Hi, everyone! My name is Claudia and I blog over at Lashes & Beard. That’s my little corner of the blogosphere where I write a lot about my faith, delicious food, my wonderful family, and anything that inspires laughter and creativity. Beyond the blog, I’m both blessed and humbled to call Josh my husband, Isaiah my son, the Pacific Northwest my home, and Jesus Christ my Savior. Oh, and I get to call Jen my friend… that’s pretty cool, too.
Christmas is officially upon us, and many are making out their gift lists – the list of people you are planning on purchasing a Christmas gift for, and what that gift might be. You’ve got some cool cooking gadgets in mind for your gourmet chef of a mother, pottery lessons for that artistic little niece of yours, and some Pinterest project you’ve been saving up all year for your quirky college roommate…
But as you scroll your merry way down the list, you come across that person. You know who I’m talking about. The person who is Hard To Shop For.
These HTSFs, as I’ll call them, have managed to eek their way onto every gift-giving list that ever was and is to come! It may be your spouse, your mother in-law, or that one aunt that you’re not close to but you want to make sure you stay on her good side (and in her will). They may be an HTSF for different reasons, too (i.e. they already have everything, they “can’t think of anything,” etc.). Have no fear, because I have some helpful ideas that will make even your worst HTSF a thing of the past… without resorting to gift cards!
1) Ask yourself if they collect anything. Whether they’re admitted collectors or not, if they have a room full of nothing but lighthouses… chances are, they collect lighthouse paraphernalia and would welcome more. Keep in mind that collections can be subtle, like old books or Depression-era glassware, which get staged in various places throughout a home.
2) Listen for activity cues. Has your HTSF recently mentioned wanting to see a movie, perhaps, or go to an exhibit at the museum? Take a cue! Don’t just give them a gift card to the theater – take them! Not only are you giving them the gift they wanted (to see the movie), but you’re also giving them a memory made with you.
3) Do they have a cause near-and-dear to their heart? My son, Isaiah, is now 6 months old and he was born with complex congenital heart disease. Since his diagnosis, I’ve done everything I can to learn more about heart disease in children, and I’ve also spent a fair amount of time at our local Children’s Hospital. Maybe your HTSF has had a life-changing experience, too? Consider donating to a charity that supports their cause, in their honor.
4) What are their hobbies? Be it jogging, reading, or learning computer programming languages (shout-out to my hubs!), everyone has a hobby! And every hobby has a magazine or website! Try looking through those publications for news and reviews on a product that your HTSF might enjoy. Additionally, ask any friends who share similar interests what they would want for Christmas and you’ll likely get an answer that applies to your HTSF, as well.
5) Where do they live? Whether you and your HTSF share a bed, or you’re 1,000 miles away, websites like LivingSocial and Groupon have deals for everyone. Check out the deals local to your HTSF’s area and pick one that you think they’d enjoy. FYI: Everyone enjoys food, so pick up one of those 1/2 off deals for a restaurant in their neck of the woods.
If you still can’t come up with something, try a nice neutral gift. Fruit baskets from retailers like Harry and David are always well-received, as are homemade baked goods. Remember that the reason we give gifts is not to gain favor, or get on anyone’s good side… it’s to reflect the gift of grace that Christ gave to us through his death on the cross. Keeping that in mind when bestowing gifts to others will radiate gladness, and the gift receiver will know that you were giving from a genuine heart.
