Breaking out of the Holiday Gift Norms

#AD – This is a collaborative post

With barely a month left to shop for holiday gifts, it is entirely reasonable to feel the pressure getting to you. Getting gifts is no easy fete. Given that you do it every year, it is also easy to run out of ideas. You have probably given them everything they ever wanted. From bedding to jewelry to clothing, you have covered all the bases. All that remains is a gold rose as a show of how much you cherish your relationship. What do you do if you are at the end of your rope? It
could be that you are out of ideas or you lack the money to give gifts this year. What should you do?

The Norms

You have heard about gift-giving norms over the years. You can probably give a speech about these unspoken rules. “It is the thought that counts.” Do not wait more than a week to send out thank you notes. Re-gifting is inappropriate, but you could get away with it through customizing the package. ‘Presentation is everything.’ Yes, you have heard it all but yet need to break out of the norm. How can you go about this?

Breaking Out

Did you know that an average of 56% of Americans have received gifts they did not want? And of these, an average of 29% keeps the gifts while the rest dispose of the gifts in one way or the other.

Giving gifts has become so much of a norm that people buy gifts for the sake of it. If you want to get out of this gift-giving train, here are some excellent ideas:

Warn people

People expect gifts, and you should thus give them a warning that they will not be getting some. In this way, they will feel prepared for what is coming their way. It would not be right to show up to a party, and everyone hands out gifts, thinking that you have something for them. Only for you to gift them with a blank stare and a confession as to how they have nothing for their loved ones.

Start warning people early on in the year. Giving people a warning a month to the holidays would not suffice as people have already started buying gifts. Also, do not let people know you won’t be gifting them as you hand them presents during the holidays. Allow for the moment to pass, and you can present the idea to them in the New Year. At this time, most people will be focusing on their finances and will be willing to support your decision.

Respect People’s Choices

It could be that you want to save some money for that new house or your child’s tuition. And you know that someone else is also going through a similar situation. You can talk to them and find out if they would want to join you in not giving gifts. It would make the holidays much easier for all who participate.

However, note that you should respect what other people feel about giving gifts. If they want to gift you, that is okay. Also, do not tell people how they should handle their finances as this is none of your business. Unless they come to you and ask you how they should handle their money, stay out of it.

It can be hard to explain to people why you will not be gifting them for the holidays. You may feel the need to let them in on what is going on in your life. However, do not do this. People do not have to know all that is going on in your life.

All the best!