When December hit, the Christmas lights went up, the familiar music started playing in every store, and everyone’s focus shifted. It felt like all my friends and family were suddenly obsessed with Christmas gifts. It’s like a race to find the newest, coolest thing, and my social media is full of ads for expensive items, like a coffee cup that costs way too much money. I found myself thinking, “Do we really need all this stuff?” The best Christmas gift is not more stuff, it’s giving someone a break or something fun to do.
The reality is, we have too much stuff. Our bedrooms are filled with items used at one point, then never touched again. That’s why the money spent on items that just add to the mess would be better used giving someone an experience. It’s about giving them their time back, which is something everyone can enjoy.
Consider the person you are buying for. Does a friend genuinely need another cheap plastic toy or a shirt they’ll only wear once? Probably not. Instead of focusing on a physical item to wrap, aim for a gift that can help them relax or help them get into something they have never tried before.
For example, if a friend loves music, don’t just buy them a CD or a vinyl. Get them a ticket to a concert that you can go to together or cover a few months of their music streaming app. This is not just an item that will sit and collect dust, it’s an opportunity for a memory. If your brother spends all his time looking for a new game to play, give him a gift card to his favorite video game store or online platform. It lets him pick exactly what he wants, which is better than guessing, and gives him hours of fun time.
Last year, I got my best friend a pass for a few rock climbing sessions. She went a couple times when she was younger and really wanted to try it again, but she didn’t have the money. She did not get a wrapped present, but she got a new hobby that she really enjoys. It was very simple, but it gave her new experiences that lasted longer than a new item for the shelf.
The goal should not be finding the largest, most expensive present. It should be giving a gift that makes someone feel good, gives them a break, or helps them try something new. This year, let’s stop worrying about finding the perfect thing and focus on giving the gift of spending time together and just relaxing. That’s what people really need this holiday season.
