Gift giving — and getting — is a fun holiday tradition for many. However, some people, no matter how well-intentioned, are hopeless gift-givers.
We’ve all gotten their presents: the fruit bouquets, the cheap lotion baskets and the tacky reindeer socks.
No matter how hard some gift-givers try, they always end up buying everyone a Chia Pet for Christmas.
But gift exchanging doesn’t have to remain a torturous tradition.
With the right ideas, even the hopeless gift-giver can give a great present this holiday season:
Buy a practical gift
Practical doesn’t have to mean boring. In a bad economy, some people are more in need of practical gifts now than ever. Getting someone a gift they really need is more thoughtful than getting them a present they can’t use. To avoid buying something truly boring, here’s a tip: Don’t ask your friends or relatives what they need — figure it out on your own. The gift will show that you care.
Make your own gift basket
Buying a pre-made gift basket is often impersonal and expensive. If you’re at a loss for something fun to give, make your own themed gift basket. Pick a theme or a topic specific to the person you’re buying for. If they love “Singin’ in the Rain,” make them a “Rainy Day” gift basket complete with the movie, a homemade CD mix with songs from the film, snacks, an umbrella and a fedora, a la Gene Kelly. Once you pick the perfect topic, the rest will fall into place. Buy a basket at Goodwill, put the gifts inside and wrap with cellophane.
Everyone loves food
You can almost never go wrong with food — especially good food. While homemade hot chocolate mixes are cute, they’re overdone during the holiday season. Buy something from a food specialty store instead, such as unusual Japanese candies at an Asian market, or fancy truffles at a chocolate factory. Don’t buy soup mixes or tea sets at Target or Wal-Mart — they’re generic and not well-made.
The sentimental gift
Making a sweet and sentimental gift for your significant other, parent or best friend is always appreciated. Put something together that signifies an important memory. Buy a gift card for the restaurant you went to on your first date, put together a scrapbook of your kindergarten painting for your mom or write a story about the adventures of you and your best friend. No, they don’t have to be this corny, but they should elicit a smile and a great memory you two have shared.
When in doubt, turn to music
When you are low on time, ideas and money, make a mix CD. Keep it personal and choose the songs carefully. If you danced with your boyfriend or girlfriend to Usher’s “Love in this Club” at prom, put it on. Also, put a cover on it with labels using a label program.
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