Greta C. Holiday Series: Gift Giving Etiquette

We’re in full holiday season swing, but let’s face it; some of us are kings and queen of procrastination and love leaving gifting to the very last minute. So, whether or not you’ve purchased your gifts, here are five tips that’ll hopefully serve as inspiration or help you manage those difficult gift-giving scenarios:

1. Gifts don’t have to break your wallet –everyone has their own opinion when it comes to gifting, but it’s important to be practical. If you can’t afford to buy your best friend that vintage Chanel handbag, then DON’T. As much joy it’d probably bring her, think about the sorrow you’ll feel when you look at your MasterCard statement. It really is the thought that counts, which brings me to my next point…
2. Meaningful gifts earn you brownie points—the beauty of meaningful gifts is that it often costs you a fraction of the price of a commercialized gift, and it’ll likely bear you a genuine reaction of joy. Some ideas: mason jars filled with goodies—cookies (layer the ingredients), peppermint hot chocolate, the recipient’s favourite artist/musician/designer in book form. If you are really tight for cash, and you are creative or have a special skill, OFFER IT—lead a yoga demonstration, give a voucher for a homemade pizza lunch, or offer a sewing lesson. NB: Pinterest is a GREAT forum for inspiration.
3. Don’t complain about regifting—it’s hard to know what’s going on behind closed doors, so it’s poor manners to complain about something you suspect is regifted. If it’s really burning you, simply say ‘thank you’ and bitch about it when you get home.  
4. Thank your givers—a couple words go a long way and it is so important to show gratitude for your offerings. Especially when you don’t personally receive them, make sure you pick up the phone (GASP—yes, a phone call is much more personal than a mere text) and thank your giver. You never know how that person may be of help to you in the future.
5. Ask for people’s wish list—the most stressful thing in the world is not knowing what to buy for someone and ultimately giving them a boring gift certificate. So, remove the pressure and simply ask for a wishlist of three to five items. This should give you a good idea of what they’re into and give you some flexibility in what you can find and afford to buy. 

So, there you have it! Five rules of etiquette and tips that will hopefully help you manage those festive frets. Do you have any other great gift giving pointers? We'd love to hear them!

Have a warm and safe holiday season, all!

Love, 

Greta C.