2019 Meaningful Gift Giving
Gift giving … it can be fun and special. But it can also become stressful when you want to buy for many different people and you can’t think of something special for each person on your list.
We find SO much joy in finding meaningful gifts for others, wrapping them, and then seeing them open them. The joy of seeing others happy and touched is priceless.
We see gift-giving as a way to foster a relationship. And it makes us realize how well we know someone as we try and find the perfect gift. I am convicted by this each year. Knowing I have not done a good enough job fostering relationships and knowing what is happening in others’ lives.
We have created this blog post out of love for giving to others. We want to help you give in a meaningful way and foster relationships through giving. Some of our gift ideas are wrapped gifts, some are acts of service, and some are highly personalized.
Before we list all of our favorites this year, read through
our tips and tricks to make this holiday season easier.
TIP #1:
Keep a list on your phone throughout the year of anything you learn about someone. That they love their dog. That they are really into a specific podcast or author. That they love a specific brand, store, or restaurant. That they love getting pedicures once a month. That they said they need or want something. Whatever it is, record it. Then when it is time to give, you are ready to buy and won’t be stressed about what to get them.
(This will also end up saving you money because you will buy intentionally)
TIP #2:
If you haven’t recorded anything, ask yourself 3 questions.
What does the person do professionally and personally?
What does the person talk about?
What does the person enjoy or love?
TIP #3:
And if you are still stumped, have a conversation with your gift recipient.
Afterall, gift-giving should foster relationships.
How is school or work? What are you doing at work/school?
What have you been up to outside of work/school? (Where do you go in your free time?)
What are you loving lately? (movies, books, music, brands, podcasts, etc.)
TIP #4:
Once you have thought though who your gift recipient is, think about the type of gift to give. These are the 4 genres I usually find myself giving.
Something to read or learn (book, subscription, lessons)
Something to play with (toy, electronic, sports-related, crafts, music-related)
Something to wear (clothes, shoes, or accessories)
Something to do (restaurant, concert, show, exercise class, movies, event, workshop)
TIP #5:
I usually pick 1-2 theme gifts for the year. Last year my theme was books and candles. This helps to give meaningful gifts by customizing the gift to the person but simplifying the search.
Other easy theme gifts:
Candles, earrings, face masks, books, wine/liquor, framed pictures, personalized stationery
Now you are ready to shop, but where? Here are a few places we are shopping this year.
Books and More: www.amazon.com
Photo Gifts: www.artifactuprising.com
Customized and Special Gifts: www.etsy.com
Pretty Things: www.papersource.com
Different and Unique Gifts: www.uncommongoods.com and www.thegrommet.com
Quality Personalized Gifts: www.markandgraham.com
Local Boutiques and shops: www.wrapsodyonline.com and www.southerncrossingopelika.com
Minimalist Jewelry: https://shopejd.com/
Target, World Market, and TJ Maxx
Subscription-Based businesses
12 Different Types of People In Your Life
We have identified 12 different types of people that you may know in your life. We didn’t do The mom, The man, The girlfriend, The parent, etc. We chose to go a different route because people like @chrislovesjulia create awesome Gift Guides already. We decided to create types based on what people are experiencing in life. Happy gifting!
THE STUDENT
Swell Snack Container (hot or cold)
1-year Subscription to Amazon Prime
A framed quote: I love finding a quote, printing it off on my printer or at a local printer and then framing it in a pretty frame from Artifact Uprising. Inexpensive but thoughtful.
A Nice Bag to Replace the Backpack as They Enter the Industry:
The Dagne Dover Tote with Compartments
Tote Bag from Target (get it customized with their initial)
Low on $$$: gift cards to place they like but don’t have money to go to
Local Restaurant gift card (The Hound) and Gas gift card
Tired from the semester: spa package or massage
Homesick Candles for the Student Who Is Far From Home
THE PROFESSIONAL
Ember Mug - Temperature Controlled from your phone!
Mini Business card holder + Gift Card for Personalized Mini Business Cards
Customized Leather Business Card Holders
Book on Networking or Personal Development: See our Pinterest Board: Meaning Gift Giving for lists of books
Travel Cord Organizer from UnCommon Goods
Travel Toiletries from brands they love
Customized Luggage Tags from Etsy
To Do List - Sticky Notes (stocking stuffer)
Healthy snack subscription box = Graze
THE JOB SEEKER
Personal Branding for Professionals Course
Personalized Stationery from Etsy Shops (Lola Louie Paperie)
Personalized Stationary from Minted.com
THE HOMEBODY OR DECORATOR OR HOSTESS
Hand Squeezed Juicer for a Fun Drink Bar
Pretty Serving Dishes (match their style - wood, white, silver, ornate, etc.)
Appetizer or Cocktail Mixers from Local Brands
Personalized Wood Recipe Board
Hearth & Hand Candles from Target - Cedar Magnolia
Oliver Henry Candle Co. (based on Opelika, AL)
THE NEW HOMEOWNER / THE PERSON WHO JUST MOVED
Take a picture of their new home, download the Sketch Master App, upload the picture to the app and pick your filter. Print off your new sketched photo and frame it! I love the frames from Target and Artifact Uprising!
Home town or Alma Mater Custom Sketch for Home
Homesick Candle to Remind them of Home
THE WOMAN WHO NEEDS TO PAMPER HERSELF
Spa Gift Card from a Local Spa
Or Foot Massage from a Local Foot Massage Spa