Messages of Love and Friendship
I love the run-up to the holiday season, and one of my favorite moments is finding that perfect gift for a friend or loved one. That second of “That’s it!” when I land on an item that encapsulates everything I want to say. From tiny tokens of gratitude to meaningful items intended to impress, gifting is an expression of our feelings, memories, and hopes. Finding the right gift can be stressful. Here are some of my favorite ways to take the pressure off my holiday shopping.
Make a list: It seems so cliché it’s silly, but making an organized list of everyone you need to remember is the simplest way to start. Once you’ve listed everyone, you can prioritize in any way you like.
Think about your “whys”: Why is each of these recipients on your list? Is this a close family member or someone who’s vital to your day-to-day, such as a child’s teacher or a co-worker you can’t function without? The “why” is an excellent clue to “what” your perfect gift might be.
Say something: What is the message you’d like your gift to convey? Certainly, with our closest loved ones, we want to make a dream come true or feed a passion. To our friends, we might want to upgrade something they’ll use every day or provide something lovely they won’t buy for themselves. To thank a host or staff member, a small indulgence can make them feel valued and appreciated. Consider each of the people on your list and look for ways you can make just the right statement this season.
How you approach your shopping is up to you, and I’ll often find something so perfect, I’ll buy multiples- especially if it’s something interesting they won’t receive from anyone else. If I don’t use them all for the holidays, I never know when I’ll need a quick hosting gift or thank-you present. Here are some of my favorite go-tos as I work through my list:
• Sterling servers: There are so many to choose from, with a wide range of prices. A beautiful pie server for a talented baker, a salad serving set for newlyweds, a cheese server for a foodie, or a gorgeous pickle fork or olive spoon for a host. To up the wow factor, pair it with the item it’s intended for: a glorious cake or pie, a basket of fresh produce, an artisan cheese, or gourmet pickles.
• Beautiful teacups: I often speak and write about my love of a quiet cup of tea. A beautiful cup elevates the experience and feels like a little extra self-care. I also love to share the experience when I can. I choose the perfect cup, find just the right tea blend, and some delicious shortbread or wafers to complete an elegant little care package.
• A hot covered dish or a plate full of pastries: Food is a love language. At this busy time of year, who wouldn’t want to receive a delicious ready-to-eat meal or tasty batch of treats. Bonus points when you let them know the dish is theirs to keep. Double bonus if you include a handwritten copy of your recipe.
• A memory from the past: It’s so touching when someone gives you something that brings back childhood memories, a place you love, or a moment you’ll never forget. Gifts like these are harder to find and take real thought and planning, but they’re winners every time. I’ve tracked down kitchenware remembered from a grandmother’s house, and I’ve matched jelly-jar glasses just begging for Saturday morning cartoons.
If you’re really stumped for gift ideas or just wants some fresh perspective, I hope this helps. Just remember, at its heart, gifting is just another way of saying how you feel, sending messages of love and friendship. Say it well and give from your heart.
Julie R., Replacement's in-house product & design guru
