Give Joy, Love Well: Thoughtful and Intentional Gifting
One way to cultivate and grow relationships is through gifts. Not the kind of gift giving that is done out of necessity, but out of intention to grow, nurture and care for your relationships and others.
For me, a recent sweet gift from a new friend was a little gift bag filled with self-care goodies and a note that affirmed and celebrated me and our relationship. I have that card displayed in my studio as a reminder of her sweet love and to inspire me to surprise someone with a gift bag filled with tea, chapstick and art. It doesn’t have to be grand to mean the world.
And here we are. Weeks away from Christmas and expectations can easily get away from us about gifting. We make lists, we shop, we wrap, then unwrap and move on. I used to feel this pressure (that I placed on myself) to spend a certain amount on everyone and I saw myself purchasing items that weren’t even great or meaningful. Since then, I did away with those expectations that caused more stress than joy.
I shop at thrift stores for gifts, I buy what I think they’ll love without worrying if I met the gift exchange limit…I just give from a place of wanting to celebrate and honor the people in my life.
So, how do we put a little more thought and intention back into gifts during a holiday? A holiday that - at times - we place high expectation on ourselves and others to give gifts…the best ones.
Ideas on thoughtful giving:
Try and avoid big box stores for gifts. This encourages you to not only support local, small and handmade shops, but it also offers you a selection of goods that the recipient may not find on their own.
Add a card with words of affirmation, celebration or a prayer for the new year. This moves you beyond giving them a gift off their list, but investing in your relationship.
Put together a bag of yours or their favorite things. A friend for my birthday gave me a bag with my favorite chips, queso and candy! BEST GIFT EVER.
Gift ideas:
Date night gift for couples:. What to include? A gift card to a local eatery, new earrings or nail polish for her, fun socks for him, these conversation cards, these date night in cards with some of your creative ideas, and your favorite board game for two.
Families/Neighbors: Again, I would make a little package with conversation cards, a family board game, and some fun candy and treats.
Friends: A little care package is always fun. What to include: new nail polish (try one from here), this face mask, this bath salt packet, maybe some tea, a new mug, this is the best chapstick ever. You could also curate a gift package with a new book along with a journal and a gift card to their favorite coffee shop.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Merry Christmas!
with joy,
Aneta Nina
Founder + Owner