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Looking for great gift ideas for that special someone? Here's some tips and ideas.
What if Santa Claus put a price next to every name on his epic list of naughty and nice? Considering the average shopper spent $431 on holiday gifts last year, according to the American Research group, there would be some made-up number to quantify Santa’s total — something like “bazillions of dollars.”
But, more importantly, the meaning behind the season would be lost if price were a factor, according to Cindy Grosso, founder of The Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette.
“The focus is not on how much money you spend, but understanding the recipient,” Grosso said. “You can give someone a very expensive gift and it may not be a ‘cool’ gift because it’s not what the person wants.”
This rule of thumb in gift giving etiquette seems like a no-brainer. But when the list of gifts for family members, friends, neighbors, teachers and even service workers takes shape, coming up with creative gift ideas with that personal touch can seem more daunting than Old Saint Nick’s once-a-year gift-giving gig.
Here are some ideas to help along the way:
HOLIDAY CARDS
Cross off a slew of giftees from your proverbial list with holiday cards.
“Typically, you send a holiday card to someone you don’t give a gift to,” Grosso said. “In essence, it is a gift.”
Don’t try to cut corners by sending an e-card. According to a survey on Grosso’s Web site, www.mannersmatter.com, 78 percent of respondents prefer traditional holiday cards to e-mails or e-cards.
“An e-mail can get lost in SPAM,” Grosso said. “It makes it look like the (e-mail) is not that much value to you. It’s always better to invest in a card than an e-mail.”
The first step in holiday card etiquette is to handwrite a brief personal message that includes thankfulness for the relationship or wishing them continued success in the new year. If you’re using an engraved or pre-printed card, make sure to sign your name to it. Address the envelope with Mr. and Mrs. or Ms. Send them out as soon as Thanksgiving is over. And, finally, use a holiday stamp.
SERVICE WORKERS
Of all the people in your life, did you consider the garbage collector, postal worker, the salon crew and housekeeper? It may seem like a scene from classic ‘50s sitcom, but tipping service workers during the holidays is considered proper etiquette. For housekeepers and babysitters, the amount could be up to a week’s wages.
“People do this today. They really do,” Grosso said. “ … These are the people who serve you all year. It’s a nice way to say, ‘Thank you.’ That’s what Christmas tipping is all about.”
Ten dollars is an acceptable amount for the garbage collector, newspaper delivery person and the postal worker.
“In certain states, it’s against the law to give more than $20 to the postman,” Grosso said. “ … You don’t want to give too much of anything. It could be construed as a bribe.”
NEIGHBORS & TEACHERS
Nothing is more personal than cooking up a special dish or dessert for the person next door or your child’s grade school teacher.
Put some banana bread, cranberry bread or zuchinni bread in festive packing. Or bring over your famous spaghetti sauce, along with the recipe card. “I have a friend who makes salsa and gives it to everybody,” Grosso said. “It’s always appreciated because it’s really good. For neighbors, especially if they’re hosting a holiday party, bring a box of chocolates, wine or a house plant … I like to give little holiday dish towels.”
FAMILY & FRIENDS
Sometimes the gift-giving challenge comes with those who are the most important to you — especially when you’re on a budget.
“I think people understand these economic times,” Grosso said.
If money is tight, set limits to your holiday budget this year and make sure everyone’s on the same page. Some families may exchange handmade gifts while others may draw names. Above all, take the time and effort to think about the person receiving the gift:
What do they like?
Where’s their favorite store?
What can they use?
What are they not willing to buy for themselves?
“I get a kick out of and love when people give me old etiquette books,” Grosso said. “Some people get them at garage sales. I think it’s a cool gift.”
It’s not about cost. It’s about thought.
Make a music mix. Construct a picture frame. Bake a batch of your favorite cookies. Or organize a keepsake book with photographs.
“I think people have a little more time this year than last year,” Grosso said. “It’s helping us get back to basics of family and friends. It’s really not a bad thing. This holiday season, use it to your advantage.”
Hone your gift-giving skills all year long with these tips:
- Pay attention to items people mention they want
- Keep a running “wish list” of gift ideas for each person in your life
- Cross off each gift as you give it or know they have received
- Keep an eye out for sales throughout the year
- Shop for interesting and unique gift items while traveling
- Pick up both specific and generic (for anyone) gifts
- Set aside a closet or storage tub for holding gifts you’ve purchased
- Wrap and tag them as soon as you get home to save time
