To gift, or not to gift? That is the question

The title says it all. Gifting has become rather… a complicated topic. I get very mixed feelings about the subject. While I certainly get excited to hand out meaningful gifts to my loved ones and see the smile on their faces, all the time leading up to it is spent stressing on how my bank account is going to survive.

Finances play a huge role in the amount of gifts you give during the holidays. Take my best and I for example. We made this rule as two struggling college students — no more buying expensive, materialistic gifts. From now on, the gifts would either be reasonably priced and meaningful, or our “gift” to each other would be spending quality time together since life can get in the way sometimes. And there’s no bad blood about it. In fact, our December get-togethers are so much more meaningful to me because we use the money that would spend on a gift on an outing where we can make memories to look back on. We’ve gone to dinner somewhere new, made cookies, painted; We even got creative and bought ourselves a matching set of pajamas each to be reused each holiday season during our annual Christmas sleepovers.

Sure, you could absolutely make your own gifts. I, myself, love homemade or thoughtful presents. I value it so much more than an expensive, materialistic item. But that being said, not everyone agrees. As much as I would love to save some money by handcrafting gifts, I know there are certain loved ones of mine that wouldn’t appreciate it as much. And that’s okay, everyone’s taste is different.

But at the end of the day, a gift is just that; A GIFT. Gifting is a treasure, not an expectation or guarantee.

Last year I was in a different mindset and wanted everyone close to me to get two gifts each. Two might not sound like a lot, but keep in mind that I was buying for both sides of the family (both my boyfriend’s and mine’s), and not just the immediate either, also the extended. I also spent a pretty penny on some friends. And y’know what, it was very worth it, even though I was scrounging up nickels and dimes for two months after, but that’s the same story for everyone else usually (or at least I hope so I don’t feel poor).

Jumping back to the expectation of a gift. I feel like there’s so much pressure around it now.

“Oh God, I still have to buy gifts.”

“Well that person bought me a gift last year, so now I have to buy them a present.”

“Well so-and-so didn’t get me anything, so do I have to buy them something?”

“Okay, what’s our budget? I have to make sure I don’t go too over or too under.”

I’m losing hair just writing those. A gift should be a blessing. If you’re able to afford to give out presents, either store bought or handmade, good for you. But if you physically are unable to afford a gift this year, please don’t stress yourself out over it. I’m sure those around you will be understanding (or at least they should be if they’re true loved ones).

I worry that we’re starting to lose the value of presents. It’s great to put together a wish list. My family phrases it as, “What are you asking Santa for this year?” Yes, I’m still trying to keep the magic alive.

That being said, I feel the lists get more and more vain. Jordan’s. Expensive purses. Lululemon gear. PS5 (I’m still hoping that one’s a joke, people). Are we all made out of money? If so, where have I been this whole time? I would have gotten a house by now.

Let’s remove the pressure of gift giving and bring back the joy in it as the holidays rapidly approach. It’s the season to be thankful, not greedy.

“Merry Christmas, you filthy animal(s). And a Happy New Year.” - Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Taylor Moore can be reached at bytaylormoore@gmail.com.