The greatest gift - Buying and giving for family and friends
I’m a keen gift-giver and I always enjoy finding the perfect present, whatever the occasion. I buy in sales throughout the year to put away for Christmas, and whenever my family suggests we should use the “draw a name out of a hat” method, I always protest because I enjoy the process of giving to everybody. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve discovered over the years!
There’s nothing worse than being caught without a suitable gift for a dinner party host or hostess, a housewarming or other unexpected celebration I also have a bad habit of forgetting that my kids have been invited to birthday parties until the last minute and, of course, Christmas sneaks up on us faster every year! As a result, I’ve built up a supply of pre-bought gifts in a cupboard and this usually yields the ideal present. At first, it feels weird buying Christmas gifts throughout the year, but with the current price-cutting culture we would be mad not to! When stores advertise 30%, 40% or even 50% off, I’m in there stocking up. You can even wrap and label gifts at this stage, but do keep a list so you don’t end up buying for the same person twice.
IN THE CUPBOARD
If your recipient has a special interest you can choose with this in mind but don’t forget those old standbys that are still much appreciated: wine glasses, note-cards, scarves, scented soaps and candles, chocolates and beach towels. They may sound a little dull but, these days, there’s such a huge variety on offer that there really is something for everyone, so they can make quite exciting presents!
BUYING CLOTHES
You need to be very sure of their size and taste when buying clothes for someone else. In fact, my husband only attempted it once and, although the gift he bought for me was successful and fitted perfectly, I notice he has subsequently stuck to safer things. The sudden flurry of unwanted presents for sale on the web in the days following Christmas and Mother’s Day is testament to the pitfalls of giving clothes!
THE RE-GIFTING DILEMMA
The term was made famous some years ago by the popular TV sitcom Seinfeld but I think it’s fair to say re-gifting is now an established part of life, although the concept continues to vex people. The basic rule of thumb seems to be: It often makes sense, so do it – but only if you’re 100% sure the original giver will never find out!
FARAWAY FRIENDS
Sending presents to friends and family in other countries can be expensive if you don’t choose lightweight items. Airmail rates can be especially high so remember to post early for Christmas and birthdays in order to make the most of cheaper surface-mail prices.
A NOTE TO RECIPIENTS
Emails and texts are fine for many occasions but if someone is kind enough to give you a lovely gift, a handwritten card is still the most appropriate way to say “thank you”.
- Louise Richardson
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Over the Teacups
My four-year-old grandson was at the supermarket with his mother when he exclaimed, “You’re buying something, Mummy, auntie is buying something – I want to buy something!” Mum replied, “You have to be big, have a wife, have a job, then you can buy things.” He replied, “I have a wife – Maia,” meaning his four-year-old friend. Mum said, “What about a job?” Master Four replied, “My job is having a wife!”
Robyn, Whangarei
Water you want?
I was in the car and asking Master Three what he wanted for Christmas. He said he was going to ask Santa for a water pistol. “And Nanny,” he added, “I’m going to ask for some water for our paddling pool.” Now that could be interesting!
Julie, by email
Bee gone
Master Three had his first bee sting recently. The incident broke his heart, but after many cuddles he came right. Later he said, “I never want to see another bee again. I don’t like bees any more, I only like flies.”
Gaileen, by email
Fraud with worry
My daughter warned me that “old people are being taken for a ride,” and that I shouldn’t engage in conversation with phone sales people. To this, Master Five piped up, “Nana can’t go on that ride, she’s old.”
Joseph’s Nana, Hamilton
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