I love giving gifts. Seriously. It feels so good, right? I don’t have a gigantic budget to work with, nor do I like to give gifts that are going to take up room on a shelf. In a time when we are trying to consume less and get away from so much ‘stuff’, it poses an interesting challenge…or opportunity when it comes to gift giving. Mother’s Day is only few days away and I’ve had a few conversations about on the subject.
Gift giving, even when done with the very best intentions, can cause one of the biggest problems I see as a Professional Organizer. Clients keeping items they do not want or need out of obligation. The item at hand represents the love or appreciation of someone in their life. It does not matter that the sweater is ugly or ill-fitting, or that the vase is taking up too much room, or that it’s a teapot and you only drink coffee. The gesture has become the gift and it is difficult to part with a kind gesture. It is a complicated subject with all sorts of emotional ties but it fills shelves, storage rooms, cupboards and closets. It is something that we as givers should be mindful of.
I have actually made it my mission in 2015 to give gifts which are personal yet consumable. Since we are nearly halfway through the year I’ve had an opportunity to try a few different things.
Food and Drink
You can’t go wrong with an essential like that. Everyone eats and drinks. This year I have cooked meals with my guest’s favorite food items on the menu or taken a friend to lunch. I’ve put together trays of baked goodies and fruit. I’ve given wine and drink gifts, a restaurant gift card for a favorite food joint and more than a few coffee cards. Don’t forget the true power of a nice gift of chocolate or a fancy cupcake. Everyone loves a treat! I think the two most appreciated food gifts that I’ve given were a grocery gift card to my recently moved out son, and a supper drop-off to friends who are always on the go.
An Experience
Such a fun option! Concert tickets, movies tickets, live theatre, comedy clubs. Swimming passes, a round of golf, a tour, a sports game – wow! The possibilities are endless and the gift can be customized to your loved one’s tastes. This is a favorite of our children. We have done everything from the zoo to a rock concert. An experience always pleases.
BTW…I love massage or spa gift certificates – just saying…
Flowers
This is such a flexible gift because not only do you have such a variety of blooms to choose from, there is a wide price range to work with. You can pick up a bundle at your grocery store for under $20, even under $10 or you can go to a florist and spend whatever you are comfortable with. When the season is right you can give outdoor potted plants or even go hunting for wildflowers and give a hand-picked bundle.
Gift Cards
I hear the argument that gift cards are impersonal. I disagree. I can thoughtlessly grab a random coffee mug just as easily as a random gift card. Gift cards are an opportunity to gift someone with a choice. Nearly all retail outlets, coffee shops, restaurants and even gas stations have gift cards. You know your friend and loved one. You know where they love to shop and eat. But it’s not necessary to make the exact purchase for them. How wonderful it is to go to your favorite place and purchase something you love and will value without worrying about the cost. As a giver you can spend whatever you wish and it can either subsidize your loved one’s purchase or cover the entire amount.
Charity
I love this one. I love to give it and receive it. Many people have a charity that is close to their hearts and a charitable gift in their name is lovely. I have recently purchased Gifts of Hope from Plan Canada . They support many international charities and you can simply buy a gift card. Your recipient can go online and choose whether they would like to support equipment purchase for an undersupplied medical clinic, purchase a goat for an impoverished village or many of the other opportunities of generosity.
Time
This is another gift I love. It could come in the form of help with yard work or painting or whatever project is on the agenda. It could be providing childcare so your loved one could enjoy some free time. It could be bringing coffee and cake for a leisurely visit or just going for a long walk in a beautiful location. There are endless ways we can give our time and it will be most appreciated.
A warm hug also goes a very long way.
Consumable gifts sidestep the ‘what to give the person who has everything’. Man, if they have everything they really don’t need you to add to the pile. I’m not totally against giving ‘stuff’ but as the giver you have a responsibility to give something that adds value to the recipient’s life. It should be respectful of their time and their space. Sometimes we are sure we understand our loved one’s taste…but we are often wrong. And even when we aren’t, did we consider the space they have to store it or if perhaps they had something else in mind?
Something to consider.
Hugs
Life is Messy 