Tis the season to go shopping… for gifts for family and friends. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other holiday festivities, finding gifts to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones can be as mentally challenging and stressful as finals. Maintaining your budget and sanity while giving thoughtful gifts that people will actually like (and not re-gift next year) is a challenge, but with a few helpful hints you’ll be gifting like a pro in no time!
- Hit the kitchen and do some baking.
Delicious holiday treats are an inexpensive way to spread the joy of the season in bulk.You can stick with your old standbys like the snickerdoodle or the ever-popular cinnamon sugar candied pecans, or you can scour the internet for some more original recipes (Pinterest has some really cool ideas!).
- Hobbies are the answer.
Think about what your giftee likes to do. Is he or she an avid mountain climber? World traveler? Knitter? Cat enthusiast? Hobbies are one of the best and easiest launching point for all your gift ideas.Or, if you’ve already traveled this route, think about whether the person you’re getting a gift for has ever mentioned wanting to take something up.You can pay for your friend to take that spinning class she’s always wanted to try (and even go with her!). Another good, hobby-related gift idea is a magazine subscription. If your friend is obsessed with sports, a yearlong subscription to Sports Illustrated is a likely hit.
- Get personal.
The holidays are all about appreciating the ones you love, so use your gift to show them what you think makes them special!Get your boyfriend a sweater that brings out the color of his gorgeous eyes, or your girlfriend a funny gag gift that reminds you of an inside joke you share. Finally, any gift can be accompanied with a thoughtful, handwritten note that never goes unappreciated. Seriously.