Well, one of my friends twittered today that it's 183 days to Christmas and while I'm done my list and much of my shopping, I'm also aware of how hard it is for some people to buy gifts and figure out what to give others. My best friend can be pretty hard to shop for and my SO tells me that he never knows what to get me... That and the tight economy make it tough for people to know what to do around holidays.
I know a lot of people are worried that the gift won't be nice enough - so I'll just say up front, as long as it's thoughtful and thought out.... it's wonderful.
1) Set a budget. Whether it's a friend or loved one, it's ok to say - this year I can only afford to spend 20.00 on a gift for you. Or to make something.
2) Consider a gift in kind. Married? Living together? Offer up a Honey "to do" list; a massage, those cute little coupons that you always see - dinner by candle light, a picnic. I always want to go on picnics and eat by candle light but I'm perhaps not blessed to be dating an eternal sap!
3) Get some essentials. Cologne, Health & Beauty products - if you know what your girl or guy likes - this is practical, and shows that you know them. Personally though, I'm spa'd out and have enough product for 2 years, so this is not a hint for me!
4) Be thoughtful. It isn't always how much you spend (though if you set a budget, make sure the other person will be comfy with it otherwise you may end up feeling bad). Is it a month-a-versary? or a special date in your relationship? Enlarge some pictures and get them framed, go on a romantic photo shoot, turn off the technology and spend time together. Digital frames for the techy-person in your life can be fun too - as long as they have somewhere to put it.
5) In a long distance relationship? Plan a trip "away" together. Make dinner together. Surprise him/her with framed pictures of the two of you, and when he/she comes to visit, lay out the things they've given you or you've bought together - as though you use them. Notice things. Better yet - Use them!
6) Jewelry - this can be tough - what does the other person like? Do you know them? How long have you been together? Some occasions - birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries - can warrant something small or big. Does she wear a charm bracelet? are her ears/nose pierced? SO will tell you that I love funky earrings and rings, but I have a lot of sparklies so I don't "need" more - this is true, I dont' "need' more - but there are definitely pieces I'm looking for to complement my collection. Being truly sensitive to this is a great way to get "In". SO doesn't wear any joolz, so buying him something is tougher - will he wear it? Does he use the more practical stuff I've given him? Tip for guys - if you're buying "physically" lightweight earrings, make sure they are post and not hook style! I keep losing one of the ones I got and since it's the only joolz I've gotten, I'm terrified of wearing them cause I don't wanna lose them.
7) Traditions. Interfaith, Interrace, Intercultural relationships are more and more common today. Ask the friends or the parents what to do to acknowledge special events and to show that you don't necessarily share, but care.
Flowers: Send random flowers. Flowers make girls (and boys) go mushy. Buy them
from a local farmer's market when you're puttering through the fruit
and flower stands, or the grocery store when you go shopping together.
