It is the most wonderful time of year! The Christmas season is finally here and finals are finally over. The stress of finals is off your shoulders, but now you have to conquer another problem, buying Christmas presents for all of your family members. You can shop until you drop, but buying gifts always seems like a bigger hassle every year. It seems like there is nothing to get for your family that will be good enough no matter how long their Christmas list may be.
What always seems to get me, and probably everyone else, is buying gifts for your mom. You wander the mall and department stores however, nothing really screams mom to you. What else could she want? Does she really want a new purse? Did she even use that cooking pan I got her last year? The questions run through your mind faster FedEx next day delivery. Perhaps it is the fact that you don't want to get her those cooking pans she's been asking for, because it won't be that meaningful. Your mom is someone who has given you everything, and buying a gift that tries to express that is very difficult. My mom will love everything I get her, but all these years I have never found the thing that properly says thank you for being the best mom. I think this never ending task is what makes buying for mothers the most difficult. Also, moms will never not be picky and we all know it. This year lets all try not to be materialistic and give our moms something that says thank you! Try getting your mother something that she won't be expecting! Go beyond the department stores and try shopping at stores that are more unique because they may have a gift that no one else has.
On the topic of dads, they are a little different. Dads give us a lot but they are a little less picky when it comes to gift giving. For my dad, all he wants is some fun socks and a new grill every other year. The problem with buying for your father is that they pretty much have everything. A couple polos and some power tools can do just fine. Buying for your dad can also be the same problem as buying for your mom, because what is going to be meaningful for them? Your dad is your right hand man so you want to give him something that isn't the same golf shirt you got him lsat year. One thing I believe dads secretly like is something personalized. Trust me, they will love it. Give them a cute picture of your family that you've all signed or get something that you know he will cherish. It sounds cheesy, however dads have a soft spot that will make them love that extra effort you put in.
Now, lets talk siblings because they are pretty simple. You have spent years fighting with your siblings so buying them gifts is pretty much free range. Shopping for my little brother was simple, he is a teenage boy so he will be happy with whatever I get him. Basically anything with a funny print on a shirt, pajama pants, or socks will be just fine. One way I look at it is if I were a teenage boy what would I want? Honestly, if you really want to get back at him for all those years of sibling arguments, you could get him some gag gifts. Sisters are a little different, I basically get my step-sister anything that I would want. I know she will like whatever I like because lets face it, all girls like the same stuff. I would grab some bath bombs, make up brushes, or some charcoal face masks. If you are a boy shopping for your sis, get her some beauty stuff, they will use it and they will love it. Siblings are a wide open category based age difference so one trick is just to put yourself in their shoes. Honestly, they will probably be too distracted buy the electronics that your parents got them to pay attention to what you got.
My advice may not be the most helpful, but I believe if you think outside the box, you can find something meaningful. Perhaps you can look at TjMaxx because they have everything. Also, try to get personal with your gift giving. There are a ton of websites out there that can help with this and they are very user-friendly. All in all, gift giving is hard, and your family will love whatever you get them.
