My first Christmas as a college student has got me thinking about how much the holidays have changed for me since I was kid. The biggest change? I find myself less thinking about what I want others to give me and more about what I can give for others. When you're a kid there’s nothing more exciting than receiving a gift, tearing apart the wrapping paper (much to your eco-friendly mother’s dismay) and adding another treasure to your boundless hoard. I remember that so much of my identity as a kid was based off of what I liked, what I wanted, and what I had. But now that I’m older, I’m much more inclined to define myself in terms of what I can give to others.
There are countless psychological studies that recount the benefits of gift giving. The act of giving a gift fosters trust, social connection, bolsters self-esteem and even affects our physical health, as shown in a 1999 study at UC Berkeley wherein elderly people involved in two or more forms of volunteering were likelier to live longer when compared to those who did not volunteer. However, mindless gift giving does not produce these same effects. In order for gift-giving to be truly beneficial it has to be personal and meaningful. The performance of gift-giving as just another social obligation to cross off your list may even exacerbate stress and negative feelings. So how can you do gifting right this holiday season? Here are five strategies to get the most out of what you give this holiday season!
- Make something
- As cliche a solution as it is, you really can’t go wrong with a homemade christmas present. From knitting, to baking, to scrapbooking there are dozens of ways to create a thoughtful gift. Not the crafty type? That’s okay! It can be as simple as a handwritten letter. The fact that you put the effort into creating something personal instead buying something from the mall is gift enough.
- Buy something they’ll actually use
- As warm and fuzzy as handmade gifts are, they’re not always the most practical option. This Christmas, don’t feel the need to impress your loved ones with bells and whistles. Think of what they actually need (Need of course being a relative term). This of course, can be tricky territory. Here you have to walk the line between something they need, but don’t already have (For instance the hundreds of journals I’ve gotten over the years!). Try thinking of something they’ve expressed interest in, but have never had the money to splurge for themselves.
- Give Experiences
- Don’t forget that sometimes the most valuable gift can be spending time together. Buy your loved ones tickets to their favorite movie or concert. Whatever the case may be one great memory is worth more than a thousand presents.
- Don’t underestimate the power of gag gifts
- Though this tip very much contradicts tip two, there’s nothing more personal than an oddly specific gift based on an inside joke only the two of you share. As silly as they are, gag gifts are actually a great way to show a person you care and value all the fun ridiculous times you have together.
And I know I said I’d provide five tips, but honestly if you can’t think of anything by the first four then you clearly don’t know this person well enough to justify buying them a gift! Happy Holidays!
