How to make your gifts count this Christmas

There are so many reasons why we give presents at Christmas. Many are good, or at least well intentioned. And there’s nothing quite like receiving something that’s been well thought through and just about perfect.

But sometimes when we buy presents that effort is missing.

It could be that we feel obliged to spend cash, often more than we can afford, for friends, family and colleagues because they’re doing the same for us.

Worse, it’s out of habit—we’ve always done it so we keep on doing it (and they do the same in reverse).

Or perhaps we just don’t have the time to shop around, so we just grab what we can when we can to tick a name off the list before moving on to the next one.

The end result is often the same. The present itself, though appreciated, isn’t quite right or even completely wrong for that person. So it doesn’t get used, eventually moving into the back of a cupboard, listed on eBay or regifted to someone else next year. And that’s if it doesn’t just end up in the bin.

I think we can all agree this is something we want to avoid. Not only do we want the recipient to be delighted with their present, we also don’t want our cash to be wasted—especially when there are so many other things it could go towards right now.

So how do you do this? Well I’ve got some tips that’ll put you on the right path.

It’s such a simple and obvious task, yet we tend to avoid it. Yes it takes away the element of surprise, but at least everyone knows that the present is going to be used.

It’s a good idea to also say what your budget is. It might be uncomfortable, but it stops you feeling pressured into overspending.

If you really don’t want to do this then include a gift receipt. This allows the recipient to take the item back to the retailer and exchange it for something they’ll be able to use.

The danger with Secret Santa is you end up buying something for someone in the office you hardly know—and by the nature of it you can’t go and ask someone what they want!

That really increases the chances of the gift going unused or in the bin. Research by UK Money Bloggers found that one third of Secret Santa presents tend to be given away afterwards, and a similar number would rather not even take part!

Even when you do this with friends or family (which can be a good money saving idea) the same risks apply.

One smart addition you can apply is to give everyone taking part the opportunity to “give or gift”. When you put your name in the hat, simply add whether you would like a traditional gift, or if you’d prefer for your “Santa” to instead make a charitable donation in your name instead.

There’s more information on how to take part at ukmoneybloggers.com/giveorgift

Gift cards are the classic back up present. You don’t have to think much about them and you are actually giving someone a present.

I think it’s better to strip this back and instead give cash or a cheque (yes they do still exist). Though it seems impersonal they are effectively the ultimate gift card without any of the risks. Cash doesn’t expire, it isn’t restricted to just one or a handful of shops and if a retailer goes bust your money isn’t lost. A much safer option.

And if you’re worried it feels too impersonal, you can always suggest how it’s spent. Say the money is to buy a new coat, to go out for a nice meal or whatever it is you think they’d enjoy but aren’t quite sure what the right present is.

And remember in some cultures, it’s pretty common for money to be given at celebrations.

This one is particularly good for very young kids who won’t be aware of what presents they’ve received - or get so many they’ll lose track of who gave what.

So in addition to one or two things, you could then put the remaining cahs you budgeted on them into a savings account.

There are a few options, and it’s best to go for the highest rate you can. Just bear in mind that Junior ISAs can’t be accessed until the child is 18—and then they can do what they want with it.

You might also struggle to open new accounts if you’re not the parent or guardian, so that would involve giving them the money to put aside.

If money is particularly tight but you have a skill that’ll be appreciated, perhaps just offer that as your present instead.

From a promise to babysit once a month, through to getting hands on sorting out their garden, it could be just what the person wants.

And if you want to have something that you can wrap, you could make some vouchers that can be redeemed later in the year.

If even all of these ideas are just perpetuating the giving of presents that really aren’t necessary, then it could be time to stop or pause exchanging gifts. It’s worth having a chat with the other people first—you don’t want them to buy you something!

You could even suggest an alternative where you spend some quality time together over Christmas, whether that’s meeting for a festive tipple or a winter walk. That could well mean much more than another pair of socks.