Giving gifts is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the holiday season. People often think of the joy of receiving special gifts for the holidays. But being the giver of a meaningful gift to someone you care about can be even more gratifying. Gift giving is really more about the thoughtful intentions behind them than the actual gift itself.
Pick Out The Perfect Gift
Embrace the spirit of gift-giving by thinking about the person to whom you will give the gift. What are their interests or hobbies? Really listen to what makes them happy, what they are passionate about. Listen for any mentions or clues as you interact with them. If you’re still stuck on what to give them, try asking mutual friends and family for ideas. Don’t feel too pressured, though. Remember, it’s the thought behind the gift that counts the most. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive or perfect.
Once you have an idea for your gift, it’s time to go shopping. Try locally owned shops and artisanal shops to find the most unique gifts. Look for handmade gifts or art from local artists. Wine and cheeses from your local artisans make a great gift that’s unique to where you live. And there are many benefits to shopping locally. Shopping locally allows you to invest in your community, support small family-owned businesses, and create more jobs for your neighbors. It’s also the perfect way to find a thoughtful gift that you might not find if you shop online or in big chain retail stores. Local shops typically have more handmade items made with locally sourced products, which further stimulates your local economy. They also tend to give back to the community by supporting and donating to local charities, ministries, and events.
While you are shopping, remember to keep your focus on the gift receiver’s preferences, not your own. It’s easy to find things that catch your eye because it’s something that you would enjoy. But ask yourself if the gift recipient would like it or if it’s just something you want for yourself. After you pick out and purchase the perfect gift, don’t forget to pick up some festive wrapping or decorative bags and boxes. Part of the fun of receiving a gift is opening it!
Add Some Hygge To Your Holiday Gift Giving
Hygge, pronounced “Hue-gah” is a Danish word originally derived from the old Norwegian word that translates to the meaning of well-being and protection from the outside elements. Denmark is known for its long, cold winters. The Danish people have used the concept of hygge to help them cope with the excruciatingly long and dark winter season to fill their homes with comfort and joy. And what better time than the holidays to fill your own home with the concept of hygge, comfort, and joy?
Ideas for gifts that encompass the hygge concept are plentiful. Winter hygge is all about the feeling of coziness and warmth. Snuggling under warm blankets, candles burning, a fire in the fireplace, sipping on hot chocolate or tea are all part of the hygge experience. It’s no surprise that gifts for a cozy home are at the top of the list! Chunky knitted blankets, throws, and pillows make great hygge gifts. Warm lighting is key in a hygge home, so things like candles and tea light lanterns would make a delightful gift.
Making your home smell warm and inviting is another part of the hygge holiday experience, too. You can get creative with some ideas to make homemade gifts to make their home smell amazing for the holidays. Essential oils, scented candles, scented fire starters, and cinnamon-scented pine cones for decorating are great gift ideas! Make a dried citrus fruit wreath for them to hang in their home! Put together the ingredients for glogg (spiced mulled wine) or a simmer pot, and their home will smell delicious for the holidays!
Seasonal food and drinks embrace the hygge lifestyle as well. Put together a hot cocoa kit for your chocolate-loving friend by making a gift basket with a cute Christmas mug, cocoa mix, and mini marshmallows. Kids love hot cocoa kits, too! For the tea drinker or coffee-loving friend, you could do the same, only include a variety of different flavored herbal teas or flavored coffees, coffee syrups, and the coffee, of course! Create cookie kits with all of the ingredients they will need and attach a printed or hand-written copy of the recipe. If you have a local winery, you can find not only delicious varieties of wines but often artisanal cheeses for them to enjoy.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to spreading the holiday cheer through hygge gift-giving. After all, it’s far more joyful to give than to receive. What are some of your favorite hygge holiday gift ideas for your loved ones?