sure you’re remembered, it’s up to you.