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10 ways for Christmas gifts to reflect your values

Published: December 21, 2012

What better time to shop with a conscience than Christmas, the spiritual-gone-secular holiday that has sadly (and ironically) become synonymous with "shop till you drop"?, writers Heidi Schlumpf in NCR Online.

I'm not suggesting that anyone give up gift-giving or only make charitable donations in recipients' names (though there is something to be said for the latter idea). Instead, I've made a list - and checked it twice - of 10 ways to have a less commercial, more meaningful gift exchange this Christmas.

1 Shop at small businesses. Sure, it's convenient to get gifts for nearly everyone on your list plus ingredients for Christmas cookies, not to mention socks and motor oil, at the SuperTarget, but if you lament that such behemoths have forced cozier retail shops out of business, support small businesses when you shop for gifts.

Yes, prices may be a little higher, but the service is usually worth a little extra. And here's an idea: Buy less. Our family recently went to the "one gift per person" rule. If you're just getting one thing, that one thing can be a little nicer. And, just like their big competitors, many small businesses allow you to shop online.

2 Give experiences, not stuff. What to get the person who literally has everything they want or need? Don't jump on the latest invention (i.e., the Snuggie) or add to their collection of useless junk. Instead, give experiences. Some of my favorite gifts to receive are certificates for things I can't justify splurging on: manicures, massages, tickets to a play. Even better, give an experience you share with the recipient, such as tickets to an event you'll both attend or a class you'll take together.

3 Create your own gifts. Fear not, those of you who are not crafty. Even if you can't sew on a button, you can give a little bit of yourself in some sort of handmade or creative gift. Bottle your own beer, design business cards or a website, grow plants from seed. For years I've been giving homemade toffee, which is really quite simple once you buy a $10 candy thermometer.

FULL STORY 10 ways for Christmas gifts to reflect your values (NCR)

 

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Recent Comments

  1. I think the author has missed the mark.
    Christians are supposed to be a sign of contradiction.
    Giving more 'thoughtful' gifts to people who have no need or desire for them, doesn't reflect an attitude that Christmas is something other than a time for over indulgence.
    My tips for Christmas:
    1. Abstain from alcohol. Not because there is anything wrong with drinking alcohol, but simply as a sign of contradiction during this period of excessive drunkenness.
    2. Gift the Church. Every parish is in need of something: a window repaired, a door painted, a leaking roof fixed.
    3. Create a manger scene in your front yard. Christmas is a public event. Do your part to focus the public attention on Jesus and his birth.

    Posted By: Kevin

  2. Some verisimilitude, please. Include a midwife in your creche.
    As for abstaining from alcohol, remember the Biblical injunction that wine gladdens the heart, recall its medicinal value ( the parable of the Good Samaritan) and never forget that 4 glasses of wine is mandatory at the Passover meal, which Jesus celebrated with his disciples.
    Moreover he was criticised by the holier--than-thous for being a glutton and a wine-bibber who hung out with the publicly sinful.
    It might also be worth remembering in this holy season ( 01 January springs to mind) that the neonate Jesus was probably given a wine-soaked rag to suck when he underwent the bris.
    By all means contribute to your parish ( as the 6 precepts of the Church exhort us all to so) but it is better not to fall into the neo-puritan trap.

    Posted By: JR,Sydney

  3. I love Christmas because it reminds us of Jesus and what God has given us. Also because we make an effort to see family and friends and share gifts (we especially love home made ones).
    And because I find people try to be friendly and helpful at Christmas.
    I think it is a wonderful time of year to be giving and grateful.
    I don't like all the critics judging others. Why not just be happy and share goodwill to all men?
    I wish you all a peaceful and happy Christmas.

    Posted By: Cate

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