So the question is: in the thick of the crazy-making Christmas season, how can we personalize our presents?
The best answer is perhaps the one that most people overlook. Ask! Too often we get caught up in the surprise element of gift giving. Ask yourself: would you rather get a surprise upon undoing the ribbon, or would you prefer a gift that is less exciting to open but exactly what you need. Most people over the age of twelve will choose the latter. Asking what a person would like for Christmas is traditional back to the Christmas lists we used to make as children. Those lists were essential for parents and so should our "grown-up" lists be. Aunty Maureen won't be upset if you ask her what she really wants under the tree this year. Think about the hemming and hawing at the shopping mall you'll save yourself.
The people on your list will appreciate your gift, regardless of the cost if you take the time to put something of yourself into the gift. This doesn't mean you have to take up crocheting or scrap booking, but a personal touch goes a long way to solving the obligation gift trap, like socks for your father or a linen tea towel for your grandmother. It's the gift equivalent to talking about the whether with someone; it's a bit insulting that you don't have more in common. A favorite photo of the two of you, professionally matted and framed is miles better than a non descript article of clothing - Gap crew neck sweater or unapproved perfume. If your Christmas budget is thin, a "personal voucher" for a get-together on you is an answer, as is a thoughtfully written letter (handwritten of course, a thoughtful email may be fine to some people and cold hearted to other's -think about the persons life and habits.)
If you are having an ethical and green Christmas and choose donation cards as gifts, make these personal too. If the cause is close to your heart, don't get it for someone else. Giving a dairy farmer a Peta donation card isn't going to strengthen the bond between the two of you. Personalize this ethical gift by taking into account the issues and causes that the receiver is passionate about. The animal lover on your list will appreciate the sponsorship of an animal at your local animal shelter, while a friend who has lost a loved one to cancer will thank you for your donation card to The Canadian Cancer Society.
Personalizing gifts doesn't mean going crazy at the engravers or becoming instantly "crafty" over the holidays, it's more about becoming a good listener. It feels great to have chosen the perfect present for each of your loved ones.
