In Christmases past I was an on the ball gift giver. I used to brag that I always managed to get my shopping done by the week before Thanksgiving, because I am awesome and you are a failure. Also because the mall after Thanksgiving just about scares the ever living crap out of me. The relentless Christmas songs! The ugly festive sweaters! And why is it always so warm in there? I sweat and sweat and then sweat some more and that makes me sad.
Of course that was before home ownership, or as I like to call it, the time of zero disposable income. This year I started Christmas shopping on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and only bought two things. I have since then bought my mom's Christmas gift online and that's really about it. But my gift list is no shorter than it has been in any past year, which leaves me in quite a pickle.
Today, knowing that I needed a few more gifts, I went to World Market on my lunch. I found a few things I wanted, headed to the registers to check out but then I was stopped dead in my tracks. There were only two cashiers open and each had at least fifteen people in line. I'm sorry people that I was going to buy gifts for, but I would have lost my mind if I had waited to check out. I planned on hitting a mall tomorrow at lunch, but have changed my mind. Having to come up with bail money after punching a fellow shopper in the back of the head doesn't seem like a good economic decision in these recession-ish times.
So my question is: can I just wimp out and buy gift cards for anyone that I have left on my list? And can I wait to buy those gift cards until after Christmas? I mean, does it say "Oh, you got me a gift and I didn't get you one so I ran out and got you this thoughtless gift card after the fact"? What if I present the gift card with some homemade cookies? Everyone likes cookies, so that makes it better, right?
I hate giving gift cards as Christmas gifts, but I really love to receive them. AM SUCH A HYPOCRITE.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you just give the cookies and skip the gift cards? We're in a recession, I think people will understand.
ReplyDeleteA) I've never been to World Market. Need to remedy that.
ReplyDeleteB) I am so that person who has her holiday shopping completed by Halloween every year. Go me. I guess it shouldn't come as any surprise then that the rest of my family sends me money to do all their shopping for them, too.
C) I think gift cards are a suitable gift. It's better than money because somehow it seems more thoughtful, and then the receiver can't just go blow it on rent or a night at the bar. Instead, he/she must walk away with something to show for your gift, and anytime someone comes to a dinner party at his/her house, he/she will say, "see that ceramic hippopotamus butter dish? Regan got it for me!"
D) Cookies always make everything better.
I think gift cards are fine. And why can't you go online and buy those items from World Market online? Online shopping is the only shopping I've done this holiday season. Because I hate crowds. And people.
ReplyDeletei LOVE gift cards. seriously. they are, by far, my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI think cookies are the BEST gift and I HATE when friends or relatives make cookies to give out as their gifts but then go and buy me something when I had been anticipating cookies. Just go with the cookies - nobody (except for spouses, kids or pets) needs you ( in these horrid economic times) to supplement their shopping. For people really really close to you , you'll have already and long ago found or made the perfect present. Give a nice card and a fun mix of homemade treats. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteCookies instead of gifts or gift cards are fine. But if you have your heart set on a gift certificate kind of thingy, you can always give iTunes money or Amazon money from the safety of your own computer. Emailed directly to them on a day of your choosing. Easy peasy.
ReplyDeleteI'm fine with gift cards, but gift cards post Christmas are likely to result in the latter interpretation.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the cookie idea. And even more fun, how about you make a couple dozen cookies and I will too and we can share and each have a mix of cookies so that it's easier!! Cookie exchange, so fun! I did one with my mom's group, then gave them all of my surgeon... bribery at it's best!
ReplyDeleteI say give the people cookies or other scrumptious goodies for Christmas. You don't owe everyone on your list a store-bought present... or anything at all, really. Especially this year I think/know people will understand.
ReplyDeleteFudge...you should totally make fudge...and send me some!
ReplyDeleteGift cards are a great idea. If you are spending $ on a gift, at least the recipient can get what they want and you've spent wisely. And the double bonus is that the recipient can then fight the shopping crowds. We give gift cards to teenagers (usually favorite clothing stores) and adult siblings (usually movie vouchers or dinner out). I'd never say no to cookies... choc chip!?
ReplyDeleteI agree that cookies are good and gift cards are good -- especially Amazon gift cards. Who doesn't have a list of things they could buy on Amazon?
ReplyDeleteAs long as there are cookies. :)
ReplyDelete