Dreamscape Jewelry Design

November 14, 2021: The HeArt of Giving

The Holiday season is right around the corner. For some, the tradition of gift giving, with its necessity of shopping, is a pleasure. For others, it’s simply another burden to add to the stressors of the seemingly endless to-do list needed to create a “perfect” holiday. Ads, tv commercials, email promotions, and store displays are all promoting early shopping with a dizzying array of products guaranteed to bring “happiness” to the recipient. The specter of the shipping issues in 2020, still sends fissures of concerns over availability of products and timely deliveries. With ongoing economic and pandemic concerns, it can be a challenge to find the emotional energy, interest, and motivation to find a meaningful, yet affordable gift.

“Gift Giving is a true art”

 Vera Nazarian

We have all been touched by a gift that was sincerely thought out, recognizing how the giver took time to consider who we are. It creates a quandary of wanting to make sure our gifts have similar meaning, while facing a reality of budget limits, regular work responsibilities and time constraints. As a result, the demands we put on ourselves to find a “perfect gift” can cause unnecessary stress, chipping away at the joyful parts of a holiday season focused on giving. Remembering that gifts can range from simple acts of kindness, to tangible items can ease the dilemma. We can brighten someone’s day with simple gestures like sending a hand-written, personalized and frameable card, dropping off a baked treat, or simply spending time with someone who is socially isolated.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” 

―St. Francis of Assisi

But in addition to being emotionally satisfying when you know you’ve found the “perfect gift”, taking the time to reflect on the”right gift” can also reduce waste. Spending money on a gift that someone doesn’t want, won’t use or enjoy, is a waste of resources: energy, materials, money and time. We’ve compiled a list of questions to hopefully help you master the heART of holiday shopping.

Questions to Consider:

1. An important and practical question: What is your budget?
2. What is your time schedule? Where can you shop: local or online? If mailing, what is your deadline to ensure timely delivery?
3. Who is the recipient? (A teenager, new mom, teacher, elderly friend, etc.)
4. What do they need or want? (a baby-sitter for a busy parent, offers of help for errands, decorating, shopping etc.)
5. What do they do or want to do in their free time?
6. What are their hobbies, interests, passions? (art supplies, cd, book on photography, gourmet ingredients)
7. What is their style? (classic, elegant, bohemian, artsy, glamorous, minimalist, etc.)
8. What colors do they like and wear?
9. Is there something they want to learn more about? (painting class, herbal class)
10. Is there something you can do together? (i.e. tickets to an event, painting class, etc.)
11. What is their favorite indulgence? (gift certificate to an ice cream store or a facial)
12. Do they have a favorite charity? Make a donation on their behalf in their name.

A simple guideline that I have used effectively when buying for our own family, is to choose four categories. The gifts are chosen from: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. This has necessitated conversations to clarify the needs and wants but has greatly eased the dilemma of ‘what can I get them”?

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” 

―Maya Angelou

During times of economic concern when financial resources are limited, finding a meaningful gift takes on more importance as the choices can be limited. Taking the time to think through the needs, wants, and interests of those on our gift list can help, while retaining the heArtfelt joy of giving. Whether the gift is tangible, something one can hold, or something treasured like time together, when it comes from your heart, it is truly a gift to treasure……..for both the giver and the receiver.

Thank you so much for taking this time to read our blog. Please feel free to share it with someone who might find it meaningful. As always we welcome your comments and any strategies you have found when choosing gifts in the comments below. We invite you to share it with someone who might find it meaningful.

In the meantime, stay health and safe!

Best regards, Wendy Oellers-Fulmer