Finals might be over, but your stress isn't. You got holiday shopping to do and I bet you didn't know how hard it might be to shop for certain people. Mom and dad aren't around anymore to buy your gifts or tell you what is appropriate or not. A lot can go wrong this season, so here are some tips on holiday etiquette so you don't need to worry about if you're making things awkward:
1. Send thank-you cards.
You may not see this between millennials, but I'm sure your moms and dads have asked you to write cards to your grandparents or aunts and uncles thanking them for your gifts. When you receive a gift this holiday, be sure to send a letter saying "thank you" and reminding them that you're thinking of them.
2. Never give adults cash, only gift cards or physical gifts.
The gesture is nice, but it implies that they need money because they are struggling financially. It is embarrassing for an adult to receive cash, especially from someone younger than them. Visa gift cards or a gift card to their favorite restaurant is a good way to go, just keep the Benjamin's in your pocket.
3. Appreciate what you get.
At least you are getting something this Christmas with your family or someone you at least mutually like. A lot of people don't have that luxury.
4. Keep the receipt in the pockets if you bought them clothes.
People might have gained weight and can't fit into what you bought them. At least this way they can exchange what they got. Just try your best to guess their sizes and if you don't know, ask their spouses, they are likely to have your back.
5. If you are buying gifts for new friends or friends that aren't best friends, don't overspend.
This puts them in a very awkward position because they'll feel like they have to get you something of equal value and not everyone can afford to add you to their gift-giving list.
6. Don't buy gifts that are obviously cheap.
If you love them, at least put some thought into a cheap gift. You don't need to overspend this holiday, but you can't buy your grandma hand-sanitizer either.
7. If you are making something homemade, make it look good.
It was cute when you were in second grade, but unless you're good at drawing or making scarves, I suggest admitting this year isn't the year to make a trade out of gift-making.
8. Asking what they want isn't rude.
But, it is one of those things you need to judge whether or not they want to hear. Some people just want to be surprised.
9. Don't give your friends presents four weeks before the holiday begins.
It will seem like you are giving them plenty of time to buy YOU a gift. You never want to appear like you are strong holding people into buying you things. If you want to give them a gift, wait until very last day of school or the last time you see them.
10. Never ask for a gift back.
It is fine under certain circumstances, such as if it was too sentimental. But you can't be asking for a gift back two months after the holiday. It just isn't worth embarrassing yourself over.
11. Don't be a hinter.
As you come closer to the holidays, dropping hints just starts seeming greedy. If they ask you what you want just be honest. Nobody wants to hear, "I don't know, I'll let you decide." You know what you want.
12. Don't be a recycler.
Nobody wants that stuffed animal from your closet from when you were a kid. Buy them something new.
13. Give the gifts you don't want to charity.
There are many unfortunate people not getting anything from anyone this holiday. If you haven't used it in a year, give it to someone who might use it every day.
14. Don't give implied gifts.
One of the worst things you can do this season is buy your mother a broom. Unless she broke hers and needed a new one, you shouldn't think that your mother ever enjoys cleaning. A box of chocolates would go much better.
15. Don't get something they can't use.
Don't buy your grandmother a jawbreaker or your peanut-allergic father a pack of assorted nuts. You want them to have something they can use. After all, you've known these people for years, you should at least know what they can't have.
16. Never insult another person's gift.
I can't even begin to describe the anger I felt when everything I got was being made fun of. It made me feel like everything I wanted and got was inadequate and I shouldn't be enjoying them. Don't ruin someone's holiday just because you wanted to get a few laughs in from the rest of your family. Not to mention, someone spent money on those gifts just to make a person happy and there you are ruining it.
During this holiday season, don't do these 16 things. Keep these important habits in mind so you can have a smooth holiday season of gift-giving!