How Can I Simplify My Gift Giving?
Step #1. Find your Christmas gift list from last year (What? You didn't toss it out, did you?). Make a similar page and keep it in your notebook you can refer to year after year.
Now list the same people in the same order and that's how you start. (Sample in Holiday Notebook.)
Step #2. Put suggestions next to each name. List places to purchase the gifts on-line or stores to go to. Think of a "theme" to give everyone, like sweaters, CD's, or gift certificates.
Step #3. Divide your list by the number of weeks before Thanksgiving. Shop and wrap for that number each week. You will feel relieved to be out of the mall and crowds.
Gift Giving Suggestions:
1. DO buy gifts that relate to a person's hobby and free time activities.
Men - Event ticket, a new book, or gear for their favorite sport.
Women - Clothes, purse, or jewelry from their favorite store.
Teens - Music CD, clothes, or tickets to their favorite music group.
Children - Games, books, sport gear, or toys that they can play with right away.
2. DON'T give a practical person a sentimental gift and vice versa.
My Dad never lived the Christmas down when he gave my Mom a new boat motor for our lake house at Christmas. A new necklace or bracelet would have been much safer and appreciated. He agrees.
3. DO give gift certificates for something they would enjoy.
Coworker - Certificate for a favorite restaurant like Olive Garden or Marie Calendar's.
Teenager/Young Adults - Certificate to a Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, Sport Mart or an electronics store.
Mother-in-laws & Sisters-in-law - Certificate to a craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
4. DO buy "Nurturing" Gifts that say, "You are loved."
When you buy a gift for the interest area of a person at something they are trying to excel in or a new hobby, they feel validated. A magazine subscription and one issue wrapped for the budding gourmet cook in your house, or a new puppy for the grade schooler looking for a new friend.
5. DON'T FRET. . . Ask the hard to please person what they want. Or offer them three suggestions, and they will tell you what they would prefer instead. People love choices and getting gifts.
What's the Purpose?
The purpose of gift giving is to bring joy from your heart to theirs in a tangible way that they will remember this year. Everyone needs some cheer at the most hectic time of year. Make it easy on yourself and cut your holiday stress in half by getting your gift shopping well under way before Thanksgiving.
(This excerpt is from Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay that Way, by Marcia Ramsland, Thomas Nelson, www.Organizing Pro.com.)