6 Ways To Be The Leslie Knope Of Gift Giving This Christmas
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6 Ways To Be The Leslie Knope of Gift Giving This Christmas

I have always taken pride in my ability to give people gifts.

Annika Soderfelt
Nov 27, 2018
Villanova University
216
https://pixabay.com/en/decorating-christmas-tree-santa-2999722/
Pixabay

Upon coming to college one of my friends referred to me as the Leslie Knope of Christmas gift giving, and, at the time, I still hadn't seen the show so I did not understand the reference she was making. A couple months later, when I finally watch Parks and Recreation, I realized that what she had said was actually one of the greatest compliments I could have received. So far, to my knowledge, I've lived up to the nickname that she gave me, and now my Christmas obsessed mind is here to share a couple of hints for the gift giving challenged to make this holiday a little more Knope.

 You don't have to break the bank

Let's face it, college is expensive. You wish you had the money to spoil your friends the way they deserve, but between friends in college, family members, friends from back home, and maybe a few others, it may be hard to get everyone something that reflects the bazillion dollar you wish you could spend on them. Look for deals local stores, watch out for online Black Friday sale, try going to antique shops. There are so many options for awesome gifts that don't make your bank account want to cry.

 Make sure you know what type of gift they like to receive.

Some people really like sappy and sentimental gifts. They may not have much of a daily used to them, but they could put it somewhere and think of you every time they look at it. Other people would much rather have a gift they can use on a daily basis. Just pay attention to what they are like as a person. Do they by themselves frivolous things? Or are they generally only buying things they need. If they tend towards sentimentality, personalizationMall.com and Shutterfly are both reasonably priced sites that allow for sentimentality. If there a little bit more rational in their gifts, look online with places like Amazon prime, target, or Walmart. Even if you don't know what you're getting them, something will likely pop out and make you think of that person.

Pay attention

Starting in November, pay attention to what your friends are saying. They may mention a favorite animal, favorite new TV show, or so much more. These are things that you generally hear but don't give much heedence to. Sometimes you may be so lucky as for them to directly mention something they would really like. It usually isn't that easy, but it's manageable, but, in most cases, it just shows deeper thought than something like a gift card. For that rational person in your life, gift cards maybe perfect, but, especially for the more sentimental person, genuinely paying attention to what they say will show all that much more in the gift you give.

Don't wait until the last minute

Am I bit excessive in having almost every gift ready before thanksgiving? Yes. But, here's the thing, do you really want to put up with other last minute Christmas shoppers? No. Find a happy medium. Start passively looking at the start of November then you can start looking actively after thanksgiving for the gifts you haven't found already. You avoid the stress of trying to figure everyone out at once, gifts not coming in on time, not finding something in time, and whatever else may stress you out.

The dollar store is your friend for fillers

Sometimes you get someone a gift, but you later decide that it's just not enough. They deserve something a bit more. The dollar store allows you to go and pick up a few nail polishes or those gloves you can use with your phone. Other things like that are perfect for not only filling in where you feel your gift left off or doing a small gift exchange. Don't underestimate it just because it was a dollar.

Don't stress out 

At the end of the day, you're buying a gift for someone you love and someone who loves you. You aren't going to get it perfect every time, no matter how hard you try. If you are convinced you haven't found THE gift, that's okay. No one expects you to be Santa 2.0. There's always next year and you can come back better than ever. You did your best and your friends will know and appreciate that.

Take a deep breath! It's the most wonderful time of the year

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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