Are you a last-minute kind of Christmas shopper, or have your gifts been bought since October?
Exchanging gifts is a favourite Christmas tradition for many - and we're not just talking about the kids! A gift is an expression of your relationship, so whether you're giving or receiving, it's about so much more than what's underneath the wrapping - it's a symbol of your friendship.
Tom O'Leary states in an article on Lifehack: "change of physical objects. A useful alternative is to think of a gift as communication. When you give a gift to someone, what you are actually doing is speaking to them. You buy, make or discover a gift that says something to the receiver. They receive the gift, and if they are perceptive, they understand your message. Of course this is obvious, but somehow we forget it when we go to choose gifts. We focus first on the object or the need, then check what message it conveys."
So how do you choose the perfect gifts for your friends and family, especially when they seem to have everything they need already? How do you convery the right message? How much should you spend? And most importantly, how do you wrap it right?
Never fear, we've done the research for you and here are our top tips!
1. Have a budget and try to stick to it
The Credit Union offers some pre-Christmas spending tips to avoid going overbudget and facing a financial hangover in January. They advise paying in cash, taking advantage of bargains in any pre-Christmas sales, and factoring in the cost of shipping when you shop online.
2. Get personal
A personalised gift is ideal for the person who already has everything! A unique, one-of-a-kind gift feels really special, and can be tailored to each individual's interests, whether it's sports, history, Irish culture or family.
At Irish Gift Solutions, we can work closely with you to help you decide what words and images best represent your friendship with the recipient, and engrave it on wood or slate to last a lifetime.
3. Stay sustainable
This year, sustainability is the name of the game. 2019 will be remembered as the year a huge cultural change took place; plastic cups gave way to keepcups, Greta Thunberg was named TIME Person of the Year, and we all started looking more closely at how our purchases impact the planet. Give gifts that will last; not those that will be forgotten or broken before the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve. Check out our recent article for more on meaningful and sustainable giving.
4. Wrap it up
Once you've got your gift, you still have to get it wrapped and under the tree. Remember, presentation is everything, a lovely wrapping paper can set the tone perfectly for unwrapping and make your gift feel even more special! For the ultimate guide to wrapping your presents beautifully, check out these videos from Hallmark. You can add a personal touch again here, by using cute bows with your initials and the recipients.
5. Give and receive with joy and gratitude
Like you, your family and friends have put time and thought - as well as money - into choosing your presents. Remember to acknowledge each one and send a note or letter of thanks. The Guardian reminds us that this is is especially important to grandparents and older aunts and uncles who see it as good manners - among younger people a text may be fine!
From all of us at Irish Gift Solutions, we would like to offer you a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.
As a small business, we pride ourselves on our customer care. If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on +353 65 6845082, WhatsApp +353 87 2555391 or send us a message on Facebook.
