'Tis the season - to shop for gifts for friends, family and others who deserve a wrapped present as defined by the rules of political correctness. We all long to find the perfect gift, even though there is no such thing. Some choices are much better than others, however, so I'm here today wearing my Santa hat with a package or two of gift-giving advice - otherwise known as the dos and don'ts of the gifting process.
Gifts fall into two general categories - personal and professional. You buy personal gifts for close family members and others you know well. Professional gifts go to people who are in your life for less personal reasons. As a rule, when buying gifts for non-family members - like teachers, hair stylists, baby sitters and secret Santa buddies - find an item that can be eaten, depleted, consumed and/or emptied. In a word: Use-uppable. Think candles, coffee, chocolate, pizza delivery.
Don't give a framed photo ornament of your child, even if it is silver-plated. Really. The only people who are interested in a framed photo of your child are the child's grandparents. Everyone else is only being polite when they open the package containing this year's school picture. The same goes for your child's artwork. Some things are just better left on the fridge at home.
If you are gifting to small children, do count the presents under the tree. Quantity and quality are on equal terms up until about age 8. Gifts are supposed to bring smiles, not tears.
Don't automatically make gift cards your go-to, even though they fit nicely into the use-uppable category. They may not be convenient for a person who doesn't have easy access to a particular retailer. And, just because you are a regular customer at a Mike's Baloney Factory doesn't mean your gift recipient is. If you think enough of a person to give them a gift, don't boss them around by telling them where to shop - unless you're sure they already shop there.
Do plan ahead. The best gifts are the thoughtful ones and they take time and observation throughout the entire year, not just the week before the holiday. Make note of comments made by family and friends as to what they like and the things that catch their attention. Remember this information later, when you are shopping.
Think twice before sending perishable gifts through the mail. It is likely they will perish. Receiving a gift that is dead or rotten is just, well, rotten.
Consider including at least one board game or other game under the tree. The family that plays together stays together.
Don't make yourself crazy trying to outdo your efforts from last year or trying to outdo the efforts of the in-laws. Don't spend money just to spend money. Remember, it is the thought that counts. Truly.
Do reach out to those less fortunate than you. Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army and other local organizations like the food shelf need your support all year long, but especially during the holidays. If you are a parent make sure your children have the opportunity to actively participate in the giving process.
This is the season of gift giving and receiving, but try not to make it the focus of your attention. Sure, it's nice to give people gifts; it's nice to receive a few yourself. But we know in our hearts that's not what it's about. The true spirit of the season has nothing to do with the latest gadget or gizmo that everyone simply has to have.
It's not about what's under the tree, but who's around it. People are the real gifts to cherish and savor this year.
That and some really good chocolate.
- Jill Pertler's column appears Thursdays in the Times. She can be reached at pertmn@qwest.net.
Gifts fall into two general categories - personal and professional. You buy personal gifts for close family members and others you know well. Professional gifts go to people who are in your life for less personal reasons. As a rule, when buying gifts for non-family members - like teachers, hair stylists, baby sitters and secret Santa buddies - find an item that can be eaten, depleted, consumed and/or emptied. In a word: Use-uppable. Think candles, coffee, chocolate, pizza delivery.
Don't give a framed photo ornament of your child, even if it is silver-plated. Really. The only people who are interested in a framed photo of your child are the child's grandparents. Everyone else is only being polite when they open the package containing this year's school picture. The same goes for your child's artwork. Some things are just better left on the fridge at home.
If you are gifting to small children, do count the presents under the tree. Quantity and quality are on equal terms up until about age 8. Gifts are supposed to bring smiles, not tears.
Don't automatically make gift cards your go-to, even though they fit nicely into the use-uppable category. They may not be convenient for a person who doesn't have easy access to a particular retailer. And, just because you are a regular customer at a Mike's Baloney Factory doesn't mean your gift recipient is. If you think enough of a person to give them a gift, don't boss them around by telling them where to shop - unless you're sure they already shop there.
Do plan ahead. The best gifts are the thoughtful ones and they take time and observation throughout the entire year, not just the week before the holiday. Make note of comments made by family and friends as to what they like and the things that catch their attention. Remember this information later, when you are shopping.
Think twice before sending perishable gifts through the mail. It is likely they will perish. Receiving a gift that is dead or rotten is just, well, rotten.
Consider including at least one board game or other game under the tree. The family that plays together stays together.
Don't make yourself crazy trying to outdo your efforts from last year or trying to outdo the efforts of the in-laws. Don't spend money just to spend money. Remember, it is the thought that counts. Truly.
Do reach out to those less fortunate than you. Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army and other local organizations like the food shelf need your support all year long, but especially during the holidays. If you are a parent make sure your children have the opportunity to actively participate in the giving process.
This is the season of gift giving and receiving, but try not to make it the focus of your attention. Sure, it's nice to give people gifts; it's nice to receive a few yourself. But we know in our hearts that's not what it's about. The true spirit of the season has nothing to do with the latest gadget or gizmo that everyone simply has to have.
It's not about what's under the tree, but who's around it. People are the real gifts to cherish and savor this year.
That and some really good chocolate.
- Jill Pertler's column appears Thursdays in the Times. She can be reached at pertmn@qwest.net.
