The holidays are fast approaching. Have you started to get your gift list together yet? What about for those friends and relatives who live far away? It is the same problem each year: how to give a nice and thoughtful gift without spending half of your gift-giving allowance on shipping costs.
Here are a few quick and easy tips for gifts for far away friends:
A Phone Call
Never underestimate the power of the telephone. Often your friends and relatives realize that you may not be able to send them a material gift. But let us not forget the real reason behind giving gifts: it is to let others know that they are well-thought of and valued. You can convey this through a phone call.
Flowers
In most cases, you can order online or by phone. It is simple and lets the recipient of the gift show off to others how much they are cared for.
Magazine Subscription
It is the gift that keeps giving. Order or renew a subscription to your friend's favorite publication.
Send Lightweight Items
Mail your friend a high quality scarf or shawl. Send them small but pricey items such as a necklace or earrings. Don't spend all of that extra money on shipping. Put it toward purchasing something of luxury that your friend or relative would never buy for themselves.
A Greeting Card
No, it is not an original idea, but it is still a good one.
A Gift Card
Again, not original, but this is also still a great gift idea. There are more gift card options now than ever. You have the opportunity to demonstrate to the gift recipient your understanding of their personality by choosing a gift card that accurately reflects their tastes. Some popular gift cards include iTunes and Starbucks. With an iTunes gift card you can purchase movies, audiobooks, games and --of course--songs. If you are looking for a gift for the coffee-lover in your life, Starbucks is a good option. One cool feature of Starbucks is the ability to personalize a reusable coffee card. You can go online and have a special phrase or the gift recipient's name printed on their card.
Reload Existing Cards
Many establishments allow customers to reuse their gift cards by reloading the balance. If you know that your friend already has a card for their favorite store, ask to add some value to their card as a gift. Some retailers even allow you to do this online.
Gas Cards
With the high cost of fuel in the United States right now, this will, no doubt, be a welcome gift for any driver. A gas card is an especially welcome gift for teen drivers, who typically have limited sources of income.
Money
Speaking of income, why not send money? This might not fly as well when giving gifts to established adults. But for the younger people in your life, there could be no better gift. What tween or teen wouldn't like a little extra spending cash for the mall? Just make certain that you send your monetary gift in a thoughtful card. Also, don't send cash. Send a check or money order.
Make the Presentation Meaningful
Again, whatever you do, don't forget the purpose behind giving gifts. The purpose is to let others know that they are well-thought of and valued. So don't overlook the presentation or you might find yourself undermining the whole point of gift-giving.
Always include a thoughtful, handwritten card to show the recipient that the gift comes from the heart, not the "on sale" rack. Make sure that your gift is tastefully wrapped or in a tasteful gift bag, even if it is in a shipping container. Don't forget that many people display their wrapped gifts for a while before opening them. This is especially true for Chanukkah and Christmas. Above all, have fun shopping and reconnecting with friends and family this holiday season.
