Stress-Free Gift Giving at the Holidays

By Anna Post

I wish you all a joyous holiday season! Here area few tips for buying and giving gifts without succumbing to stress.

1. Get their wish list.
   Ask people for hints or even a wish list--you don't need to be a mind reader!
2. Trust your judgment.
   Forget about being afraid the gift isn’t “perfect.” If you think the person will like it, chances are they will.
3. Stick to your budget.
   Spending more than you should takes the fun out of gift giving. There’s nothing more stressful than overspending—and feeling uneasy about it.
4. Buy it when you see it.
   If you’re shopping at the last minute and see a sweater that your mom would love, buy it. It probably won’t be there when you look again.
5. Wrap as you go.
   Get your wrapping supplies together--paper, scissors, tape, tags, and ribbon and bows--and wrap presents as you buy them. This keeps you relaxed the night before a holiday, and keeps prying eyes from getting an early peek!

Happy Holidays!

Comments

[carrie]

I love your blog. I have a question maybe you can answer for me. IS it in good taste to make an annoucemnet at someone else's home about someone else when they are having a party for a different person? I thought this was not a very good thing to do but before I say something I wanted to know what someone else thought about this.
Thanks

[Mlle M]

Thanks for the great tips, Anna!

[Mlle M]

P.S. Here is my own tidbit on gift-giving and the potential faux-pas that can arise, even once you manage to buy that perfect gift - because it is not only about what you give, but how you give it!
http://etiquettestillmatters.blogspot.com/2010/01/here-is-gift-i-didnt-bring-for-you-or.html