dear nancy advice
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Deciphering the Code for the Perfect Holiday Gift
Dear Nancy,
How do I find the right gift to get someone for the holidays? I don’t want to get someone a gift they will either:
1. Put away in the furthest corner of their room never to be seen again.
OR
2. Be given to someone else because they have no need for it.
Sincerely, Tearing through the Mall in Vain
Dear Tearing through the Mall in Vain,
Do not fret! The holidays bring a new stress to everyone involved and finding the perfect gift for someone is a big part of it. Many questions cloud the mind before going shopping, such as, “How much do I spend?”,“Will they like this?”,“I hardly know this person; what do I get them?!”, “Does this seem thoughtful enough?”, “Is this too cheap?”, “How do I begin?” All of which I hope you find the answers to in this response. Gift shopping is no easy feat, but I guarantee this will make the process easier for you.
Beginning with the price, if you are gifting to someone you do not know well, I suggest a $15-$20 price range. However, if you are close to him or her, I recommend a $20-$30 price range. By no means do you need to spend this amount of money; it all depends on what you can afford.
Do not fret! The holidays bring a new stress to everyone involved and finding the perfect gift for someone is a big part of it. Many questions cloud the mind before going shopping, such as, “How much do I spend?”,“Will they like this?”,“I hardly know this person; what do I get them?!”, “Does this seem thoughtful enough?”, “Is this too cheap?”, “How do I begin?” All of which I hope you find the answers to in this response. Gift shopping is no easy feat, but I guarantee this will make the process easier for you.
Beginning with the price, if you are gifting to someone you do not know well, I suggest a $15-$20 price range. However, if you are close to him or her, I recommend a $20-$30 price range. By no means do you need to spend this amount of money; it all depends on what you can afford.
GIFTS FOR ACQUAINTANCES
The type of present you are giving also depends on the person you are giving it to. If you are not close to the receiver of the gift - for example, if it was a friend of a friend’s birthday party - it is acceptable to give him or her a gift that is not too personal. By a personal gift, I mean a gift that represents the deeper understanding and connection that you have with that person. A gift for someone you are not well acquainted with could be a gift card to their favorite store, a thoughtful card with a gift of money in it, or something you saw in a store that made you think of them, like a t-shirt with their favorite animal on it. These ideas allow you to give said person a present they will be able to use, as well as enjoy and that is still considerate, but not as personal as a gift you would give to your mother or father. START EARLY If you were attempting to find the perfect gift for someone who you are close to, or who is an important part of your life, start early because it takes some pre-planning. Personally, I would begin by just listening to them. Usually around the holiday seasons, people unknowingly drop hints. These hints usually start with, “I want…” or “I wish I had…” If you’re paying attention and can pick up on these it is best to write them down someplace you will remember such as, your phone’s memo pad, an agenda, or a scrap sheet of paper. If the person you are gift hunting for never seems to do this, you should begin putting yourself in their shoes. Think about what he or she |
does not already have, or what they might need to improve their daily tasks. However, a practical present might not be what you’re looking for. You can also try to get gifts that are their favorite things. It will make them feel as though you know almost everything about them and that you have a close relationship with each other.
HOMEMADE GIFTS
If this is not your forte, you can make something homemade. Homemade gifts are not only less expensive, but they also have more sentimental value. This does not mean making a booklet of coupons for “free hugs” or “one free chore.” Once you have aged past fifth grade these booklets begin to lose their cuteness. By homemade I mean a present that the receiver could not only appreciate and never throw away, because you made it, but also one they could use, or display. For example, if your mother is a hardcore candle burner, you could create a chic candle holder out of a mason jar. You can check out the Art & Entertainment & Reviews page on the October edition to see an example. Otherwise, social media sites such as Pinterest have a variety of D.I.Y. gift ideas.
AN OUTING
If this still is not what you are looking for, why not take them out on a date? By no means does it need to be romantic, or “lovey dovey”. This date could be a trip out shopping together followed by a nice dinner. It could be ice skating in a park, laser tag, or a trip to the movies. This is a nice treat that the receiver will always remember you having done for him or her.
ASK AROUND
If after reading this you still have not found an idea for a gift, it is perfectly acceptable to ask someone else for advice. You could ask someone that is closer to the gift receiver, what they would consider a good gift is. Remember if you are not close to the person you are giving a gift to, to keep in mind a card with a gift of money, a gift card to their #1 store, or something that is known to be their favorite. If you are giving a gift to someone you know well, analyze him or her. You should consider their wants and/or needs and either make them something, buy them something, or take them somewhere. I truly hope you find the best gifts for the holidays!
Sincerely,
Nancy
HOMEMADE GIFTS
If this is not your forte, you can make something homemade. Homemade gifts are not only less expensive, but they also have more sentimental value. This does not mean making a booklet of coupons for “free hugs” or “one free chore.” Once you have aged past fifth grade these booklets begin to lose their cuteness. By homemade I mean a present that the receiver could not only appreciate and never throw away, because you made it, but also one they could use, or display. For example, if your mother is a hardcore candle burner, you could create a chic candle holder out of a mason jar. You can check out the Art & Entertainment & Reviews page on the October edition to see an example. Otherwise, social media sites such as Pinterest have a variety of D.I.Y. gift ideas.
AN OUTING
If this still is not what you are looking for, why not take them out on a date? By no means does it need to be romantic, or “lovey dovey”. This date could be a trip out shopping together followed by a nice dinner. It could be ice skating in a park, laser tag, or a trip to the movies. This is a nice treat that the receiver will always remember you having done for him or her.
ASK AROUND
If after reading this you still have not found an idea for a gift, it is perfectly acceptable to ask someone else for advice. You could ask someone that is closer to the gift receiver, what they would consider a good gift is. Remember if you are not close to the person you are giving a gift to, to keep in mind a card with a gift of money, a gift card to their #1 store, or something that is known to be their favorite. If you are giving a gift to someone you know well, analyze him or her. You should consider their wants and/or needs and either make them something, buy them something, or take them somewhere. I truly hope you find the best gifts for the holidays!
Sincerely,
Nancy