Gift giving is a funny thing. Sometimes it can be so awkward it is downright uncomfortable! The discomfort stems from the fact that you don't always know that the person will like the gift you are giving them or vice versa. It is a sort of guessing game. Some people are really good at getting everyone that perfect thing, others are okay at it and some are just plain terrible (which can always provide a lot of humor at a gathering).
Have you ever snickered at the distant relative who faithfully sends one of those hard, brown fruitcakes to you every year? Part of you feels appreciative of the gesture and another part of you can't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. And then there is that moment during a gift exhange when you have bought a cheap, get-it-out-of-the-way gift for someone only to receive a very luxurious and thoughtful gift from them. What do you say? You feel like an idiot, but you don't want to bring attention to it... Don't fret! What kind of gift giver (and receiver) are you?
Here are 5 gift moment tips:
- Humor always comes first. In moments such as the one above, laughing at yourself is always a great way to diffuse any tension. Asking yourself out loud, "What was I thinking?" is sure to break the ice.
- Ever heard of "fight or flight"? In uncomfortable moments, you can take a break in the other room quickly or tough it out in the hot seat. It's all about choices, right?
- You can take the honest route and pull the person aside later to apologize and tell him or her that you had a hard time figuring out what to give as a gift.
- Decide to be happy with the gifts you have given and not think twice about it, regardless of what they have given to you.
- Always give people the gifts that are winners every time... potted plants or bonsai trees, Shel Silverstein books, giftcards to local book stores, itunes gift cards, treats from a local specialty chocolate shop or variations of past winners (ie: a different cookbook than the one they loved last year).
Gift giving during the holidays is meant to be a form of celebration and a way for people to show their appreciation and gratitude for each other. Many people are distracted by everyday life and do not have a lot of time to put into tracking down the perfect gift for every person in their life. The ritual of gift giving can result in embarrassment or even hostility that is unneccessary.
Whether it is a matter of taste, time or thought, it all boils down to this: when you are giving gifts, try to give people things that will make their life more enjoyable and when receiving a gift (no matter what it is), express your gratitude for the giver's gesture.
Do not feel guilty if you pass a gift along to someone else who will use it (unless it is something that the gift giver clearly put a lot of time and effort into. In this situation, tuck the dud away in a closet as soon as the party is over, so you can whip it out later, if need be. Donating to the Goodwill or Salvation Army is always a good deed! The next time you exchange gifts with someone, don't let it be uncomfortable, talk about the different types of gift givers in your group and have a laugh!
