Is it Time for a Gift-Giving Overhaul?

Christmas Eve was a madhouse of shredded wrapping paper, toys piled up in pursuit of the next one, and sporadic screeches and yelps of excitement. As I watched the mayhem unfold, it became clear to me that the heart of the season was getting lost among the “things.”

So Melissa and I decided to do something different.

Instead of buying them a toy (of which they already had too many), we gave each of them money to pick something out for a child who otherwise wouldn’t have anything under the tree. We all piled into two cars and headed to the local toy store for everyone to choose his or her gift.

It was such a joy to watch them hold their money and peruse the aisles for something a little boy or girl whom they’d never met might enjoy. Some picked things that they would have liked for themselves while others picked things they owned and loved and thought this other child would, too. I loved watching their little faces as they contemplated their selection. I could almost see the wheels turning in their heads.

Once the choices were made, each child paid for their own toy one-by-one (bless the toy store clerks!), and then we headed off to the local Toys for Tots drop-off center. Once that was done, we continued on to a fun activity. One year, we went rollerskating. Another year, we went to a nearby, large Christmas light display and walked around the property with our hot chocolates in hand.

In the car rides, we’d sing Christmas carols and talk about nothing and everything. These times were likely more of a gift for Melissa and me, but I sure hope they hold the memories in their hearts, too: Time with their cousins, giving to those in need, and having lots of laughs along the way.

Dr. Thomas Gilovich conducted a 20-year study on the difference in happiness levels from material possessions versus experiential purchases. In his report, he wrote, “One of the enemies of happiness is adaptation. We buy things to make us happy, and we succeed, but only for a while. But we remember experiences long afterward.”

You see, something new is exciting, but then it quickly becomes “not new” anymore. We get used to it, it becomes a regular part of our world, and then we get bored with it. And off we go looking for the next “new” thing.

So this year, when brainstorming gift ideas, consider things like:

• A cooking class,
• Guitar lessons,
• Museum or movie theater passes,
• A fun outing you can all do together, or
• A strategy coaching session to support their dreams.

Some of the greatest gifts you can give cost no money at all. Things like:

• Babysitting services
• An afternoon of yard cleanup
• Technology help for the luddite in your life

Is the newest gadget exciting? Sure, it can be, but the joy from things is fleeting. It’s the experiences that stick.

That create life-long memories.

That change who you are.

So skip that sweater and instead head to a paint nite with your bestie. Your gift will be appreciated for a long time and the memory you create, cherished!

Now I’d love to hear from you. Are you mixing up your gift giving this year? What are some of your favorite things to give? Share in the comments below.