Since it's that time of year and people are doing a lot of shopping, I wanted to do a sort of PSA about thoughtful giving, something I urge you to do this year and coming years. People get so stressed about getting a gift, they don't stop to think about the necessity or meaning behind the gift - So stressed, they end up dreading the holidays. That's not what it's about!
When the holidays roll around, we start focusing on gift-giving. We don't focus so much on being thankful on Thanksgiving, as much as we do on buying gifts for Christmas. Why? When we're thankful, we know that what we have is what we need, within reason. I'd wager that without taking time to be thankful, we, as a result, think we need a lot more than we do. So we buy, more than is needed.
Think about the feeling you get when you receive something that you truly needed. It's meaningful! That's the feeling we love, and thus the feeling we want to spread.
When you go shopping this year, ask yourself if the person you're buying for really needs the item you picked up. Is it a gimmick? Is it quality, something they could use over and over again? Or are you just buying it because you feel like you have to get something, anything?
If they don't need the item, eventually it will get thrown away or donated, making the gift wasteful and without purpose. Everyone knows the guilt that comes with getting rid of a gift you don't use or like. Do yourself, and your loved ones a favor this year by not buying what isn't needed, to bypass the clutter and waste.
Repeat to yourself: It's okay to not buy things. IT'S OKAY TO NOT BUY THINGS. Really, I promise.
Sizing Tip:
Ask the person their measurements so you can get accurate sizes for clothing. Asking S, M, L, XL etc. doesn't translate well across brand, but measurements do. For pants, You need Waist, Hips, Inseam. For shirts, depending on length, you need Bust, Waist, Hips, Sleeve length, Shoulder width. Same goes for shoes - get the length and width of their foot in inches, and compare with the brand's size chart.
Suggested guidelines for gifts:
- CLOTHING: natural materials like cotton, wool, etc. that can layer or be worn in multiple outfits, no crazy designs. Natural materials breathe, and don't fall apart as easily. They also break down in nature, so the end of their life doesn't hurt the environment. So...those 100% polyester (plastic) santa socks probably aren't a good plan. Lastly, washing instructions. If it's not realistic for someone to go dry clean things, or pay much attention to instructions, don't get them a cashmere sweater or like things.
- APPLIANCES: Easily stored, washable, looks nice with their general aesthetic
- SHOES: Shoes made of leather will be stiff at first, but as they are worn will stretch out and mold to the foot. Keep this in mind if the leather shoe is a little stiff and/or tight, within reason. Leather also breathes well, plastic does not. Plastic does not mold to the foot or stretch out, either.
- COSMETICS: Pay attention to the type of skin the cosmetic is geared for. Keep in mind the person's hair color, skin undertones, eye color, etc.
- BOOKS/GAMES: If it's well-rated and well within the same genre that the person likes, it's probably a safe bet.
- FOOD: Try to avoid plastic packaging! Honestly that goes for everything. Not just for eco friendly reasons, but glass and metal just look nice. Think about how they can use the packaging in the future, too. Remember your mom's old cookie tin she used for sewing supplies? Example!
- TECH: Think of how they'll store or transport the item. Tailor it to their needs. Can it fit in a bag easily for a student or commuter? Is it heavy? If it's a desktop item, is it loud? Does it fit their general aesthetic?
TL;DR Don't buy things people don't need. It's okay not to buy things for the holidays. If you do buy things, make sure it's going to last, it's versatile, and they're going to use it. You're doing them, and yourself, a favor.
December 05, 2017 at 05:10PM
