The holidays are right around the corner, and this year is going to be…well…different. With everything already topsy-turvy, now is a perfect time to rethink your approach to holiday gift giving with the goal of making it even more meaningful while saving money. Sounds good, right? 

Go ahead and crank up the holiday tunes (Can I recommend Kenny and Dolly’s Once Upon a Christmas which I’ve been enjoying since late October?) and let’s walk through a few easy steps to simplify your holiday season and enjoy what matters to you most. 

• Plan Ahead
• Make a List
• Check it Twice
• Set Expectations
• Be Grateful

Plan Ahead

Start by identifying who you are giving gifts to and spend a few moments thinking about them. If they are worth giving a gift to and spending your money on, then they are certainly worth a few moments of thought and attention. What do they like? What do they value? Would they appreciate a physical gift or an experience? What are their dreams? Do they even want a gift? 

For some, gift giving is a super power while for others it takes a bit of effort. If you’re having trouble, you may need to do a little sleuthing and ask their spouse, kids, parents, friends or coworkers for ideas. If you’re still having trouble, try this crazy idea out: ask THEM what they want. My husband and I finally started doing this for each other and have found that it leads to more meaningful gifts. No one is a mind reader!

Don’t forget about the option of gifting an experience. Some find these even more meaningful than physical presents. Consider these example gifts of doing, learning or time:  

• Membership: Museum, zoo, gym, park pass
• Reducing Stress: House cleaning, yoga class, meditation class, date night (where you babysit)
• Education: Art class, cooking class, music lessons, My Life Ignited classes 
• Adventure: Skydiving, flying, wine tasting, hot air balloon ride
• Donations: Pet shelter, veteran’s group, food shelter, non-profit, favorite charity
• Time Together: Do any of the above together!

And remember, there are people that do not like receiving gifts. It may actually make them feel anxious about the gift that is perceived to be needed in return. Sometimes the gift of your time and attention is the best one of all. 

 

Make a List

Put your plan to paper (or screen) and create your holiday gifting list. It doesn’t have to be fancy! Mine includes: 

• Special Person (or family since many experience gifts cover the whole family)
• Ideas: I actually start my list in January and add to it throughout the year as meaningful ideas arise, especially after spending time with them. Planning ahead is best utilized throughout the year not just with holiday prep. 
• Amount: Budget how much you intend to spend. Planning ahead will help you set boundaries.
• Bought: A place for me to check off when I have bought a gift or to highlight what I did get.
• Event: I actually use my list to track both holiday and birthday gift ideas. This comes in extra handy for me since I have a ton of family birthdays in November and December. 

As the primary gift buyer in my family, I find it helpful to run this list by my husband. He helps me create a reasonable budget (I always want to give everyone a LOT!) which keeps the holidays from becoming a financial burden and makes paying bills less stressful in January. 

 

Check it Twice

Don’t forget to regularly reference your list throughout the year to ensure you are staying on task and budget. If you don’t, you risk overspending, last minute panic buys or even buying multiple gifts for the same occasion on accident. I recommend keeping your list in a place where you will regularly see it throughout your week versus hiding it in the back of a drawer. Personally, I keep a notebook of lists–my trusty “list maker”–close at hand at all times and can reference just about anything in it. I also keep a gift idea list on my phone since it’s easily accessible when shopping.

 

Set Expectations

Do the people in your life know your values and intent around gifts and the holidays? If not, now is a great time to have a conversation with your loved ones to get on the same page and maybe even try something new. 

• Give Before You Get: If your kids have a case of the “gimmes,” this is a great way to give them some perspective while also doing good. We have our kids go through their rooms for donations every November. We also donate to the food shelf and sponsor a family. 
• Take a Break: With many struggling financially this year, you may be short of cash and you likely have friends and family who would appreciate a year off or an adjustment in gift-giving norms. Offering this up as an alternative may be a gift in and of itself. 
• Excess Gifting: If you have created new expectations and norms in your family, communicate them clearly, especially to overly generous gifters. Gifting to a child’s 529 savings account can be very helpful here (I am looking at you loving grandparents). 

 

Be Grateful

Sending thank you notes isn’t just polite, it also helps you more fully appreciate the gift as well as the time and energy that went into planning and giving it. Practicing this kind of gratitude actually rewires your brain and helps you become happier in your life. What a great gift to yourself!

Happy Holiday planning! Share here how you are adjusting your holiday gift giving this year.