Hello, do you enjoy buying gifts? What about receiving gifts? It seems to me, that people seem to fit into one of two boxes—either they love all things to do with gifts, and joyfully waste money on all sort of things just so they can wrap and give them, and they get tremendous pleasure from receiving gifts—or they feel awkward when receiving a gift and would rather people didn’t waste their money on them, and they would prefer a list when buying gifts so they can buy exactly what the person wants. I wonder, which box would you fit into? Or are you a combination of the two?

Some people are very good at buying ‘surprises.’ They seem able to think about what the recipient enjoys doing (which does of course require that you know the recipient well) and then they buy something to complement the hobby. (I think I have written in a previous blog, how one year Husband went to great effort to get a print of a painting that I had raved over in a gallery. This is now a very treasured possession.)

Here are my tips for buying a gift, just in case you are struggling. Of course, if you are buying for a person in the second box, they might actually prefer that you buy them something from their list, and sometimes that is the kindest thing to do. Sometimes we need to remember the gift is intended to make the recipient happy, it needn’t be something we enjoy giving. But assuming you know the person likes a surprise, here are some suggestions.

If they have a hobby (think about what they enjoy doing regularly) think of a gift for this. Even if they only really relax when watching telly, you can buy them a pretty blanket if they’re a ‘cold’ person, or a cushion, or case to keep their specs in. It’s all about thinking about what they enjoy doing (which probably is not picking up dog mess, even if they spend time doing that every day!)

Food treats are often another good gift. Either buy them something they will enjoy eating/drinking, or bake them their favourite cake/cookies/fudge. (This one does rather depend on your cooking skills, there are definitely some people who I would not like to receive home-baked goodies from!) Or maybe something food-related—a mug for their evening cocoa, a tumbler for their brandy, another teacup for the set they are collecting.

Another favourite of mine—which probably only applies if you are a young adult—is a promise of time. My family in the past have given me vouchers for afternoon tea with them. So I get to spend several hours with my extremely busy child, and we can have a proper chat. A real treat. Once, at a baby shower many years ago, I was given two days of cleaning from a friend who was a cleaner. It was amazing after having a baby to see my house beautifully clean (just as nice as all the Peter Rabbit crockery and knitted cardigans). I imagine a grandparent would appreciate a promise of gardening help in the spring.

Memories are always another excellent gift. A framed photo from the fun-filled holiday, a picture of a pet, the beer we drank in some far-away place. My siblings gave me photos from my childhood when I last had a ‘big’ birthday, and they are very precious.

So there you are, my tips for successful gift-giving. [If my family are reading this, I would really love a couple of baby goats, or alpacas, or donkeys, or calves—but don’t tell Dad because he has banned everything other than poultry!]

I hope you enjoy the preparations for Christmas, and are successful in your gift-buying. Thanks for reading.
Take care.
Love, Anne x

PS. In case you follow my blog, my last venesection was cancelled because my iron levels were surprisingly low. Yaay! That was a happy surprise. Hoping they stay low for the December test.

*****
anneethompson.com
******