14 Tips for Great Gift Giving
The Bible says it’s better to give than to receive, but when it comes to holiday gifts, giving is way more complicated. What do you buy for that weird uncle? Will you get busted for re-gifting? Is booze an acceptable present for your child’s teacher? (Mmm … probably not.) That’s why we’re here to help. Following these rules of etiquette will prevent disappointment, avoid embarrassment and keep you on the A-list for next year’s holiday party.
Keep the Noise Off
When shopping for other people’s children, never, ever, ever buy a toy that makes noise. (No beeps, squeaks, canned music or repetitive catch phrases from Disney characters.) The parents will start out simply hating the toy you brought, but soon that boiling hot hate will grow to encompass you, the well-meaning giver. Of course, their kid will be your best friend forever.
Remember It's Not About You
Every husband should ask himself, "Does my wife truly desire hockey tickets and a power mower? Does she really?" The holidays are not a time to be self-serving. Give your significant other something he or she wants, and the rest will follow, especially if you drop a lot of unsubtle hints.
Food Is Love ... Unless It Makes You Sick
Santa divides the world into naughty and nice. But if you’re going to give an edible gift, you have to remember who’s gluten-free, who’s lactose intolerant, who’s vegan and who’s dieting. Too bad, you may have to keep that chocolate-covered bacon cheesecake for yourself.
Stay Away From Animals
In the movies, it’s oh-so-adorable when someone receives a big wrapped box with air holes poked into the sides. Awwww, a puppy! In real life, unless you’re providing your full time pet care services along with the dog/cat/lizard, stick to gifts that don’t poop.
MORE: Getting Double the Life out of Gift Wrapping Materials
Keep a Stash
You know what’s awkward? When a friend surprises you with a holiday gift, and you have nothing to give in return. You know what’s more awkward? Blurting out, “Oh, I’ll have your gift tomorrow!” making it crystal clear that you were caught empty handed. Avoid this holiday snafu by hoarding a secret stash of gender-neutral gifts you can whip out at a moment’s notice, like candles, picture frames or movie passes.
Never Make a Woman Feel Like a Maid
Unless she put an upright vacuum on the top of her Amazon wish list, utilitarian household appliances make lame gifts for wives and girlfriends. Not only are such items unromantic, but they imply that current housekeeping standards aren’t up to snuff. That’s a great way to end up sleeping on the couch.
Don't Stereotype Your Man
Some guys are hard to shop for. Unlike women, you can’t count on them to wear lip gloss, have tchotchke collections or fetishize chocolate. The lazy gift giver will default to typical man stuff like neckties and power tools. But remember, men are more than just gadget-loving golfers. Some of them are gadget-loving fantasy football addicts. Think outside the box.
Don't Go Overboard
If you’ve just started dating someone, don’t go crazy on holiday gifts—it puts way too much pressure on a new relationship. Think in terms of hobbies and interests, like books, wine or concert tickets. Stay away from watches, jewelry and—whatever you do—no framed pictures of yourself or photo collages of the two of you. A boiling bunny would be less frightening.
Make the Thought Count
Sure, nobody hates gift cards, but they’re impersonal and unimaginative. (Yeah, we said it.) Use gift cards when you don’t know someone well, or when the recipient wants to do her own shopping (like a newlywed who needs home furnishings, or a teacher who foots the bill for school supplies). Otherwise, the best way to make someone feel special is by hunting down that vintage/rare/purple/one-of-kind thingamajiggy you know she'll adore.
MORE: The Pros and Cons of Christmas Presents: Secret Santa Style
Avoid Fitted Clothes
Unless you know the recipient’s measurements, avoid giving tailored clothing like pants or a fitted blouse. If you guess too large a size, it’s an insult (“How dare she think I’m an XXL?”) and if you guess too small, the recipient will feel like a bloated moose trying to squeeze into your “gift.” Nobody needs a shame spiral around the holidays.
Keep It Classy
At the office, it's Secret Santa, not Victoria's Secret. Even if your coworker routinely shows up sporting hickeys from her new paramour, the office holiday party is not the place to give her sexy lingerie. A new scarf is more appropriate, and great for camouflaging those hickeys.
Re-Gift at Your Own Peril
You’re eager to unload the heinous vase collecting dust in your cabinet, but it’s been sitting there so long—are you sure you remember who gave it to you? If you’re going to re-gift, be absolutely certain you’re not returning something to its original buyer (or her BFF). Save the re-gifts for white elephant parties where awkward moments are the goal.
Don't Show up the Parents
Here’s another problem with giving presents to other people’s kids: Once a child unwraps a gift, it’s pretty hard to un-gift it, even if it’s a forbidden toy gun, a Barbie that jars with mom’s feminist beliefs or a life-size car that dad already vetoed because it’s too expensive. You can’t be expected to know another family’s inner workings, so when in doubt, ask.
Say Yes to Gift Receipts
You’ve found the perfect present for your brother-in-law—why on earth would you need to include a gift receipt? Because, if the gift is that perfect, there’s a good chance he’ll get two of them this year. Providing a gift receipt means never having to find out if your gift got returned—unless you have the misfortune of bumping into each other December 26th at the mall.
