You know that person you’re jealous of who claims to have their Christmas shopping complete before December 1st? That person that eliminates the pressures of last-minute present hunting by collecting gift ideas and making little purchases year-round? I try to be her.
This preparedness is partially sparked from Mama’s love for celebrations of all kinds. She raised us on two phrases I find myself falling back on often: “celebrate everything” and “blessed are the peacemakers.” Since I can remember, Mama’s had shelves in the garage designated for collecting offerings, just in case an unscheduled event requires a gift, or a Christmas sale is too good to pass up-because you just might need those extra decorations for next year. She’s always finding thoughtful and thrifty, ways to give.
When I entered the age to start buying gifts separate from parents, I challenged myself to a good gifter, which is one reason, I made the 12 Days of Gift Guides (for all kinds of friends and family) to share this holiday season. There’s a trending hashtag on TikTok right now that I jive with: #nocrapforChristmas. Not buying friends and family junk for Christmas sounds obvious but I’ve noticed that often presents are exchanged just because it is seemingly expected. How many times have you received a gift for an occasion that you felt little to no thought was given? Or felt the gift was given as just another thing to check off the to-do list? When I started asking myself these questions, I realized how much more important the quality of the gift is, instead of focusing on the invisible obligation of giving. By tuning into why a gift is being given and choosing a present based on a person’s interests, over consumption is reduced.
In the following Christmas gifting lists, each styled for a certain kind of interest/hobby, I will give ideas ranging in price from $5-$200. No matter who still needs a present under the tree, by clicking on the item names below, you’ll be busy wrapping and checking things off your holiday to-dos in a few days.
Gifting 101: 12 Guides for Better Gifting
- For The Retro Friend
- For The Travel Buddy
- For The Friend Who’s Always Cold
- For The Boyfriend/partner
- For The Girlfriend/partner
- For The Fashion-Forward Friend
- For The Caffeine Crazy One
- For The Foodie
- For The Friend Who Takes Care of Her Face
- For The Funny Friend
- For The Homeowner
- For The Crafty Friend
12 Gift Guide Lists
For The Retro Friend
For The Travel Buddy
For The Friend Who’s Always Cold
For The Boyfriend/Partner
For The Girlfriend/Partner
For The Fashion-Forward Friend
For The Caffeine Crazy One
For The Foodie
For The Friend Who Takes Care of Her Face
For The Funny Friend
For The Homeowner
For The Crafty Friend
A lot of the items on these lists have been gifted to loved ones in the past and were met with comments like “How did you know I wanted/needed this?” and “Awh, you remembered!”
P.S. Each of these gifts are linked in “Highlights” on my Instagram page (access by scrolling to the bottom of this page). Here you’ll also find Reels that show the product’s function and give some additional gifting ideas.
5 Tips for Better Giving
🎄 Keep an active “Christmas” note on your phone throughout the year to write down items someone mentions they would enjoy having. I also note when someone mentions their favorite color, flower, food, or place, so I can incorporate such themes into what I buy or make for them. I know from years of receiving that my favorite gifts are those that I mentioned liking in passing and the gifter took the time to remember.
🎄If you don’t know the person well yet, snoop on their socials to get ideas of what they are interested in and how they spend their time. (I have been doing this a lot for my boyfriend’s family since I don’t know all of them well yet). Instagram is an excellent place for this since most people are posting highlights and fun times.
🎄Keep a master list of presents you’ve gifted to others in the past as well as have a list of gifts you’ve received. This serves as a reminder for all the thank you notes that need to be sent in January. Mama has her gifted lists from as far back as the 80’s. This makes for something nostalgic to look back on. I also like this method because by having the list of gifts I’ve received, I am reminded to send photos when I wear or use one of these items. This is a way I communicate to include the gifter in how I am enjoying their present.
🎄Let’s talk about a tricky subject: re-gifting. I believe that if you receive a gift you won’t use or love, it is better to give it to someone who will, than to keep it. This can be difficult because it involves the gifter’s pride, but by keeping an open dialogue with those you’re close to, you’ll minimize this awkward exchange. To eliminate the re-gift, I drop purposeful hints about my interests and what’s on my must-have list for the new year in conversation. And of course, remain grateful for every gift received.
🎄Make something by hand! This is almost always my preferred way to give. While I don’t always have time to dedicate to a painting, sewing project, handmade jewelry set, baked goods, or 1:1 time, I do try to incorporate sentimental elements into every gift. Handmade cards or a quick version of your favorite sweet treat can add a special touch to any present.
What Kind of Giftee Are You?
I have always been a collector—polaroid photos, handwritten letters, limited edition stamps, bottle caps, digital prints, simple jewelry, decorative scarves, and more. There’s something therapeutic about gathering. I think quality gifts have the power to do that—bring people together around a certain celebration.
Some experiential gifts/events I have organized in the past include hosting a Christmas brunch with all the holiday Pinterest must-tries and inviting friends over for an impromptu ugly sweater cocktail party. I ask each guest to bring a gift around $20 and plan to exchange them at the event. There are so many reasons that the holidays are special, but perhaps the greatest moments are those that bring loved ones together.
Are you self-conscious about the reactions you give when opening gifts? This is a common element of giving—that moment when you open a gift and either don’t love it and have to act like you do, or the opposite, when you love something but cannot fully express how much you do with only “Thank yous” and “I love this so much.”
This brings up the question: What is the best way to receive? Here are 3 ways I react when receiving:
- Expressing verbal gratitude immediately is key
- Sending a thank you note explaining how you have or how you plan to use the item always means a lot
- Opening the gift alone and then sending a heart-felt thank-you text or call
5 Gold-Star Gifts I Have Received Recently
-Handwritten letters from my brothers
-Vacations from Yaya and Dad
-A portrait Avery Bevins painted of me that embodied the camera confidence (link blog) I gained in 2020
-A gold signet ring Jack bought me at an antique shop in Oregon last June
-The 23rd birthday agenda my family planned out with all my favorite activities, food, and caffeine breaks
-And everything Mama gives me (I learned it from the best)
The Gifts That Keep Giving
Buying year-round is a gift that keeps giving. Ever feel like you need a shopping fix in July? These gift guides are a great starting place for shopping ideas for Christmas and occasions year-round. By keeping a list of who to buy for and checking it off throughout the year, it keeps the mind focused on others, which leads to gratitude, and ultimately creates more excitement around the act of giving. Shopping throughout the year helps to stay on budget and keeps those garage shelves stocked to give on every occasion.
Conclusion
With the help of these giving tips and the 100+ gift ideas, there are plenty of present opinions for shopping this 2022 Christmas season. After reading and applying these ideas, you’re sure to be known as an awesome gifter and everyone will hope you pull their name for secret Santa.
xxx Allie
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