9 Simple Rules for a Stress-Free Gift Giving This Holiday
“It isn’t how much you give, but how much love you put on giving.”
For most people, gift giving is one of the most exciting things to do on Christmas. However, to some, it can be stressful and demanding.
Particularly if you’re under a strict budget, the feeling of not being able to give presents to your family members and friends may put you under too much pressure.
But don’t worry, here are nine simple rules you can follow for a stress-free Christmas gift-giving:
Set your limits
It’s easy to loosen your wallets and buy costly gifts when you have a big paycheck. But after spending a lot, you’ll suddenly realize that you already spent more than what you earned.
Set a reasonable price limit for each person you’ll be giving gifts to, and stick to that budget. Think carefully about who you should give gifts to, and what gifts can you give them that will fit your budget.
Cash gifts - Is it appropriate?
Cash at wedding, christening, and birthday gifts are normal. And when you don’t have a lot of time to buy gifts, cash is a good alternative. Because these gatherings mainly cost people to spend a lot, and cash can be beneficial to them.
But for Christmas, is it really appropriate, especially when you’re exchanging gifts with your friends or colleagues?
Actually, yes. There’s nothing wrong with giving cash gifts. Just make sure you put it in a nice envelope or card for a lovely Christmas touch.
Start early to finish early
Christmas sales can lead to rush shopping or impulsive buying. And you don’t want that because it can cause you to break your bank or exceed your budget limits.
Not to mention getting all anxious because of delayed shipping due to increased volume of holiday online shopping.
To avoid these stressful situations, plan your gifts ahead of time so you can buy them early. This will let you avoid huge crowds of people doing last-minute shopping in malls. Or give shipping logistics plenty of time to ship your online orders without you worrying too much.
Also, you can make a checklist to prioritize which ones you’ll be giving the first presents to. And always compare prices from other shops to see which are more budget-friendly.
Show your love through DIY or homemade presents
If you want to show your creativity, you can opt for DIY or homemade presents.
You can also bake cookies, cakes, or cook your special recipe to express your love. Or even knit sweaters, mittens, or hats for sweater weather.
People will appreciate it more if you have something customized for them. That way, they know you really care and think about them.
Give your treasured books
Do you have a lot of unused (or untouched) books sitting in your bookcase? Now’s the perfect time to give those treasures to someone important to you.
Giving books to someone, even if they’re not an avid reader, is not only practical but also thoughtful. It can be thought-provoking too, as it can trigger their curiosity.
Give a book that matches someone’s personality. If they love to cook, give them food-related books or a cookbook. If they love to draw, give them a drawing or coloring book. Books are versatile and serve many functions. You’ll never know when your book might come in handy for them someday.
Go old fashioned - write letters or cards
There’s nothing sweeter than a letter that comes from the heart.
Nowadays, letters and holiday cards are becoming outdated because some people prefer to give presents.
If you’re feeling old-fashioned, give letters or cards to your loved ones. Write all the things that you feel thankful for that person, mention the fun and memorable moments you’ve had together, or just simply tell them how important they are to you.
To send a thoughtful and genuine letter is a good way to touch a person’s heart without having to spend too much.
You can choose to make your own card or buy a presentable one. If you want a fun twist, insert a coupon or gift card inside.
Highlight the annual traditions
Having a tough time thinking of what gifts to buy? Stick with the holiday traditions like matching pajamas, Santa hats, socks, or personalized mugs.
You can give these to your family too and wear the same for Christmas so you can all look cool and lovely on Christmas day photos.
You can also give holiday traditional foods like roast beef or ham. And for desserts - fruit cake or apple pie.
There are plenty of ways to make December more meaningful for you and your family. It’s always the thought and traditions that count.
Share with those in need
We celebrate Christmas to show our appreciation and care to our loved ones and to those in need. You can do this through simple acts like giving foods, clothes, or surprise gift boxes to charity. You can also visit orphanages, children hospitals, or retirement homes to give them gifts or foods.
And truly, when you do this, you’ll appreciate the true spirit of Christmas giving. Because those who are the happiest are those who do most for others.
Don’t forget to gift yourself!
Hey Santa, you deserve a gift for yourself too!
Giving gifts to self is an act of self-love and self-gratification. You’ll feel better too!
So go get a nice holiday gift for your stress relief and relaxation too.
The joy you give to others is the joy that comes back to you. Make this month a December to Remember.
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