It’s almost upon us—the holiday season’s most festive celebration on Christmas Day. Every December 25th, we gather at the family home, or in our own houses, and exchange gifts and merriment. In all likelihood, however, this year is going to be a little bit different depending on where you’re from and what Covid-19 deterring measures are in place. Still, the tradition is most likely going to be kept going, even if that exchange isn’t happening in person.
With Christmas Day just around the corner—in fact, only a week away—you might still be struggling with deciding just what to get your loved ones this year. Alternatively, you might have that problematic relative who you know will appreciate anything you get them, but you have no idea that should be. Well, not only is the internet your friend in figuring out how to choose a Christmas gift that they’ll never forget, but you might also find some inspiration in the list below.
Remember who you’re buying gifts for.
Now, with time certainly not on your side, it’s understandable how tempting it would be to just head to the store and grab the first deal you can. After all, retailers drop their prices for a reason. They’re prepared to make a loss on some products, as they’ll make gains on selling others just by getting more people through the doors. This year, that’s both physically and figuratively since many shops have moved to online sales as being their primary outlet.
Before you rush to the nearest shop and get enticed by the latest trends, have a think about the implications of what you’re buying and who you’re buying them for. Yes, your child has been crying out for a tablet for weeks now, (coincidentally just after they saw a friend use one). Also, it’s an easy win—just get in, get a tablet, and get out before the rush of people do the same thing.
However, there are arguments as to why you shouldn’t buy an iPad for your child, and they might be worth considering first. Of course, no one is going to stop you, but maybe your little loved ones would benefit from something else for now, and hold off the digital interfaces until they’re a little bit older.
Similarly, is an older relative really going to enjoy something that is overly high-tech and complicated, when the truth is that they’re happy with books and clothing? Remember, your audience here is important, and many of the deals you see at retailers aren’t for everybody.
Think outside the box when deciding what to put into it.
Again, instead of just considering the gift, first think about the person. What are they into? Do they have any hobbies or interests? How do they dress? How old are they? Are they creative, or are they reactive? These are all questions to ask yourself for the simple reason as to streamline your gifting decisions. After all, the purchase that you make for someone else will mean all the more if it compliments them in some way.
For example, you might have a fashionista in the family—someone who shows up to every family function looking stylish and immaculately made up. They’re putting out makeup tips online, or they’re the go-to person in their family or friends whenever someone needs advice on foundations or lipsticks. You know that too much make up isn’t particularly good for you, but they wear theirs so well that you feel you’d be doing them a disservice to not get them a gift that reflects their interest. What can you get them that is both make up related but that has longevity too? Easy, gift them with magnetic eyelashes.
These magnetic eyelashes last a lot longer than the traditional false ones and are much easier and cleaner to apply. Even better, they’re a little safer too, as you don’t need to apply eyelash glue close to the eye itself, thus eliminating the hazards that are presented by a potential slip-up during application.
Breaking it down, this example works because it’s taking the person that you’re buying for, analyzing what they enjoy, and using that to inform you of what area to check. From there, you’re being a little niche in your choice of gift—not taking the easy option—and gifting something with properties that would have extra, unnoticed, benefits.
When is a gift not a gift?
Up until now, the assumption has been that the gift you purchase for your loved ones is an item or an object which they can use. But the truth is, sometimes the best gifts aren’t ones that you carry in your hands but in your memories. Once more, focus on the person you’re gifting to, and think about what their interests are. Some hobbies, particularly those that are rooted in creative endeavors, don’t need much to get going. Writers always love a good notebook, sure. But if you give a writer something to write about as well, they’ll appreciate it all the more. Trips away, tickets to shows, or a shout out from a celebrity can’t really be wrapped up, but they’re definitely gifts that won’t be forgotten.
Do you know what a Sony 24-70 2.8 is? No? Well, if you have a photographer enthusiast in your family, then ask them, as they’ll confirm that it’s a type of lens that’s perfect for taking professional-looking photos quietly. They’re also pretty costly, but instead of buying them a lens to last for all occasions, check out BorrowLenses’ website, and sign your relative up for a subscription with them. This will let your loved one rent all of the camera equipment that they need, whenever they need it.
The truth is, a gift is not a gift if the intent was for it to be given. One final idea to consider is to give someone else a gift on behalf of a relative. Charities and causes, such as those endorsed by entrepreneur Hayes Barnard rely on donations to ensure that the people who have very little can at least have a little more. If you really want to give a winning gift this year, consider making a donation to a cause that a family member believes in.
