Gift Giving 101: Bitter but Nice Edition

The festive season is approaching and though it might warm some hearts, it might leave some of us bitter because of our past experience. Especially when it comes to gift giving.

(I love gift giving, I'm always very excited but giving gift to some specific people just make me feel ugh, because the gift they gave me made me feel sad and sorry for myself. If you feel the same, keep reading!)

It's no secret Gift giving can be annoying, however, it is also a way to show some care and kindness.

Here are some tricks to deal with people who gave you the wrong gift and every time you want to buy them a gift, you discourage yourself from being nice because you know they will never put as much thought into their gift for you as you have for them.

So here are some ideas to seem nice and subtly drive the bitter feeling you felt across to them.

1. If someone gave you a thoughtless gift.

Gift them: White Tube Socks

2. If someone gave you a gift without any consideration of your e.g. allergies, dietary restrictions, book genre etc.

Gift them: A similar gift to what they have given you, but with consideration and a little bit higher in price. E.g. Presents that are Fragrance-free, dairy-free, allergen safe, hypoallergenic etc. If your bitter level is high, leave the price label on the gift.

3. If someone gave you a gift you are widely known to hate.

Gift Them: A gift they would love. Just Kidding! Gift them a notebook with a thoughtful lovely letter so that they will know you better.

4. If someone neglect to give you a gift when you scour the whole planet for theirs.

Gift Them: White Tube Socks

5. If you've received Tube Socks as a gift from more than one person.

You must have expressed your love for tube socks or these people are slightly bitter and discouraged from giving you a better gift.

So, maybe start to Re-evaluate the way you give others a gift. It's not about how expensive or cheap is the gift. It's about how thoughtful it is. If you were being thoughtful but it's a simple gift, and want to make sure they understand the gift come from a thoughtful place. Attach a card with your reason for giving them that gift.

e.g.

"Hey Joey, here's a buy one free one gift card to enjoy those Joey's specials."

"Hey Rachel, here's the pair of candle stand you liked (with receipts, just in case)."

"Hey Phoebe, here's an interactive art made just for you."

"Hey Ross, here's a CD of sound effects for your music."

"Hey Monica, here's a thermal label sticker printer to have some fun while organizing."

"Hey Chandler, here's a T-shirt with one of your jokes printed on it."

See, it doesn't have to be expensive. You don't have to spend months to wreck your brains either.

Just give what you can, make sure it's something related to what they've shared with you or something related to their personality that you find appealing.

If they enjoy cooking or baking, buy them a recipe organizer or some kind of new gadget for them to test. P.s. Stop gifting writers notebooks, artist or painters art supplies (unless it is 1. Novelty stuff or 2. You know exactly what brand they prefer and what they are specifically looking for. If not just save your money). If they love hiking or biking, join them or better yet find a new route and take them there. Spending time and sharing the experience is also a kind of gift we often overlook.

At the end of the day, gift giving is just a small part of the holidays. Remember to be nice and spread love. Even though you're bitter.

Let me know what's the worst gift you've gotten throughout the years, if you have any.

Disclaimer: I have no hate against white tube socks but it's kind of a bummer to get it as a gift.

Photo by Nina Mercado on Unsplash