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It’s a Christmas cliche… gifting socks for the holidays. “Thank… you?” people reply when they open their gift and see brand-new socks. As you get older, though, a new pack of socks is pretty nice. Socks are expensive! I read this story about a white elephant party where a guy got a big package of toilet paper as his gift. It was meant to be funny, be he said he thought it was honestly better than the other gifts. Toilet paper is expensive. It’s practical. He will actually use it compared to some of the other cute, but not-so-practical gifts that will probably not get used much or just add to the clutter. The holidays are supposed to be fun, yes. Gifts are meant to be fun and personal. It definitely sounds more exciting to gift something fun, unique, and interesting versus a pack of socks or toilet paper. But as you get older, those boring and practical things may be more meaningful to the person you’re buying for.
Whether you have a family or not, life is expensive. This holiday season, try to remember who you’re shopping for. Remember that even though you may want to buy something fun and unique for a friend or family member, something more practical may be more meaningful, more necessary, and much much more appreciated.
When it comes to the young people in your life, the single parents, the one-income family, and those who just may be struggling… try to think about what they need.
Do they really need that new gadget, a unique tchotchke, or another t-shirt? Or would they actually benefit more from a gift card to the grocery store or the gas station, money for bills, a package of soft toilet paper, or a new pair of socks or some underwear?
If they have children, do those kids really need more toys? Or do they actually need some new clothes or shoes instead? Maybe something for school or for one of their extracurricular activities?
Don’t be afraid to ask your loved ones for ideas of what they really need, or for what they may need for their kids.
You can still make it exciting and personal! You can do a themed gift or something fun, but also keep it practical. For example, I have a loved one who is a college student living on his own. He is an avid coffee drinker, so I was thinking about sending him a coffee-themed (and funny, because he has a great sense of humor) gift box. In the box I was thinking of including a cool and unique mug he would appreciate from a local shop, a package of holiday coffee (a flavor I know he will actually like, not just something that sounds different and festive), a gift card to a coffee shop for those on-the-go coffee runs, and a big package of toilet paper. (That’s the funny part!) The gift includes something personal (the mug), something he’ll for sure use and appreciate (the coffee and gift card), and something practical (the big pack of toilet paper). It’s still a fun and personal gift, and I know he’ll appreciate and use all of the things!
You can also keep your gift-wrapping budget in mind, too. Think about how much you spend on wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, gift toppers, gift card boxes, etc… do you really need all of those extras when it comes to your gifts, or can you find less expensive ways to gift wrap, take that money you save, and tack on a little extra gift or gift card? I’m sure anyone who is struggling these days would prefer a low-amount gas gift card instead of pretty wrapping paper, boxes, and flashy bows. Hit up the dollar store for gift wrap instead of Target or Michaels. Wait for the sales. You could even DIY your wrapping… Recycle brown paper grocery bags as wrapping paper, buy a big roll of inexpensive jute yarn that lasts forever for bows, and snip some fresh pine leaves from an outdoor tree to use as a pretty gift topper. Save money, help out your loved ones, do better for the planet, and have fun! (I love trying to DIY things and save money!)
So this year, as you’re making your holiday lists and planning your gifts, keep in mind who you’re shopping for. Sometimes the “socks” are more meaningful than those little souvenirs. Practical things may be more needed rather than toys. Of course, any gift will be loved and appreciated, but during these trying times, giving gifts that are more practical and useful may really help out your family and friends.
Hopefully this helps provide some direction and positive perspective this holiday season. (:
Happy holidays from our family to yours!
Anna
