Rethinking our holiday gift-giving attitudes

If there’s one thing the last couple of years have taught me is to differentiate between want and need. I’ve got more than I need and I honestly don’t want or need anything – believe me when I say this; I never thought I’d say these words.

I’ve spent the last few years de-cluttering like a crazy woman; sold things, donated to charity, given to family & friends, thrown away things and so on, I then came across this quote that changed my perspective entirely:

“Look around you; All the clutter used to be money. And you earned that money not with Your Time, but Your Life.”

This one really hit me. All those clothes I never (or barely) wore. The jewellery I never touched (or barely wore). The dishes that I never (or barely) used. I have wasted so much money, in the past, on things that I didn’t need & some I didn’t even want. I could have spent that money on something more meaningful rather than buying frivolous stuff.

I think it’s time for us as a society to start rethinking our holiday gift-giving attitudes.

Here are a few things you could do:

• Start the conversation among your friends and family members. Do we need to buy this many gifts and spend so much money? Can we do something else instead?

“Before buying a whole bunch of stuff for your loved ones this holiday season, maybe you should ask if they even do want a whole bunch of stuff.”

~ Joshua Becker

• Request a change in what you receive. I’ve told my family that I don’t want any Christmas gifts at all, IF I do want something, it has to be something I need and I’ll send them the link.
• Look for new traditions in your family. I mainly buy gifts for everyone, but this year I am opting for homemade gifts. I’ve got a few beautiful ideas from Jordan Clark below:

• Give gifts in new ways. Look at consumables, experiences, or money for one significant gift rather than pile it under the tree.
• Look for new ways to promote memories that do not centre around stuffing used wrapping paper into a trash bag. This is something I have been trying to avoid for the last few years. For the last couple of years, I have been gifting Khushi a city break abroad and or an experience – something she’ll remember.

I’ve been told my gifts are very thoughtful and useful, but this year I am doing something different; I am creating Care Packages for all my loved ones. These are some of the things I will include:

• FOR THE BODY: Homemade Edibles ➡️ Granola, Cookie Mix, Turmeric Latte, Hot Chocolate mix, Chocolate Bars (all homemade)
• FOR THE MIND: A Book
• FOR THE BODY: Homemade Pampering Products ➡️ Bath Salt, Body Scrub etc.
• FOR THE SOUL: A Plant (I am currently in the process of propagating Snake Plants and Wandering Dude plants) & a Journal

Below, I’ve included some ideas that can be received by any and everyone; regardless of their core interests. These are the sorts of gifts that can be customised to suit a wide range of personalities.

• Handmade Gifts: While I suggest that your care package be full of things that the receiver can use on a day-to-day basis, one of the best things that you can put into yours is a personalised gift. Taking the time to make a gift for someone is the ultimate way to show you care.
• Toiletries: Toiletries are an easy item to gift because, as long as you stick to the recipient’s preferences. This is a thoughtful gift because you can effectively make it so that your recipient doesn’t have to buy any toiletries for themselves for the next few weeks…and can put that money towards other things. Some of the best toiletries to put into a care package include: Bodywash, Deodorant, Lotion, Perfume/Cologne, Cosmetics (Makeup kits, lip balm, etc.)
• Gift Cards for Tea or Coffee Shops: Let’s face it. Most people run on either coffee or tea. It’s a fact of life. As your friend wakes up and goes off on their busy commute, you can make sure they can get the sustenance they need by providing them with either a gift card for a coffee shop or gourmet tea or coffee company in their care package, so they can always have a batch on hand.
• Home Baked Goods: One of the best-kept secrets of shipping packages in general is that you can mail food. That’s right! The world is your oyster when considering sending delicious homemade treats in your care package. 
• Protein or Energy Bars: Energy and protein bars are another great idea to include in any care package. Why? They’re a simple, no-fuss option when you’re on the go. Wherever your busy day takes you, you can be sure that your energy bars will able to fit in the pocket of your jacket, briefcase, purse, stroller, or anywhere else you store your items.
• Seasonal Clothing: Another way to curate your care package towards the convenience of the receiver is to pack items for them according to where they live in the world and what season they’re in. For example, if they live in an area where it is currently winter, you can send them warm hats, gloves, scarves, ear muffs, boots, or even a jacket.

What’s your favourite gift to receive in a care package? What are your absolute must-haves in sending a care package? I’d love to know in the comments below!

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