As I gear up to go Christmas shopping every year, it seems like some people are incredibly easy to shop for and some are near impossible. So, to simplify the process this year, I've decided to devise a list of the different types of Christmas presents so that perhaps I won't get stuck on the one or two that drive me to distraction year after year. While this list is by no means exhaustive, I hope it serves as inspiration to keep all of us from thinking, "I don't know what the heck to buy for _______."
Category One: Something Personal
My family and friends are so incredibly good at buying me presents in this category. Here are a couple of examples. My buddy, Meg, bought me this notepad for my birthday back in September a mere month after my
fateful lawnmowing episode:
I use this notepad daily and it gives me a good chuckle when I remember how ridiculous it even was to undertake mowing my new lawn with a push mower. Sometimes, a gift that says, "I saw this and couldn't resist" is the best kind.
Shortly after that gift, my mom send a package and it included this:
This, my dears, is a sheep bell from Greece. As I've mentioned before, the sound of those tinkling bells is one of the things that
I miss the most about our house in Greece. Now, I can put it around Nona's neck, chase her around the yard and feel like I'm back home again. Ah, the memories. Whenever I'm feeling homesick or like the next summer will never get here, I see this gift and it gives me hope that, one day, vacation will be here again.
Obviously, the better you know someone, the easier it is to give personal gifts, but in my opinion, these are the best kind.
Category Two: Something Practical
My mother-in-law gives the best stuffed stockings ever. Want to know why? When she visits, she peeks in our bathroom and writes down the brand of every product we use daily - perfume, deodorant, tooth paste, flossing sticks, toothbrushes, Q-tips, chapstick, hand lotion, etc... It's probably the most practical thing that we receive every year and we love it because we don't have to shop (or spend) for those products for months!
Sometimes, giving someone things that they need is far better than giving them something that may be superfluous to their lives. This category would also include things like car chargers for phones, iPods and iPads, gas cards, new windshield wipers, good knives, etc...
Category Three: Something Whimsical
If you have a friend or family member that collects things, it makes buying for them a piece of cake. (Just a word of warning - make sure they actually want to add more pieces to their collection before you go that route.)
The other types of gifts that fall into this category might be a pair of earrings or a purse that can only be worn with one outfit or a vase or a serving platter that only comes out for special occasions. Often times, people don't splurge on these things for themselves, so it's nice when someone else does for them.
Category Four: Something Sentimental
I don't know anyone who doesn't love receiving a picture of loved ones in a beautiful frame. Whether it's just a great picture or a memory of a fun or important day, pictures are what make houses feel like homes and offices feel personal. Of course nowadays, you can get pictures printed on mugs, shirts, blankets, calendars...you name it. This category would also include keepsakes like hand and footprints of children and pets and personalized ornaments.
Category Five: Something Luxurious
This category is reserved for things that make you feel like a million bucks - a cashmere throw, plush slippers, a gift certificate for a manicure, pedicure, massage, facial, etc... If the sentimental gifts are designed to make you feel good from within, these gifts are definitely designed to make you feel good from without. These types of gifts might be a great idea this year since one of the first things to be cut from someone's budget are the luxuries and services.
Category Six: Toys and Gadgets
Ah, yes. We've arrived at probably the most lusted after category of the season. New phones, cameras, game consoles, iPods, iPads, laptops,... Not to stereotype, but the boys in my house generally prefer to receive gifts that fall under this category. They could be down to a single pair of underwear, but if given the choice, they would still prefer a gadget over a necessity.
Well folks, that about exhausts my gift categories. Now that I have them all spelled out, I need to make a list of everyone I'm shopping for and buckle down on their gifts. Wish me luck and happy shopping to you all!
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