Q: The holiday season has just begun and I’m already overwhelmed! So many gifts to give and I don’t know where to begin.
A: While better to give than receive, it is a tricky business — this business of gift giving. So, let’s just get down to business:
You do NOT have to match gifts dollar-for-dollar
You might be tempted to reciprocate Great Uncle So & So’s family trip to the tropics, but he’s not expecting you to and you shouldn’t try. Be thoughtful and creative about what you do give to those with moveable commas in their bank account. It can be as simple as homecooked meals/fudge/sweaters or the gift of your time, but give of your time and of yourself. You are clearly valued (as evidenced by the tan you got on that trip). Please know that YOU are a tremendous gift indeed.
If money is tight, suggest an experience instead
As your family gets older and perhaps brings their own loved ones (or growing families) into the fold, it can strain piggybanks until they squeal, pop and drop. Nobody wants that. Have a family planning meeting or email list where everyone submits ideas for time together. Let everyone pitch in a set amount of money toward a cooking class (maybe one where the chef comes to your home) or a visit to a holiday light display (Ex: Descanso Gardens ‘Enchanted: Forest of Light’) with your own tailgate high tea or hot cocoa before or after.
Make sure you think through the concept of handmade gifts
While that Pinterest idea of tumbled rock agate coasters trimmed in gold sounds groovy cool, you may find that the outlay of cash, time and expertise is more than you can comfortably handle. And don’t get me started on etched wooden cutting boards and the follow-up medical care and bills that may or may not accompany this particular craft. Do your homework before you begin your home work of homemade gifts. That said, do an internet search on the Lunch Bag Scrapbook (where folks can neatly store holiday cards or notes), Candy Bar Critters (you can give granola/protein bars, too) and Bottle Cap Magnets (which can be used on the instead of a medicine chest to hold important prescriptions or notes). All three are easy to make and things people love to receive and use.
Consider hostess gifts that get you invited back
Not everyone wants or needs you to bring a bottle of alcohol to their holiday party. Some people don’t drink and don’t want to encourage drinking and gosh, some folks are downright persnickety about the fermented grapes or grains they get and give. Don’t stress yourself. Wrap some dishtowels or imprinted napkins in fancy-schmancy ribbon or a small basket or gift bag with stain remover, bathroom spray and breath mints for them to put in their guest bath – practical and possibly needed, if not at THIS party… their next one. They’ll silently thank you when those items are employed.
xo