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It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the days are starting to feel warmer, shopping centres have hit play on their holiday playlists, and there’s just something in the air. Maybe we’re just hearing the cicadas.
But with all the buzz that comes with the holidays, the gifting season can be tinged with a bit of dread if you find buying prezzies a little difficult. Whether you’re looking for your special someone, taking part in the office Kris Kringle, or are guilty of leaving it too late; let’s look at some common gifting conundrums and tips to help you along.
Make your budget list, and check it twice.
It’s the busy season for a reason. Weekends are suddenly filled with commitments left and right, bills are due, work and study are ramping up – and the last thing you might be thinking about is the Christmas shopping list, let alone how much you could be spending.
Setting up a gifting budget, and being able to stick to it like double-sided sticky tape, might be something that helps take some pressure off. After all, knowing how much you are realistically willing to spend might just give you some (very helpful) boundaries for the shopping list.
Putting together your gifting budget can be as simple or in-depth as you want it. It can be as easy as writing down the names of who you’ll be shopping for and figuring out how much you can spend on each person based off a broader budget you set yourself. Hey, it could even look like a multi-page Excel spreadsheet with pie-charts if you’re into that. Ultimately, setting your budget might help narrow down the types of gifts to consider, and hey presto, you’ve just shaved 15 minutes off the shopping trip.
Say they already have everything, including the kitchen sink.
So, you’ve set your budget, you’re feeling great, you’ve worked through most of the shopping list, when suddenly you find yourself in a bit of a pickle – someone you’re thinking of seems to have everything in the world already, and anything you think of just seems slightly out of the budget you’ve just set. If only pickles were a common gifting solution.
Something worth considering is reaching out to family or friends about doing a joint gift together. Two budgets are better than one, and two gift-givers also means double the surprise factor. The math checks out, trust us. Others might feel as stuck, or maybe had a great gift idea in mind that you can now jump in on – it’s a win-win for all involved.
What if they’ve got a bit of a green thumb, and toes for good measure?
Maybe the person you’re gifting is sustainably minded. Go them! There are plenty of green options to choose from, so no sweat.
Consider paying a visit to your local Saturday markets, and shop from a bunch of sustainable small businesses and craft-makers.
Not into physical gifts? You could make a donation to a charity or cause they’re passionate about in their name.
If things aren’t their cup of tea, look towards experiences you can share with them instead. From a simple outdoors picnic together or a fun kayak clean-up tour, there’s something for everyone.
This might be why they say it’s the thought that counts.
Ultimately, it’s the thought that counts at the end of the day. The gifting season is a time to celebrate your loved ones, so get out there and celebrate.
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