How to Simplify Gift Giving

Do you procrastinate on purchasing gifts?

If so, you probably empathize with the reason I carry a pair of scissors and a roll of tape in my vehicle. Having scissors and tape in my Jeep enables me to purchase and wrap a gift in the back of the Jeep instead of, say, at the counter in the store (which I have done)!

But, for the most part, that was before.

It is a ridiculous habit!

At some point I realized I was indulging in a ridiculous habit. The stress of the last minute race just isn’t worth it! However, I don’t like shopping and I know that at every shower, duplicate gifts happen. Then someone is faced with the issue of having to return an item or just pass it on.

Money and / or gift cards is an option. Even though I know it makes zero sense, I feel empty handed when I walk into a shower with only a card in my hand.

So, what is the answer?

That was then, this is now.

Now is totally different.

A standard gift!

Now, for showers and weddings, I try to stick to a standard gift.

For instance, as a baby shower gift, my standard gift is: my favorite children’s book, On the Night you Were Born (encouraging reading is so, so important to me), a small pack of diapers and a monetary gift enclosed in the card.

No thought required. I don’t scan the gift registry. No more schlepping around the store trying to figure out the perfect, unique baby shower gift. Since I am an Amazon Prime member, the book arrives in two days. I can include picking up a card and pack of diapers on any routine shopping trip. (Note: I purchase cards from the local dollar store where cards are, yep, one dollar or less)

Simplicity!

Any time that I can simplify something in my life, I am all in.

Can you duplicate this?

You are probably thinking, “that’s great for showers, but what about birthdays, and what about the mother of all gift giving occasions, Christmas?”.

Although you might not be able to buy the exact gift for every birthday or even Christmas, you CAN standardize somewhat.

For instance: One Christmas, for my grand kids, I chose a book, a toy and a piece of clothing each. Although the gifts weren’t all the same, deciding on the gift category brought much needed focus to my shopping.

What about you?

Do you struggle with gift giving? Have you ever chosen not to attend an event because you have not had the time to purchase a gift? Or, have you purchased and wrapped a gift on the way?

What do you think? Would a standard gift idea work for you?

It’s a little idea that might just simplify one area of your crowded, busy life.

I would love to hear your thoughts!

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