Christmas is coming! Which means choosing gifts for loved ones is also coming. So I’m continuing my November tips and tricks here.
Also just a gentle plug: The Feminist EarthMother PartyGirl is on sale for November: Australian paperback readers save $5 through our secure website store, and eBook readers get 25% off globally.
Now here are helpful ways to short-circuit the pain of traipsing all over the shops with presents to buy and no plan! I hope you find something here that works.
1. The Ask the Person method This one makes sure the presents are well received.
Who knows better about the presents a person would like than the person themselves!
Step 1: The present-receiver and the present-giver set a budget.
Step 2: The present-receiver writes a list of things they would like to get. The rules are as follows: they must write a list of MORE presents than they expect to get; the presents must be SPECIFIC (eg not just “a book” but a particular book); and the presents must have A RANGE OF PRICES – some cheaper, some more expensive.
Step 3: The present-buyer looks the list over and chooses what to buy from the list. They don’t buy everything, just adding things until they come in at the budget. The present-receiver doesn’t know what they’ll be receiving, so they still get a surprise. (It doesn’t matter if you’re a few dollars off budget, you get the general idea.)
2. The Time With You method Sharing an experience with a loved one is win-win
If someone would value having time with you alone, like a parent, child, or dear friend, give them a home-made voucher for a meal to share with you. It can be a fancy dinner, a picnic or just a good quality pizza bar – the main thing is that you get to share a calm, quiet meal and an unhurried chat together. You’re giving them your valued time as well as a wonderful meal. Don’t buy a voucher ahead of time, just set a place and a time later that works for both of you.
3. The Make It Equitable method Everyone is equally happy
There’s nothing worse than buying a gift for someone only to find they’ve bought you a much less or much more expensive present. Everyone feels uncomfortable, which is not the point of present-giving! So set, not just a limit, but an actual amount. That way everyone knows what’s expected.
BUT, and it’s a big one – apply this differently for kids. I remember a dear friend lovingly spending the same amount on my kids, but the youngest got one present and the older got three smaller ones. The youngest asked quite innocently where their other two presents were. Very awkward!
So remember kids, especially little kids, don’t understand about money. Equitable looks different for kids, so make sure you have the same amount of presents, not the same money’s worth.
4. The Family Activities method Factoring in fun family time
This method provides happy family time and the enjoyable outcome of sharing with loved ones. Include something for each of your family that they can share with the rest of you. This might be a card game, board game, outdoor game (bocce is our favourite), a DVD, a console game, a jigsaw or more.
I hope these tips have helped. Bring on the fun!
Joni Page 