Master the Art of Intentional Gifting

I know! Where did November go?! I can’t believe that Christmas is right around the corner. Who else is still in a food coma and eating leftovers? Personally, I love sweet potato casserole but that’s just me. Anyway, that begs the question of shopping. Truth be told, I’m not a Black Friday Shopper. I’m normally a last-minute shopper. Who needs more to worry about when we’re still cleaning out the fridge? I get it. But I’m here to help you learn how to master the art of intentional gifting and 2021 holiday shopping in these shipping delays days! (Get it?)

Here are my best tips for simplifying Christmas: 

Edit your list today

Here’s the real question: who matters to you? Before you start down the road of mindless shopping, stop and ask yourself, who are the people in my life I want to acknowledge? Write their names down in a list. If it’s helpful, write down a few words to describe them, what they love, and why you’d like to express gratitude for them in the form of a gift around the holidays. 

You may find that not everyone on your list is a candidate for that perfect gift or even a gift at all. Edit your list down to those who you’re truly grateful for and enter into the energy of gratitude. Keep your list short and sweet.

Simplify gifting

“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” – Dr. Seuss

I love this quote because not only does it remind me of my favorite Christmas movie of all time! Please go watch “The Grinch” this holiday season. Anyway, I digress. It’s literally the thought that counts. What’s remembered is the act, not just the thing. Try to stick to one quality, intentional gift for each person on your list.

Level up on the thoughtfulness. 

A thoughtful, intentional gift makes the receiver feel special and thought of. It’s something we all need more than ever. We all want to be seen, heard, and feel loved, especially now when so much uncertainty has disconnected us from each other.  Here are some of my best ideas for gifting with intention:

Personalize the receiver’s gift.

You’ve heard that saying, everyone loves to hear their own name right? Well, what makes a person feel more special than a personalized gift? It will make the receiver feel extra special that the time was taken on their gift to make it truly unique to them. From a custom name necklace to a monogrammed keychain, it’s the personalization that makes it truly intentional.

Be a double duty do-gooder this season. 

Did you know that there are many organizations that sell holiday gifts to raise money for important causes? I’m actually fairly new to this concept myself but this year, I’ve decided to invest in supporting charities that align with my values by purchasing gifts from them! One organization that I am definitely going to be ordering from this year is Kind Cotton because every purchase provides a book to a child. I absolutely love their mission and look forward to paying it forward!

Gift what you love. 

Try not to overthink the process. Believe me, easier said than done. But chances are, if you love it, your friends and family will love it too. Think about your favorite things and share that experience with a friend so they can experience it too. Try making a list of your favorite of the moment things and who might benefit from your tried-and-true research.

Gifting what they love. 

I know, it’s radical but it is just so easy to ask your family and friends what they want right now. Seriously, do it now so they’ll totally forget you asked by Christmas! Trust me, I’ll be the first to admit that I hate surprises, like with a fiery passion. This hack has saved Christmas for my loved ones. I say to master the art of intentional gifting means gifting someone something they will love, need, or use.

Gifting your time. 

There is no better gift than the gift of being present with our loved ones. For some, the holidays are hard. There’s nothing better than quality time with a loved one and if you’re lucky enough to see them safely this season, forgo the freneticism and be present as your present. In 2020, we learned that the best gift is slowing down and be grateful for the time we have with loved ones. I say it is the gift that keeps on giving! Carve out time now to spend that time with loved ones during the holidays. Quarantine for two weeks to make that special trip home or get that test and take the time. Your presence is what they’ll remember most.

Believe, there is an easier way to do Christmas. Imagine having all your shopping done in a day, and a stress-free holiday season that you can actually enjoy. Enter mastery in the art of intentional gift-giving. Let me know in the comments how this works for you! Happy gifting!

Looking for a few ideas for how to master the art of intentional gifting in 2021? Check out my gift guides here.

Love,