Shopping for Christmas Gift and Card

Shopping for Christmas Gift and Card

Selecting Christmas Cards

For many, selecting a Christmas card is the first thing they do when the holiday approaches. The card should be a reflection of the season and include a saying that is appropriate for the people you will be sending it to.

• A Religions or Non-religions Theme. You should think about the religion of the families that you are sending cards to. If you have many people to send cards to that aren’t specifically Christian, consider buying a non-religious themed card with sayings such as “Happy Holidays.”
• Engraved or Blank Cards. If you normally send a few greeting cards to friends and family, having cards that are engraved with your family’s name may not make sense, especially if you are on a budget. Engraved cards can be expensive, but they certainly show that you took the time and made the effort to send a quality card to close friends and family. It also shows that you didn’t wait until the last minute to buy your Christmas cards (but who is keeping track?).
• Clearance Cards. Bargain shoppers know that the best time to buy Christmas cards is after the holiday is over. Stocking up for next year is one way to be sure you’ll have the right card on hand. It also ensures that you’ll be able to send your cards out on time so everyone will receive them before Christmas. However, clearance cards are sometimes the least desirable because there isn’t always a great selection. It is only a bargain if you can get the card you want at the right price.

Selecting Christmas Gifts

There are three basic categories of gift giving: children, family and acquaintances. Each requires a different thought process in making the right selection.

Selecting Gifts for Children

The age of a child will greatly affect which gift you select for them. The following tips can help you select a toy that won’t be shelved because it is age inappropriate:

• Babies and Toddlers: Be sure to check boxes to see what the suggested age is. Nothing bothers parents more than receiving a toy that is too old for their child. Children under the age of 4 may still be putting things in their mouth. For this reason, select toys that don’t have small parts that may be swallowed.
• Young Children: For children in the age group of 4-7, consider toys that are crafts or favorite characters from television. Once again, check the suggested age for crafts and other activities to make sure that the activity isn’t too difficult. When possible, ask the children, or their parents, well before Christmas what their favorite television shows are. This will give you a clue as to what they may want as a gift.
• Tweens: This is moving into more difficult territory for gift giving. Some tweens may know exactly what they want for gifts, while others may know but are unable to verbalize it. Ask their parents what activities they enjoy; this will give you clues into what they may enjoy receiving. This age group also enjoys gift cards or being taken on their own Christmas shopping spree.
• Teens: One of the most difficult groups to shop for, teens can be pleased with gifts that show you know a little bit about them. Find out what they want by asking them directly. They know where presents come from at this age so you won’t spoil the wonder of the holiday. When in doubt, buy a gift card so they can select their own gifts.

Selecting Gifts for Adults

• Family Members: It is hoped that you know what your immediate family members would like for Christmas, but what about relatives you rarely see? Think hard about what you have seen at other people’s homes in way of decorations. People usually collect specific things that reflect their personality. You can also think about people’s hobbies such as gardening, fishing or golfing. Some adult individuals believe that a gift card means that you didn’t care enough to select a special gift for them. Tread lightly if you aren’t sure how the recipient may feel about this issue.
• Employees and Business Associates: A manager or head of a company may decide to either give a bonus or a company token. It isn’t required that businesses give out gifts, and in many cases a business may simply give time off near the holiday or hold a special luncheon to celebrate the holidays. In terms of buying gifts for business associates, purchasing items that are non-personal is the best way to go. Avoid buying perfume or cologne, intimates or expensive gifts. These types of gifts may give the impression that there is more going on than a business relationship.
• The Person that has Everything: We all have someone in our family that is difficult to buy for. This requires that you find out what they are interested in by interviewing people who are closest to them. Ask their friends or other family members what they enjoy doing or which clubs they may belong to. If you’re still not sure what to get them, a gift given from the heart is often the best choice.

One last piece of advice: When shopping for Christmas gifts and cards, don’t wait until the last minute. When possible, start shopping for people on your Christmas list early in the fall to avoid the crowds later. You’ll have the peace of mind knowing your shopping is done well before the holiday, and that will allow you time to relax and enjoy the season.