Gift giving is a strange thing, a sort of social obligation and once you're in the cycle of gift giving - it's difficult to get out. I mean, of course you could out rightly say that you're not celebrating birthdays, Christmas or any kind of holidays throughout the year, but if like me you have always been a gift-giver and come from a family of gift-givers, then that's not really a valid option if you want to continue with showing appreciation through gifts.
As a regular gift giver nothing gives me more delight than choosing a specific present for a special person and seeing their reaction when they open it, it's just that there are other ways to show people you appreciate them without offering material goods. My family are all huge gift givers, not in an extravagant sense but in a thoughtful and sometimes overwhelming sense. With some months containing several birthdays, and all family members being of equal importance to me - it can get expensive and the more birthdays they celebrate, the harder it is to find a gift they haven't already received.
After reading a few articles about minimalism and gift giving, along with watching a few youtube videos I've decided on a new approach to birthday gifts throughout 2015. Gift-giving doesn't have to be monetary or material, there are other options and options that I plan on using throughout this year. So here are a few ideas I'm currently playing with for some upcoming birthdays:
Time Together - a day out doing something they enjoy, a spontaneous road trip or even just time spent together at home with no distractions and your full attention (put those phones away).
Relief of Duty - gift a night of babysitting to family or friends with little ones, they are sure to appreciate a night of freedom
Food & Drink - take your loved one out to lunch or dinner or even for a few drinks, this type of gift can be enjoyed by both parties.
A Home-cooked Meal - give someone a night off from cooking, find out their favourites foods and treat them to a home-cooked sit down meal to enjoy on their birthday
Experiences - instead of purchasing a physical gift such as books, dvds, cds etc why not purchase tickets. Tickets to see their favourite act, meet their favourite author or even movie tickets. Gifting this way gives them an experience rather than another material belonging to add to their collection.
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