IT’S THE SMALL THINGS
By ALEX M. EDUQUE
Alex M. Eduque
It’s the last weekend of October and most of us are already feeling the holiday frenzy and pandemonium. Most of us (if we haven’t already) are pre-occupied making our Christmas lists, and crossing out those we have bought gifts for. The majority of us are perhaps racking our brains as to what to gift family and friends this holiday season. While receiving a token, and having gifts under the tree is always nice, many have noticed an increase in non-material gifting in the past few years. I take it as a sign that people are not only more socially aware, but have become more conscious gift givers. In other words, there is a heightened desire to want to give a gift that goes beyond the thought, and one that is sincerely appreciated. In this manner, not only does much less (almost nothing) go to waste, communities are benefited, and memory banks are enriched. I asked a couple friends (of varying age groups) what it is they are gifting this Christmas, and what they would want to receive. Summarizing their feedback, here are the four clusters of alternatives to material gifts that may enthrall your loved ones too!
Donations given in lieu of gifts, on behalf of and/or in the name of a friend, a colleague, or practically anyone is always appropriate and appreciated – not only by the recipient, but most especially by the beneficiary. This is a gift that will keep on giving. Regardless of the amount donated, the funds will be put to good use, and will perpetuate (a) program(s) in years to come. There are a multitude of charities that will even offer to print out cards you can easily send whoever you are gifting that informs them of the donation made, and what it will be used for. Make sure to choose an organization that is not only reputable, but one with a cause that resonates with, and is close to your heart.
In recent years (and I have noticed most especially with the millennial generation), experiential gifts in place of material gifts are much more preferred. Whether it be as extravagant as a trip, a hike for a day, a dining experience, a day full of bonding, or even just a trip to the movies or the arcade, the memory making with a certain group of friends does not only strengthen the bond, but allows you to add to an ever-growing bank of memories – something that can never be stolen, erased, or taken away from you.
Although the D-I-Y (Do-It-Yourself) trend has always been around, it has seen a steady rise in the recent years, and will never go out of style. Definitely not for everyone, and mostly for the crafty kind, if you are an artistic creative soul with time to spare, then this one is for you! Whether it be an album or a scrapbook of memories, a notebook or a journal that you decorated the front cover of, a Christmas stocking you knitted, a tapestry piece – whatever it may be, the personal touch and extra effort that you put into a gift will always warm the heart of any recipient. In the same light, a Christmas card (whether personalized or one off the shelf) that comes with a well-thought out note will always stand out to me in my books. During a time when (even I am personally guilty of this) stickers and filling out template “to and from” cards are most convenient, receiving one with even a few words written will always make a recipient feel special and thought about.
If you must give material, then personalized gifts, a gift that shares proceeds with a greater cause, or one that is artisanal and/or locally made will not only stand out, it will be for the benefit of the greater good. Whatever these artisanal goods may be, supporting local is a trend which I hope never goes away. It motivates budding entrepreneurs and small businesses to evolve and become the best that they can be. If our local resources and crafted goods are much sought after and desired enough abroad to be exported, then why can’t we be happy enough with them to share and gift them?
This holiday season, I urge all of you to “make a list and check it twice” not necessarily “to find out who’s naughty or nice” (though that’s important too), but to make sure that whatever it is you are gifting this year fuels the good beyond the recipient’s heart.
Alex M. Eduque
It’s the last weekend of October and most of us are already feeling the holiday frenzy and pandemonium. Most of us (if we haven’t already) are pre-occupied making our Christmas lists, and crossing out those we have bought gifts for. The majority of us are perhaps racking our brains as to what to gift family and friends this holiday season. While receiving a token, and having gifts under the tree is always nice, many have noticed an increase in non-material gifting in the past few years. I take it as a sign that people are not only more socially aware, but have become more conscious gift givers. In other words, there is a heightened desire to want to give a gift that goes beyond the thought, and one that is sincerely appreciated. In this manner, not only does much less (almost nothing) go to waste, communities are benefited, and memory banks are enriched. I asked a couple friends (of varying age groups) what it is they are gifting this Christmas, and what they would want to receive. Summarizing their feedback, here are the four clusters of alternatives to material gifts that may enthrall your loved ones too!
Donations given in lieu of gifts, on behalf of and/or in the name of a friend, a colleague, or practically anyone is always appropriate and appreciated – not only by the recipient, but most especially by the beneficiary. This is a gift that will keep on giving. Regardless of the amount donated, the funds will be put to good use, and will perpetuate (a) program(s) in years to come. There are a multitude of charities that will even offer to print out cards you can easily send whoever you are gifting that informs them of the donation made, and what it will be used for. Make sure to choose an organization that is not only reputable, but one with a cause that resonates with, and is close to your heart.
In recent years (and I have noticed most especially with the millennial generation), experiential gifts in place of material gifts are much more preferred. Whether it be as extravagant as a trip, a hike for a day, a dining experience, a day full of bonding, or even just a trip to the movies or the arcade, the memory making with a certain group of friends does not only strengthen the bond, but allows you to add to an ever-growing bank of memories – something that can never be stolen, erased, or taken away from you.
Although the D-I-Y (Do-It-Yourself) trend has always been around, it has seen a steady rise in the recent years, and will never go out of style. Definitely not for everyone, and mostly for the crafty kind, if you are an artistic creative soul with time to spare, then this one is for you! Whether it be an album or a scrapbook of memories, a notebook or a journal that you decorated the front cover of, a Christmas stocking you knitted, a tapestry piece – whatever it may be, the personal touch and extra effort that you put into a gift will always warm the heart of any recipient. In the same light, a Christmas card (whether personalized or one off the shelf) that comes with a well-thought out note will always stand out to me in my books. During a time when (even I am personally guilty of this) stickers and filling out template “to and from” cards are most convenient, receiving one with even a few words written will always make a recipient feel special and thought about.
If you must give material, then personalized gifts, a gift that shares proceeds with a greater cause, or one that is artisanal and/or locally made will not only stand out, it will be for the benefit of the greater good. Whatever these artisanal goods may be, supporting local is a trend which I hope never goes away. It motivates budding entrepreneurs and small businesses to evolve and become the best that they can be. If our local resources and crafted goods are much sought after and desired enough abroad to be exported, then why can’t we be happy enough with them to share and gift them?
This holiday season, I urge all of you to “make a list and check it twice” not necessarily “to find out who’s naughty or nice” (though that’s important too), but to make sure that whatever it is you are gifting this year fuels the good beyond the recipient’s heart.