How to Give Meaningful Gifts

Wondering how to give meaningful gifts? As the holidays roll around, it seems like everyone has a shopping list and is looking for the “perfect” gift for all the special people in their lives. But it’s never that simple, is it?

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It’s become increasingly important to me, to give meaningful gifts. Not more stuff that just takes up room in your friends home. Not some big clunky, plastic gift that the kids loose interest in after a couple of days (no offense to plastic – but you know what I mean!). Not something that immediately gets donated to the nearest thrift store.

I really don’t want to clutter up the house with one more meaningless object or – dare I say it – an electronic. In the world of gift givings, electronics have come to be the go-to gift that thrills young and old alike. But is that the kind of gift I really want to give? Is my only purpose in gift giving to make someone temporarily happy? Yes, the the kids would be excited with a new tablet, and they would play with it, but I need to ask the hard questions.

I don’t want to create more stress from giving more stuff. I don’t want that for my close friends or family and I definitely don’t want that in my own home.

How will this gift change their life?

Sound extreme?

Maybe, but I really do think that anything that enters someone’s world is impacting them one way or another. Even the smallest gift – say a mug for example will change a person’s life.

Let’s think this through. When you give your friend a new mug for a gift, they now have a new object in their possession that needs to find a home. That mug will go in the cupboard.

If it is never used, that person will need to push that mug around the cupboard for awhile until they make a conscious decision to get rid of it. They will need to put it in a box with other items they never use, lug the box to the car, and drop it off at a thrift store when they have time. And finally they get to heave a sigh of relief that there is a little more space in their home again.

But wait, lets say they like the mug! Your friend will put it in their cupboard, pull it out everyday, fill it with warm coffee, hold it cupped in their hands for warmth, sip from it, and be refreshed. They will take time to wash it gently everyday and place it carefully back on the shelf in anticipation of tomorrow.

I have to be honest though, mugs are one of my favorite gifts! If someone is looking for a meaningful gift for me…here it is. 🙂

Even if they love the gift, the mug will change their life. Either way (burden or a blessing), it will take up their time, it will affect what they do will some of their time, it will make their life a bit different. It will change their life.

How do I give a gift that affects someones life for good?

Gift giving as an investment into someone’s life. Really. To give meaningless gifts is pointless. We need to take the time to think through what we are giving and understand the impact it will have on their lives.

Make sure the gift will be a blessing. Do not give random, meaningless gifts. Instead think through why you are giving this gift.

Is it for someone special? Then you will know them well enough to know what they really like, enjoy and/or need. I’m not saying to not buy gifts. Just make sure it’s going to be well received and appreciated.

If they are “hard to shop for” or “have everything” then give of yourself. Meet them for coffee or lunch, plan a night out together, or simply write them a heartfelt snail-mail letter.

Is the gift for someone you don’t know very well? Then make sure it is super useful and/or consumable. Food is a good gift. It fills a short-term need, but doesn’t take up space long-term.

Practical gift cards are my number gift to give someone I don’t know well. They are a blessing, don’t take up space, and can be used up. Just make sure the gift card is practical! As in a gas card, grocery card, Amazon card, or a coffee card (if you know they drink coffee!).

In the end, I’m just saying, don’t give thoughtless gifts. Maybe your friend would really love that mug we were talking about earlier. Just be intentional and thoughtful and you won’t go wrong.