I've often written here about how I don't like shopping anymore, so you won't catch me busting down any doors in the wee hours of Black Friday. But, let's face it, I'm still going to get the kids a few gifts for Hanukkah. They're young (7 and 10) and wouldn't exactly appreciate a lecture on the pitfalls of consumerism!
Still, for me, there are plenty of ways to spread the joy (no pun intended) without compromising how I feel about buying a bunch of meaningless stuff in a jam-packed mall. So, here are a few of my ideas for the gift-giving season--and they're not just for kids' gifts:
- Figure out beforehand what you're going to give to whom, and don't get suckered in to impulse purchases at the check-out. Gifts are more special when you put a little thought into them, instead of just grabbing random stuff that could be given to anybody.
- Encourage a budding interest or talent. When I was growing up, I pivoted between wanting to be a writer, a photographer, and an artist, so my family gave me gifts like a Kodak Pocket Instamatic, art supplies, and (much later) the annual Writer's Market. Those gifts literally led me to where I am today. (How many gifts can you say THAT about?!)
- Stocking-stuffers often add up to a lot of meaningless, poorly made stuff. Resist the urge to fill up on junk from the dollar store.
- Frame some sentimental photographs for gifts. Yes, I know I'm biased because I'm a photographer! But I still think old family photos make some of the most beautiful and meaningful gifts.
- Let your kids choose a charity. My children always fight over which one of them gets to push elevator buttons. When I asked them why, my son said, "Because this is one area where we kids get to control something!" (Insightful, don't you think?) So, give your children some charity catalogs and let them decide on a donation from your family. My children love Heifer International because they can read about how different farm animals contribute to helping poverty-stricken villages. (Tip: Set a dollar limit on the charity gift beforehand, so they'll know which items to rule out.)
- Give music. Let the kids choose a certain number of songs to buy on iTunes. (A no-clutter gift, and again, they'll have fun making the decisions.)
- Opt for lessons. My daughter asked if she could pleeeeeeease have piano lessons for one of her Hanukkah gifts. (With pleasure!) When you give your friends or family the gift of a new skill, one they can enjoy for many years ahead, they will always remember that you were the one who started them along the path.
- Your full attention and affection is the most valuable gift. So, give experiences instead of things.
- For even more gift ideas, check out Why Do You Shop? 15 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Hit the Mall.
Here's wishing you a meaningful, memorable holiday season!
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How 'bout you? Have you ever participated in the mall madness on Black Friday? Got any good ideas for meaningful holiday gifts? Let's hear it in the comments section below--I'm all ears!
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TWO MORE GIFT IDEAS to avoid mall madness...
- Start off the new year with a new skill: My photography e-course, "How to Take Better Photos of Nature and the World Around You" will be running again this January! Save $15 with the Early Bird Discount if you enroll before Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 11:59 pm EST. (If giving the course as a gift, please let me know the name and email of the student in the PayPal comment section at checkout.) Click here for details and registration.
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