10 Holiday Gifting Tips for Staying Organized & Chill This Year
10 Holiday Gifting Tips for Staying Organized & Chill This Year
Whether you’re ready or not, the holiday season is right around the corner. The temperature is dropping and you might be thinking about what gifts you’ll be giving this season. We know how stressful gifting can be – especially when your list of giftees is super long. But have no fear! We have some organizational tips to help you stay on top of your gifting this year. Because this season should be for joy and togetherness – not stress.
So, without further ado, here are 10 tips for staying organized and unbothered while gathering your gifts.
1. Start early and make a stash
Ok, so we might be guilty of Christmas shopping in January. But, starting your gift shopping super early is a great way to avoid panicked gift shopping December 21st! If you do start early and make a stash, make sure to label gifts with names so you don't forget who they’re for. And, if you live with people you’re gifting (especially kids who might go snooping) you’ll want to hide your stash somewhere no one will find it!
2. Start a tracker of what you've given in the past
We love a good spreadsheet. Or, if you’re more into analog methods, a journal will do! Overall, keeping track of what you’ve previously given – and how it was received – will help you determine better future gifts. We also like to keep track of gift ideas we have! Perhaps a friend mentioned they’d love to go to that new museum exhibit that opened up. Or a family member mentioned they’d love to get a pair of cute Doc Martens for their child. Keeping track of these little mentions will help you a lot when it’s time to start shopping!
3. Coordinate with others
Want to gift something super big or expensive -- basically something you can’t do on your own? What about coordinating with others to give a group gift of something big from everyone. Maybe your parents have really wanted a new grill for the backyard. Time to team up with the siblings to get the perfect gift!
Another reason to coordinate with friends and family is to avoid gifting duplicates to your loved ones. It's always good to be on the same page so you can avoid a mishap! But also, you might get some great gift ideas from others as well. Use all the resources at your disposal!
4. Make something!
For people who already seem to have everything, this can be the perfect solution! Hand-made gifts are also a 'get out of jail FREE' card as a gift to parents and grandparents. They are wired to love anything you make! Grandparents especially will love photos or anything with grandkids in them.
If there's a craft you especially love to do -- or want to try out -- this is a great excuse to dive in! Hand-made jewelry, floral arrangements, knitted scarves, and more -- there are endless options!
5. Gift them time together
Gifting someone an experience is always a great option – whether that be tickets to a concert or film, or maybe even a vacation or road trip. It’s even better if you give them the gift of an experience you can have together! Offer to do their favorite things with them or go somewhere with them. Time is priceless!
You might even try gifting one of our workshops -- make something fun with your friends and family!
6. Gift eternity
... well, not quite. But, did you know you can put names on distant stars or local benches? Trying out something a little whimsical that will last longer than your loved ones life time can be a touching and grand gesture! You can also donate money to a cause that they care about in their name. Help your friends and family leave an impact on the world in a way they truly care about!
7. Gift pairs or matching things
This can be a great option for couples or families – even friends! (Remember matching BFF necklaces? We sure do!) Get matching items that you can share to remind you of each other -- matching bracelets, glassware, and more.
Or, taking it in another direction, try gifting pairs of items that go together! Mugs with hot chocolate, wine with a wine rack, a plant with a watering can, and more. Have fun with it! Plus, having more than one item to unwrap is always more exciting.
8. Personalize, personalize, personalize
Whatever it is, put a name on it! You could also try adding someone's favorite quote or an inside joke to an item as well. You can often embroider words on fabric items, or get something engraved. If you want to try out something super fun, you can also make your own metal stamped bracelets. And if personalizing an item yourself doesn't seem quite right, you can always get something in their favorite color or related to their favorite movie, band, cartoon character, or video game.
9. Think about home
Did they recently move? Anything for the household is fair game! Plants make a great gift. Make sure to pick one based on your giftee's plant skills! And include a care guide as a sweet extra touch.
If plants aren't your thing, you can gift a small painting that you made yourself or a wall tapestry hanging. It's always nice to have personal art to hang in a new home. You can also gift coasters (we can always use more!), sew a set of tea towels, put together a dried floral arrangement, decorate a pillow, or hand knit a throw blanket. There are so many household items out there to choose from!
10. And if you’re still totally stumped – ask!
Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to just ask your family members and friends what they’d most like to get this season. Of course, this depends on the person (some people like a surprise), but most will be happy to know you care and will be happy to provide a wishlist or a couple ideas. Then, you can take these and go the extra mile making them a bit more special.
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We hope we’ve inspired some of your gift choices this year!
And if you’re looking to gift an experience, why not gift one of our workshops? We teach a variety of fun classes on arts, crafts, and plants. Looking to learn more about bonsais, painting, embroidery, and more? We might have just the right class for you and a loved one.
On another note, do you need help with gift wrapping? We teach a workshop on that! In The Art of Gift Wrapping, learn how to dress up your presents in the prettiest ways.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or something else entirely, we hope you have a happy holiday season!