We all know those people who are great at gift giving, and we all wish we could be just like them. They seem to have some secret insight for knowing just what to give everyone on their list. Well, we’re here to share a few tips that will put the joy back into shopping and transform you into the best gift giver of all time! These tips will help you during the holidays and all year long when birthdays and anniversaries come around. Get ready to be prepared, year-round!
There is no need for the holidays to be stressful when you have a little knowledge, plan ahead, and think things through. Planning ahead doesn’t have to feel like a task – think of it as mindful practice, if that is more your style.
Discerning the wishes and desires of our friends and family can be a little daunting when we have so many to buy for. But consider this, as humans, we are unique in our ability to care about the feelings of other people. How wonderful is that! Considering the perspectives of others is a truly advanced concept. Even so, this ability can require a lot of mental energy so let’s just take a deep breath and take it one step at a time.
“A gift is the manifestation of a thought,” says gift-giving expert Aileen Avery. “Any gift or act of kindness, whether large or small, originates with a thought to make another human feel happiness.”
Break down your list and consider each person individually then think back on what makes them happy, how do they spend their free time, and what are their interests. Leave some space on your list so you can jot down ideas as they come to mind. Take notes on your phone (which is always handy) when they mention something that is special to them. You’ll be surprised how easy and fun this is once you get started. Suddenly you are focused more on them and not on the task of shopping. This mindfulness will help you learn so much and understand more about them on a deeper level.
More and more people are requesting gifts that provide an experience so lean into that too when making your decisions. Imagine their joy when they unwrap their gift on Christmas day and then discover that they can enjoy it over and over again. Now that is a thoughtful gift.
Wish lists are an amazing starting point! It’s like they have done the hard part for you. Be like Santa and read it twice though, looking for little clues between the lines. We are often told not to go down rabbit holes, well, this is different. Find the rabbit holes for each person and chase them all. Along the way, you’ll learn a lot about your friends and family. If they like archery but seemingly have everything they need, consider a private lesson or a membership at an archery club. They are actually telling you what would make them happy. Trust the wish list.
And gardeners make it even easier for you to find that special present. They’re either always talking about the latest plant they’ve added to their collection, you always seem to find them in their flowerbeds caring for their plants, or they may even share some of their prized tomatoes with you. These are all clues about things you can place under the Christmas Tree or tuck into their stocking.
Does Aunt Martha prize her rose collection? Let’s ponder the possibilities and consider how your gift can enhance her experience. A new pair of pruners has to be at the top of her list. Make it easy for her to cut some of those gorgeous blooms for a home-grown bouquet. Pretty gloves will help protect her hands from the thorns. Bypass loppers will also help her keep those rose bushes looking lovely.
By the way, you’ll want to give her bypass instead of anvil loppers for roses. Impress her by knowing the difference! Bypass blades pass each other as the cut is made. They give a clean cut that won’t damage the rose stems.
Uncle Henry enjoys nature and you can always find him sitting on the back porch soaking up a beautiful sunset. A chimenea would be an ideal gift for him. He can already smell the aroma of the burning pinion wood. Just think of all the cozy evenings he will spend enjoying this wonderful gift with his family gathered around. Make it a complete set with a bag of sand and Light N Go Lighterballs.
Maybe your cousin is moving into an apartment – are you already thinking about a houseplant as a housewarming gift?
Is there a budding chef on your list? A Rosemary Cone or Lavender Holiday Tree will spice things up nicely. Plus, they look like miniature Christmas Trees! A soil test kit is another good option.
Does your neighbor talk incessantly about the hummingbirds that visit their blooming plants? They will love a new hummingbird feeder!
Gifts That Delight
Hopping from party to party – you are going to need a few hostess gifts.
Poinsettias are always welcome at Christmastime.
An Amaryllis Kit is a gift and an experience all in one. This easy-to-grow bulb, also known as the Christmas Amaryllis, is a gardener’s delight. They bloom within 4-6 weeks of planting and with proper care, the bulb can be saved to be replanted again next year! Each kit is complete with an Amaryllis bulb, planter, and easy planting instructions. This blooming beauty will boost anyone’s Christmas spirit. It is a great choice for enthusiasts and ideal for beginner-friendly indoor gardening. The tall, strong stalk hold stunning blooms that will be enjoyed through the New Year.
Christmas Cactus is adored for its colorful, tube-shaped flowers that come in shades of magenta. These plants generally bloom from late November through early February—something your hostess will cherish.
More Fabulous Gift Ideas
In addition, we have added so many new items, tools, and beautiful gifts to the mix. You have more options in one location. Select stores have the La Siesta® Hammock Chair and 3D puzzles from Robotime. Such fun gifts!
*While supplies last, availability may vary
Available at Hurst, Mansfield, Flower Mound, Little Elm, Preston Road & Hwy 121 Preston, Cedar Park and Voss Road in Houston.
The Calloway’s & Cornelius Experience
You’ll notice right away that the shopping experience is different with us. Maybe it is the enticing scent of the fresh wreaths and garlands or the open atmosphere filled with pinion wood burning in a chimenea. Enjoy the Christmas music while treating yourself to a walk through our Christmas Tree Forest. Leave all your stress and worries behind – you’re in the Calloway’s Christmas Wonderland now and our friendly staff is ready to help you! We are honored to be your Christmas Destination.
Calloway’s & Cornelius – Your Christmas Gifting Destination is at your service! We’ve even extended our shopping hours to give you more time to make your selections. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, all our local elf workshops are open from 9:00AM to 7:00PM Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday, we are open from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. You can literally stop by any day of the week. We are here to make life easier for you with Christmas Trees, holiday décor, and so many gift ideas.