We all know buying gifts can be stressful and time-consuming. It also has the potential to create unnecessary clutter for others. As you begin buying gifts, consider how you can buy meaningful gifts that will add happiness, fulfillment and joy to the lives of others.

To help you out, I’ve created a list of tips you can use to simplify your process and give gifts others will love!

TIPS FOR BUYING GIFTS

Tip #1: Buy for your supporters.

Want to minimize the number of gifts you need to buy? Stop buying gifts for every Tom, Dick, and Harry. This is your hard earned money. Don’t waste it on holiday gift exchanges at work, with people you don’t really like or because you feel obligated. Buy gifts for people you love, who cherish and support you throughout the year. By support, I don’t just mean money. Think of the people who listen to you vent, help you in time of need, and spend time with you. If you’re going to part ways with your money, let it be for them.

If you feel pressured by white elephant or Secret Santa parties, consider these options:

1. Choose not to participate
   • I once opted out of buying a group Christmas gift at work. Everyone on the team chipped in except me. It was somewhat awkward, but as I stated in tip #1, I believe gifts should be given to people you love, cherish and support. I couldn’t say I felt that way, so I opted out. In exchange, I got to keep my money and put it towards a gift I was willing to buy. It was actually quite liberating to realize I could say no.
2. Participate on your terms
   • Don’t feel comfortable opting out? Create a budget for how much you’re willing to spend and stick with it. If possible, get agreement from the whole group about the maximum budget for each gift. This way you can participate, avoid the awkward moments and avoid spending more than you desire.

Tip #2: Buy thoughtful gifts.

Whoever said it’s the thought that counts was on to something. I think we should change up the phrase just a bit…

It’s not just the thought, it’s the quality of the thought that counts.

-The Fro

feel free to quote me to your friends

We’ve already discussed how our stuff steals our power, so I won’t lecture you with that again. Just be sure to keep that in mind as you shop for gifts. Just like bringing unnecessary stuff into your life steals your power, adding unnecessary stuff to other people’s lives steals their power. Physical gifts require others to find them a home, pay for storing them, or (potentially) feel guilty about giving them away. Rather than rushing to the mall or Amazon and searching for the newest hottest thing (that everyone else is also buying), make gifting personal. What does this person love? What are their hobbies? This will also help you avoid rushing and stressing just before holidays. With this tip, you can buy gifts year round and give them at the appropriate time.

Once you’ve come to a conclusion consider what investment of time or attention is required. Are they constantly complaining about all their stuff or feeling overwhelmed? Adding another item to their home may not be the best idea, but going to the spa or getting a massage could be. Should you decide to give an experience, consider what investment of time will be required and if they are likely to have time to give to it. You may not always get it right, but quality of thought is what counts.

Tip #3: Buy a gift for them, not for you.

So often, we give gifts we want other people to have instead of buying gifts they want or need. Whether you’re buying gifts for children or adults, having an open conversation can help you tremendously. I’m not saying you should spoil the surprise, but you should ask them what they want or need. If they can’t think of something, pay attention to what they share in conversation. In doing so, you’ll be able to buy something that aligns with what they love or need right now.

Tip #4: Buy life-changing gifts.

This may sounds daunting, but let me explain. Until I became a minimalist, I never really thought about how gifting could be an opportunity to build strong bonds with the people I love. I also never considered that I could give gifts that would inspire someone, open up their world view, or fulfill a lifelong dream. So many birthdays, Christmases, and special occasions were just about buying something I loved and hoped the other person would use. Now, I recognize that gift giving can be powerful. If we embrace that power, we can create richer lives with lasting memories. It’s all about finding ways to enjoy life with our loved ones and helping them build lives they love as well.

A dream gift

In 2016, I bought my father a turntable for Christmas. He loves music and dancing and he owns tons of vinyl records. When I saw the turn table, I immediately lit up thinking about watching him open and use the gift. Did he use it? Yes, for about 3 weeks. Since then, if I don’t use it, it just collects dust.

In 2017, as a birthday gift, I planned a weekend trip to Austin to attend a Formula 1 race. Each day the races concluded with a concert. That weekend, we saw 2 of our favorite artists, Justin Timberlake and Stevie Wonder in concert. To this day, he still shares with me how much he enjoyed that weekend and how he wants us to plan a trip like that again. He also shares with me that seeing Stevie was a dream come true.

As you begin thinking about gift giving consider what you could give that will “change lives”. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – just thoughtful and personal.

Need some gift ideas? Check out this post.

Que-so Goodbye,

Jessica