The Rules of Holiday Gift Giving
Christmas shopping is never easy, and the type of gift you buy someone depends chiefly on how well you know them and what their tastes and interests are.1. When shopping for the immediate family, you pretty much know what they want, what sizes they wear, and what they have and don’t have. Shopping for relatives that live at a distance, or that you aren’t that close too, is a different situation. In general, it’s a good idea to avoid very personal items such as perfume or clothing for these gifts. Sizes, styles, colors and tastes vary greatly. You might very well choose something that they would never wear, in a size that might conceivably be considered insulting. Unless you know that the person is hoping to receive a specific appliance or home accessory, it is better to avoid these as well. The safest gifts are items such as a decorative piece for the home, cozy afghan or throw, a gift card, or something that is fairly generic in nature.2. When it comes to shopping for children, unless you know the child very well, it is best to ask the parent for suggestions. They will undoubtedly be able to give you some idea of what they are not buying their child, and what you might want to consider giving. Teenagers are more difficult. The best option for the teenager is a gift card or money. If they are driving, a gasoline gift card is always appreciated.3. There are times when intimate, personal gifts are appropriate, but not in gift exchanges, or for gifts at the office or business. Keep gifts that are given to associates, acquaintances and co-workers more or less impersonal. Likewise, gifts exchanged in new relationships should not be overly personal, or overly expensive.4. Don’t go overboard buying expensive gifts for those that cannot afford to return the favor. This only leads to embarrassment on their part. And, if you are part of a gift exchange with a designated limit on spending, stay within that amount. Going to extremes doesn’t make the giver look like a hero, it only makes the giver feel inadequate.5. If you and your partner or co-workers have decided to forego buying gifts for the holidays to save money, don’t cheat and buy gifts anyway. It takes away from their joy during the season when they receive something and have nothing to give in return.Keep in mind that the old adage is still true that it isn’t the size or the cost of the gift that counts, but the thought.
