“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

Gift-giving feels really good. 

“In lifespan and developmental psychology, we teach about altruism and how it benefits individuals and society,” says Dr. Darlene Silvernail, a former Psychology instructor at South University-West Palm Beach. “Gift-giving feels good internally, and there are extrinsic benefits also.”

During this pandemic-peaking holiday season, both givers and receivers could use as much holiday cheer as possible.  Here are a few smile-inducing ideas to help you pair the right person with the right gift.

Mindful Presents Mean the Most

Before you wrap up holiday gift buying for your family and friends, bring each person to mind and reflect on how their year has progressed.

  • Has the pandemic affected a milestone in their life such as a wedding, birth of a child, a move, or a graduation?
  • Have they lost someone to COVID-19?
  • Have they been isolated, anxious, or depressed?
  • Have they lost a job? A home?
  • Did they have to cancel a trip of a lifetime?
  • Have they had to adapt to at home school or work?

We often are so focused on running frantically to multiple websites, brick and mortar stores, and Pinterest for ideas and what we think would be the perfect gift for them.

Have we ever just asked them what they need?

It has been a rough year for many, and some people are embarrassed to ask for the essentials that they may really need. Before buying another thing, consider someone in your circle whose circumstances might be brighter by having received:

  • a money order to cover a utility bill, car payment, groceries, or rent
  • a warm coat, a pair of shoes, socks and a hat
  • a few home-cooked meals
  • a free babysitter for a few hours
  • a couple of fill-ups at the gas station
  • children’s gifts left anonymously on the doorstep
  •  a cup of coffee and an ear to listen to.

Think Outside the (Gift-Wrapped) Box 

There are always those people who have everything, making it harder to find something unique. The value of experiences far exceeds the value of possessions, so consider a gift that creates a deeper connection to that friend or family member:

  • Ancestry / DNA kit – These are fun to get the results of, so if you don’t mind your DNA markers floating in the cloud for someone to later clone, it makes a great gift.
  • Audible subscription – Good for both children and adults; and allows you to say you’ve been reading.
  • Fixing something someone else loves. Sometimes memories attach themselves to items in our life. Stuff breaks, it’s inevitable. While we’re not saying you should jack up someone’s car and replace the axle, what about replacing the picture frame on an old piece of artwork?
  • A scrapbooking kit is more fun than ever. We shouldn’t have to scroll through multiple devices to find that photo of dad wearing granny’s wig. Choose 50 of your favorite photos, get them locally printed, and celebrate by putting memories on paper (yes, like the old days) instead of just your social media feed.

Ho Ho NO. Just Don’t.

  • Pets are a terrible idea (unless it’s a family decision to surprise the kids). Otherwise, you might have to live with the guilt of someone not wanting the animal or taking it only to give it away.
  • Religious gifts can be slightly weird to give someone unless you are totally in sync with their belief system.
  • Cleaning supplies or cookbooks – an argument will surely ensue.
  • Voodoo dolls, underwear, and sharp objects should also be omitted.
  • COVID-19!

Written by Paul Michael Marinello | Category: Rewrapping the Holidays—New Traditions Amid COVID-19

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