If we’ve learned anything from living through a pandemic, it’s that we are pretty darn adaptable. Whether it is working from home, going to school online, or virtually spending time with family and friends, we have come to accept the ways in which our everyday lives have had to change in order to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. As we head into the holiday season, let’s channel our holiday spirit into getting creative when it comes to gift-giving to save money and stay safe while still showing appreciation.
Things to remember this year…
It is likely that we don’t have as much money to spend on those we love this particular holiday season but this doesn’t have to mean you can’t take pride in the gifts you give to friends and family. To cut back on spending during a time where money is tight, we can…
- Set a budget
Giving yourself a cap amount of money you’re going to spend over the holiday season will make the bills at the end of the month a lot easier to handle and it will also ease the stress of overspending.
- Prioritize the gifts you do want to buy
If your holiday budget allows, here are some great gifts for loved ones to make their lives a litter easier during this crazy time.
- For the self-care enthusiast: skincare! There is nothing like giving the gift of self-care and relaxation. BONUS: Drug stores and grocery store pharmacies are the Santa’s workshop of extremely affordable skin care!
- For the work-a-holic: Noise-canceling headphones or a miniature teleprompter! A portable, mini teleprompter is the perfect gadget for someone who works to address an audience when doing business and would benefit from this useful tool during frequent speaking engagements, sales presentations, or online training. Both of these gifts will help that busy bee in your life re-focus on work and give them a chance to test out fun, new gadgets that will make their at-home workdays a little bit easier.
- For the entertainment lover: a monthly subscription to a streaming service, a month of Masterclass, or a subscription to Vogue magazine! These items are interchangeable based on the loved one in your life, but they are perfectly customizable and won’t break the bank either!
For the people, you can’t afford to buy presents for, use your creativity to show appreciation in other ways!
- Schedule Zoom calls with relatives or friends you haven’t spoken too in a while
Play online Cards Against Humanity, share your screen and share photos, or share audio and have a virtual dance party!
- Have the most fun Zoom ever with these virtual games.
- Send letters and leave notes!
Whether you’re reaching out to a family member to wish them well during the holiday season and share the family updates or you are leaving a note for a beloved housekeeper whom you cannot afford to tip this year, writing even just a short letter to show gratitude is priceless and can often mean more than something store-bought!
As an etiquette expert, I want to relay one important message to keep in mind going into this holiday season. This year has been the toughest one in a while for a lot of us and sometimes, words of affirmation, kindness, and support can mean the most especially when that is what we are leaning on friends and family for the most right now. If someone finds the time and funds to gift you something this holiday season, please take time to thank them in a way that shows your genuine appreciation which can be done best with a handwritten thank you note. This is a lesson I’ve taught my kids since they were old enough to write on their own and it is still something that rings true in 2020 when our loved ones simply want our expressed appreciation.
For more information, examples, and my contact information, please tune in to my most recent segment on Charlotte WBTV news.
Good luck, stay safe, and happy gift giving!