I have not bought a single christmas gift and it's 2 weeks more before christmas. I am so definitely sure I will be making last minute purchases which will end up in disaster. But then that's really not like me. Right at the onset of the Fall Season, when the Summer Sales would come bouncing in, I often would stock up on summer items and label each of them for relatives in the Philippines. And before the end of October, they would have been shipped off in several balikbayan boxes, in time for Christmas.
But this year seems to be so different. I am so not in the mood for shopping because seeing stuff I had accumulated without even using them makes me Madonna's 'Material Girl'. The type that just wants to buy and justify that I might need it someday. So what am I suppose to do. Regift?
Here is a list of suggestions I came up for that last minute christmas shopping.
1) Never buy clothes as christmas gift to children. I once overheard a 7 year old boy telling his mom that “socks, pants and fancy underwear” are never gifts. They'd rather have a cool electronic toy and just wear worn out, faded and crumpled clothes. Besides vintage clothes are considered a novelty nowadays. And they are so darn expensive.
2) Gift cards are better than tackling your way through department stores, elbowing yourselves amidst a throng of last minute shoppers which could result in injuries and assaults. And one more thing, don't haggle too much with a tindera, please. They're just making a living. Haggle one at the price YOU want to buy her item for. If she does not agree, then MOVE ON. We know how the art of haggling goes, and believe me, I don't need that aggravation especially this season.
3) Aside from Gift cards, there's also that gift certificate for a favorite restaurant or one you make yourself. Giving food, although commendable is sooooo overated. Some houesholds end up having uneaten goodies that spoil and end up in trash. With many culinary graduates and passionate cooks, a card/certificate, offering to cook a special dish and providing a list of choices (consider specialties and budget of course) include in it a timeframe so that you are not obligated to do it next christmas...right?! And if ever you do this kind of gift giving, be truthful. Integrity is key.
4) Be Creative. With today's technology- computer, digital slr cameras and printers, make a calendar, video, photobook, poster etc...you know what I mean.
5) If your recipient loves to cook, give her an herb plant and attach one of your prized recipes. Sharing something special is highly appreciated and the plant is just an added touch.
6) One of the most difficult persons to give gifts to are those that don't really need anything. In my opinion, a donation to the recipients favorite charity would be commendable. And of course, an acknowledgement by the charity on behalf of your recipients name would be your gift.
7) As a child, I always knew what I would get for christmas. Every christmas day, my cousins and I would ride in a combi van to visit and greet relatives. Every visit we were handed envelopes containing cash. By noon time, we would count our stash, then decide what we really wanted to get for christmas and buy it. So when in doubt of what to buy, CASH is key.
8) And if you don't really have that much cash, but is technology savy then this is a great idea:
Give something to the less fortunate and tell him/her that it came from a friend. Take a picture/video in your i-phone, camera etcc of the less fortunate receiving the item and.. thanking your friend for the gift. Then send the picture/video to your friend that this is your gift to him.n Now, wouldn't that be great. It gives a smile to 3 people instead of just one. Something similar to my number 6 but on a more personal note. Got it?!
As for me, if I don't have time management on my side, I'll just have to process my thoughts not to feel guilty about not being in the spirit of giving . Besides, I have a whole year to make up for it. Pray tell me, does it have to be Christmas to give?
