The 10 best practical Christmas gifts
For many of us, shopping for Christmas gifts has become more of a nightmare than a series of pleasant excursions to local malls and shopping spots. Gone are the days of searching stores for beautifully packaged soaps and bath salts, the latest best sellers, or next year’s calendar or agenda. Christmas gift shopping has become more complicated for a number of reasons:
1. Christmas is now big business.
When I was growing up, people could expect to find a decent Christmas present for less than $20. Books, stationery, and bathroom gift packs were always good options if you didn’t have the know-how (or the budget) to buy someone what you really wanted. Everyone seemed pleased with these simple gifts and no one was seriously in debt after their Christmas shopping.
The nature of Christmas gifts has changed over the years, from generic little items to more specific options. Children receive the latest must-have toys, while teens and adults alike often receive gadgets and appliances such as iPods, cell phones, cameras, computers, sound systems, and televisions. The cost of the average gift has risen substantially, with the result that we are often faced with large credit card bills after loading up our cards with Christmas gift purchases.
2. Most people already have everything they need.
In the era of available credit, most people tend to buy things when they need them. We’re not necessarily talking big-ticket items like cars or big-screen TVs, but items like technology, housewares, appliances, and clothing. Children and adolescents from upper-middle-class families seem to be especially well equipped with “toys” of all kinds. As for adults, as long as they make good money, they tend not to skimp on life’s little luxuries (as well as the necessities), so you’re often hard-pressed to find a gift they’d really want but don’t want. they do not have. ‘t already bought.
3. Most people have very specific preferences.
Even with small items you may have problems:
- Does the book lover in your family already own the latest bestseller? Has he gone from reading legal thrillers to spy novels? The same questions apply to DVDs.
- Do the women in your family still wear the same perfume or have they picked up a new favorite scent?
- If someone uses a calendar or journal, which type do they prefer? Many people like a specific page size or layout and will not use a calendar or journal that is different.
No matter what the item is, do you know the brand or label someone prefers? Most of us are very clear about what we like, so it’s a waste of money to buy something that doesn’t fit into that category.
My Top 10 Practical Christmas Gift Ideas
So how do you shop for people who, at least on the surface, have everything they need? These are my solutions after spending too much money in the past on Christmas gifts that were not appreciated.
1. Give cash.
Handing everyone a $50 bill inside a nice Christmas card might seem silly, but it solves a couple of problems. The recipient can buy exactly what he wants with the money, plus he’s taken all the stress out of gift selection. Everyone wins. We instigated this system in our family once the children reached their teens.
2. Establish a system of one gift per person.
Everyone in the family writes a list of 5 options (within a specific budget) and places it in a bowl. Then each family member selects a list and buys an item from it. At Christmas everyone gets something they really want and spending is kept within a reasonable limit.
3. Give gift vouchers.
If you know someone loves a particular store, buy them a gift certificate from that store. Once again, they can buy an item they really want.
Unless you really know their tastes, don’t be tempted to create some other kind of homemade gift that they feel compelled to keep because you put so much effort into it!
4. Make up a gift basket.
Buy an inexpensive basket, some cellophane and ribbon, then fill the basket with a dozen small items. The best choices are bath products (check the person’s bathroom first for preferred brands) and food (check your cupboards and refrigerator!).
5. Shop for clothing and accessories wisely.
Unless you really know a person’s tastes, it’s hard to buy clothes for them. The exceptions are items like bathrobes and fancy underwear, but always keep the receipt so they can change the gift if they want.
6. Buy a membership or subscription.
No, we don’t mean a gym membership or something that requires active participation, unless you know the person really wants it. Depending on your tastes, you can buy a membership in clubs like wine of the month, coffee of the month, flower of the month, etc. You can also buy a subscription to your favorite magazine or newspaper.
For the children you can buy a series of swimming lessons, martial arts classes, etc., that they have requested, or you can sponsor them for an event or excursion.
7. Buy tickets.
If you know someone who is a fan of a particular artist or sport, buying them tickets to the next event can be a much-appreciated gift. If tickets aren’t on sale yet, print a coupon on your computer that details your offer. And be sure to keep going!
8. Give a travel voucher.
This is more suitable for a romantic partner or spouse. Book a surprise weekend getaway, but make sure the dates are convenient. If it’s too soon to set dates, create a coupon on your computer and stick to it.
9. Give a service voucher.
Create a service voucher for items like an annual spring cleaning or monthly gardening service for an elderly relative, a series of massages, romantic dinners, etc., for a spouse or partner, etc. You can do this for any task and do it yourself or outsource it.
10. Give them exactly what they want.
If you’ve checked with other friends or family and you’re SURE someone has been wanting a particular item, as long as it’s within your budget, buy it! It’s not often that you get the chance to please someone like that.
So instead of searching online for a single list of the 10 best Christmas gifts this year, take a step back and consider what the people in your life already have and/or really want. Then choose something that fits your wants and needs, as well as your budget.
Happy Christmas gift shopping!
