There is no need to go into debt trying to purchase a gift for a loved one by overspending
By Deborah Dittner
Giving — or gifting — during the holidays brings joy to many. For others, even the thought of gifting may bring stress into your seasonal spirit.
Some may feel obligated to give gifts whether gifting to family members, friends or neighbors, but others give gifts because they truly want that person to know how much they are appreciated and loved.
Then, there is the stress of finding just the right gift and one that doesn’t break the bank. So many decisions to be made.
One way to rediscover the joy and happiness of giving gifts is to first honor yourself by setting financial limitations. There is no need to go into debt trying to purchase for a loved one by overspending when all is said and done. A more expensive gift is not a sign that you care more. Try to think of what the person may need to make their life a bit better. What could make their life simpler, easier or most helpful?
Planning is not only time saving but also has financial benefits. With prices rising on most everything these days, look towards helping everyone as much as possible by shopping for a variety of healthful and ecological products.
Set an intention for each person on your list. What message do you want the gift to convey to the receiver? How do you anticipate the gift will make them feel upon receiving it? Infusing meaning into your gift-giving process can streamline your search and buying experience. Don’t hesitate to seek inspiration from others if you find yourself at a loss. Perhaps exploring curated corporate hampers could spark some creative ideas!
Are there cooks–budding chefs on your gifting list? Consider compiling a booklet of your favorite family recipes. Create a basket or bowl of items needed to make a certain dish or bread with a recipe including adding a wooden spoon and dish towel. Cocoa mix, sauces, jam or jelly and spice mixtures can be pre-made and included with a special cup or loaf of bread. Monthly subscriptions for children to learn cooking techniques, how to read and create a recipe and learn to eat healthy meals can be purchased with the sous chef in mind. Subscriptions also are great for coffee and tea lovers.
As the holiday approaches, listen intently to what the people you will be gifting have to say. Oftentimes in conversation, you will hear exactly what they may want or need. Possibly they saw a specific sweater that you know would help keep them warm. Or a larger family may want a crock pot to help prepare meals in advance. Someone may want a specific experience or go to a specific event that they have never done or been to before. These life experiences will last for days, weeks even years as wonderful memories.
Some may actually prefer the gift of time. Do you know a young family where the parents could use a date night? Offer your time as babysitter for the night and possibly add movie tickets. Do you know someone who may have had surgery and need their home cleaned? Offer to clean the home before they arrive back home. Or will they be out of commission for a while? Possibly go in on a group gift with a house cleaner for a certain amount of time. Do you know someone who has been laid up after an injury? Offer to walk the dog or go out to get groceries.
As the cost of food continues to rise, some may be having difficulty feeding their family. Grocery store gift cards or Farmer’s Market–CSA boxes will help those in need. Or gift a family a homemade meal ready to enjoy. Other ways to help those in need is to volunteer at soup kitchens or in preparing or serving holiday dinners.
Everyone is in need of some self-care. What do the people on your list like to do that makes them relax? Do they read? Consider a book or specific magazine subscription. Do they like to soak in a tub? Make a spa-like basket of homemade Epsom salts with essential oils, bath mitt or loofah, facial mask makings, and a tray to hold a book to read while they soak. Do they like to work out? Consider a contribution to their gym membership, home weights or a yoga mat or blocks. Do they meditate? Consider a salt lamp to provide that special glow which also helps to purify the air of allergens. Do they like to laugh (well who doesn’t)? There are a variety of movies and shows on disc that create laughter.
A bedtime routine is an important step to learn at a young age. Gifting an evening basket for the family can be filled with a variety of niceties. A warm bath with lavender scented Epsom salts will help any age to relax and settle in for a great sleep. A relaxing and calming cup of tea such as chamomile or turmeric will soothe and eliminate stress. Take a few minutes at the end of the day to write down those things that you are grateful for in a special journal. Keeping a regular schedule will ease the mind and allow for a restful night’s sleep.
Giving and gifting during this holiday season can consist of a variety of experiences, donated time and practical gifts all of which will make the giver and receiver happier and healthier to enjoy the upcoming New Year.
Deborah Dittner is a family nurse practitioner and health consultant. Her mission is to transform as many individuals as possible through nutrition and lifestyle changes. www.debdittner.com