How to Make Gift-Giving More Meaningful

Christmas is fast approaching, and with less than two weeks left before the big day, time is running out to get presents. This may seem daunting at first, given the hordes of holiday shoppers in person and sometimes long shipping times when ordering online. So instead of buying presents the old-fashioned way, consider new ways to make and give gifts. 

First, think about giving homemade gifts. These are often cheaper and more meaningful than purchasing ready made products, since you supply the manpower needed to make it, and the recipient knows that you spent some of your own time making it, despite how poorly made the item may be.

Second, give gifts that feel personal to the recipient. Do not consider what could be useful, instead consider what will be used: Legos for a Lego fanatic, a Spotify gift card for someone who cannot live without music. While this strategy might free the gift-giver from the annoyances of in-person or online shopping, it will certainly help eliminate wasted trips to Target or Barnes and Noble. 

Third, give the gift of experience. A 2022 study puublished in the scientific journal Nature found that giving experiential gifts, like concert tickets or a museum membership, produce more social connection and gratitude from the recipient to the gift-giver compared to traditional presents. While some experiential gifts can be expensive, even cheaper ones like tickets to an upcoming movie can build bonds between the recipient and the gift-giver since the recipient will remember their experience. 

So, rather than defaulting to the humdrum shopping spree of yesteryear, consider the alternatives listed above to avoid the pains of shopping and build bonds better. Whatever the gift you choose to give, don’t forget to have a Merry Christmas!