‘Tis the season for overspending, over consumption and gifts no one really wants in the first place! Between buying gifts for your family, friends, school or work secret Santas and white elephants, gift giving can be expensive and challenging – especially if you’re someone like me who would rather just buy their own things and is terrible at picking out presents for other people. So here is a little guide of some of the ways I make gift giving intentional and thoughtful so people actually like (and use) what you’ve given them.
Quality over anythingÂ
When buying gifts, think about buying something that’s going to get used and that’s going to last. There’s nothing people hate more than a bunch of cheap clutter so here’s how to shop quality items that you don’t have to pay a fortune for.Â
Try to buy things that are made well– if it’s clothes, check the fabric tags for natural materials like cotton, linen, silk, cashmere, leather, etc. and stay away from polyester and fast fashion trends. Natural fabrics usually feel better, last longer, and just look more elevated. Good quality scarves and gloves are versatile gifts that are perfect for the holiday season.Â
Clean beauty products are another great idea, along with soaps and scrubs made with natural ingredients. Products made with real botanicals, essential oils, and simple ingredient lists always feel higher quality than anything mass-produced– not to mention they’re better for you.Â
Kitchen and home gifts are great because they are very practical and usable. Think about a new glass set of tupperware, a wooden charcuterie board, handmade mugs and bowls, even some high-end salt or oil to cook with.Â
My number one recommendation is to shop at off-price retail stores like Winners, Marshalls and Homesense because they sell brand-name and quality items at lower prices– you just have to be patient enough to sort through it all. Often you can find European-made soaps, candles, kitchenware, and bath products that feel luxurious without costing a ton. Small, local businesses are also great for finding things that are unique and handmade.
It’s all in the WrappingÂ
Making a small gift elegant and thoughtful is all about the wrapping and presentation. Think about making the exterior of the gift just as nice as the gift itself. It’s easy to get creative with the way you wrap your gift by using something unique like sheet music or newsprints, organza gift bags, baskets, glass jars and tote bags. I love adding ribbon to just about anything and finishing it with a little bow. Another festive way to spice up your gifts is by adding a single chocolate to each gift (Lindors are great for this).Â
When someone can tell you’ve put thought into something as simple as the wrapping and adding a little extra, it means so much more. Handmade cards and gift tags are another great way to do this. Something festive drawn or hand painted with a personalized message is perfect. You can cut out letters, use scraps of ribbon, or add a tiny sprig of greenery to make the whole package feel personal and intentional. Tiny details like this make the gift feel one-of-a-kind, even if it was something small or inexpensive.