With Christmas right around the corner, and the days quickly start passing by, the stress of what to give to loved ones becomes larger and larger. Finding the perfect present may seem like a daunting task, especially if extended family is involved. But, truth be told, it isn’t as hard as one might think. It only takes a change in mentality and a few special tips to get the holidays just right.
Learn about the people that will be receiving the gifts.
It might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s shocking how little information that might be had about somebody’s likes and dislikes, especially if the topic doesn’t come up much. The best way to do that is to pay attention to their actions and discuss topics when the opportunity arises. Write down their answers or just keep them in mind. Some things might be obvious; like if the person likes sports or not. However, other topics aren’t as easy, such as their favorite aesthetic, if furniture would be the gift.
“I got my sister some nice make-up, because she wants to learn how to do make-up..” – Freshman Brooke Jolley.
Think further into the future than usual.
From experience, some gifts shine brightly for a month or two before fading into the background. This can include things like games, toys, or stuffed animals. While these can be good gifts for some, others might not use them at all. A few good gifts that could fit anyone are kitchen utilities, decorations, or things that would last a while and see frequent use. A notable outlier are electronics themselves, even though technology advances, things like reliable computers and dishwashers can last years.
“A new pair of shoes, for my sister,” – Sophomore Janelle Bryket.
Don’t stress about gifts for less familiar people.
One of the most stressful things is getting a gift for somebody that doesn’t interact much, like a coworker. But seriously; don’t stress about it. Everyone goes through the same thing, unless they know everyone well. Focus on gifts that most people would enjoy, even if it’s something as simple as a doormat. Either way, they’ll understand if they feel the same way about their coworkers.
Gifts do not have to be flashy and expensive.
Many feel like their gifts have to be as expensive as the new Rolex, but that truly isn’t the case. Many people, especially if it’s close family or friends, will think more of the message behind it than the actual gift itself. Meaningful gifts will make somebody’s entire year better, even if it’s below $20. However, if they are expecting something expensive, a good alternative would be comparing prices between in-person and online shopping. Also look at different websites, as values and prices can vary wildly depending on the source.
“A painting for my brother,” – Junior Annabelle Ledbetter.
Keep up with the times.
No matter how much people insist they don’t, it’s a fact that everyone follows trends. Whether it’s a show, game, or clothing; it’s proven time and again that people love doing what others are doing. So if the list of gifts are running dry, just get them what’s popular at the time. Nine times out of ten, they’re going to appreciate it.
There’s only 7 days left until Christmas, and even less than that to start shipping presents to homes. Hopefully these tips help out all of the shoppers so that somebody doesn’t get a late Christmas present. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.
