By thinking of others this holiday season, shoppers and gift-givers individualize their presents, leaning more sentimental than materialistic, so that close ones feel understood and loved for who they are.
For autistic support teacher Jennifer Granito, she prefers getting “do it yourself” presents with thought put into them because relating to the gift personally is important to her.
“It just gives me great satisfaction to make somebody else happy,” Granito said, “but I feel like the gift has to be sentimental or true to that person.”
Junior Sophie Dubois feels similarly to Granito in that she enjoys giving gifts to people she’s close to because she gets to show her “appreciation for somebody and show what I know about them.”
“I really like giving gifts because it’s kind of a way for me to express my feelings about the person,” Dubois said.
Agreeing with Granito and Dubois, senior Trevor Coates also believes that it’s the thought that counts when searching for presents.
“I think the thought definitely outweighs the value,” Coates said. “Just think of them.”
According to Coates, getting people material gifts that they want is still possible, but getting them those items to cater specifically to their personality keeps it sentimental.
“If they like something, I’ll get it for them,” Coates said. “Like [my girlfriend] likes Coke, I’m going to try to get her Coke.”
For those who might be struggling to think of what to get their people, Granito offers her advice and ideas.
“I love giving pictures,” Granito said. “If I’ve had an experience with somebody, I get that picture printed and stick it in a frame because so few people print pictures now.”
Additionally, The Emily Post Institute believes that “the spirit of generosity and gratitude in your holiday shopping is key to both finding the right gift and to feeling good about giving it.”
The Emily Post Institute states how “gifting is a way for us all to show affection and spread positivity to those we care about” and “a great gift can be hugely meaningful and something that both the giver and receiver remember for a long time.”
Looking at smaller businesses for personalized items can make the process easier.
Take Etsy, for example, with all of the niche products creators can sell.
With places like Etsy, going the extra mile, getting a gift pertaining to a specific interest is made possible.
Since shopping for teenagers can be especially difficult for some as they “have no idea” what they want.
Dubois expresses her approval of presents she can use, as they allow the recipient to actually utilize their gift.