Scramble, scramble, scramble – it’s just six days before Christmas and you still haven’t found a gift for that certain someone. “Goodness, you mutter with a heavy sigh. “I promised last Christmas that I wouldn’t do this to myself again this year!” But here it is – six days ’til blastoff and you’re running to the launching pad.
Not to worry, you’re not alone.
A holiday shopping study by the NPD Group, a sales and marketing information provider, shows that 45 percent of survey participants planned to start this year’s holiday shopping before Thanksgiving, 41 percent of whom said their shopping would be complete by early December. However, another 32 percent of surveyed shoppers knew they would wait until the “last minute to make holiday purchases.
Waiting so late in the game can hit our wallets pretty hard, racking up rush and overnight shipping fees online, or giving us the bottom-of-the barrel dregs when shopping at the local store. Admit it, that bright pink sweater with green and blue sequins is not the long-awaited holiday morsel for which your wife was hoping.
And though studies show about 52 percent of last-minute shoppers are men – that means another 48 percent are women. Ouch. So, what to do when the clock strikes 12 and you’re at a lost for a heartwarming gift that screams “I was thinking of you all year!” Put a little heart into it.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the glitzy ads and cool new toys that we forget gifts are really a token of love, shown to those we cherish (OK, so you don’t cherish Aunt Edna, who pinches you when she visits, but work with me here). I often hear “What do you get for the person who has everything?”
Well, the answer is nobody has everything. The person with many material possessions may actually be easier to please. The key is to focus on what brings them joy, what’s close to their hearts, what makes them smile.
Recently, Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx gave Oprah Winfrey a portrait of herself in the gown she wore at the “Legends Ball,” her own personal wildest dream, which she created and hosted for African-American women who have paved the way for others. Everyone was to wear black and white, while Winfrey herself was aglow in red. Needless to say, the portrait given by Foxx to Winfrey left her speechless. Now, if Jamie Foxx could not only surprise, but render the “Queen of Talk” mute by his heartfelt gift, I’m certain you too could find something your mother, son, husband or cousin will find appealing.
Steps to garnering that perfect gift, even when there’s not much time (or money):
A. Listen. Then think – long and hard – about the things your gift recipient likes to do. This can be tricky. I’m not talking about things they do on a regular basis, like run the carpool brigade (unless you know this lights his or her fire!), but things they genuinely would love to do but either cannot or will not justify the time or expense. Does Aunt Gert like raspberries? Your daughter has a button collection? Your grandfather has always wanted to skydive? People often give us clues to the little, and big, things that unlock their hearts. All we have to do is listen, and pay attention.
B. Do a little detective work. No, no, this doesn’t mean you have carte blanche to rummage through her desk drawers or read his private journal; however it does mean to survey your surroundings for clues you may have overlooked. If you see a lot of tea in your friend’s cupboard, it either means 1) they love tea or 2) they somehow acquired the tea, don’t like it, and it’s collecting dust. So ask, “Hey Jane,” what do you think of these teas? If she describes the little piece of heaven she enjoys when drawing a cup, then you know your gift-giving dilemma has been solved.
C. Remember activities your loved-one enjoys. Your husband’s once-cherished guitar that’s attracted a quarter inch of dust since the kids came along may just be the inspiration you need! Find a local watering hole that has live mic nights and put your hubby’s name on the list (make sure it’s far enough in the future to give him time to prepare). Box up a schedule for the venue, with his night circled in red, and a note providing him one night free each week for the next month (or whatever it takes) to practice for his big gig. He’ll not only revel in the excitement of re-acquainting himself with a hobby he’d put by the wayside, but having a goal (his night in the spotlight), will give him the additional push of staying focused. Invite some friends to his big debut, make a party of it. These are memories to be kept forever.
There are many things around us that we can use to create, make, assemble or purchase fabulous gifts for those we love. With a little thought, and some creativity, you too can find the perfect gift without breaking the bank.
Doni Luckett is chief executive of Divine-Basics.com, which produces lifestyle products to reconnect with moments that matter. Your questions may be addressed in the column by e-mailing enrichyourlife@divine-basics.com.
