It’s the giving season, which presents us with the perfect opportunity to show those around us how much we adore them. It can often feel daunting to try and come up with the perfect pleasantries to send to those we love, but there are little things to keep in mind that make the experience a much easier one. You don’t have to have the largest budget or access to rare items to find gifts that will truly be cherished - you just have to focus on the right things. Here are a few important considerations to keep in mind while doing your holiday shopping this year.
Ask
While it may seem simple, there is no better way to know what would make someone the happiest than by asking them! You can do it subtly, you can have a friend do it for you, or you can ask them straight up yourself - but at the end of the day you’ll have a very clear interpretation of what could bring the most joy to your loved one.
Think Like Them
Don’t want to ask your gift receptor what they’d like for the holidays? Pay attention to the things that make them who they are! Are they always playing disc golf? Talking about music? Cheering on the Crimson Tide or Tigers? What people are enjoying in their daily lives is a great indicator of what will bring them joy as a gift.
Place Quality Over Surprises
A recent Hidden Brain podcast episode brought on professors and researchers to explain that most of us enjoy seeing the look of happiness on someone’s face when they are surprised by a gift and aim to create that sensation. The gifts that end up getting used and appreciated the longest may not create that much of a Wow factor at first, but will bring joy for an extended period.
Experiences Are Always Fun
Yes a physical gift is fun, but so is your aunt renting a cool Airbnb for the family to visit and be able to make memories together in. Six Flags, a golf trip, the space simulator in Huntsville, or somewhere in the city like the McWane Center are all fun excursions that can be gifted during the holidays! It’s the time we spend together that is already the biggest gift after all, so why not create more beautiful moments?
Gift Cards and Money Aren’t Bad Gifts
Times are tough and it’s always great to be able to buy the things you need and want thanks to someone else’s gifted dollar or gift card. You can always check with the person you are buying the gift for, but many people appreciate the opportunity to get exactly what they need. Favorite restaurants, online shopping, grocery stores, and more are all life improvers that are great during the holiday season.
Make It From The Heart
If money is a concern or no present seems quite right for your loved ones, there is always the option to make, write, draw, or craft something that most transparently shows your gratitude and closeness to those whom you are gifting. You can even offer up acts of service like doing chores or helping with a long overdue “To-do list”. There are plenty of ways to show someone how much they mean to you - find what works best for your relationships!
Cover image from Pexels
