Holiday gift-giving as passion project
Tips for making thoughtful, appealing choices
Every holiday season, countless magazine features and digital guides are devoted to helping shoppers find the perfect gift for everyone on their lists. The hunt for useful and appealing gifts for family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances can be overwhelming. Ashley Bronczek and Candace Ourisman knew the struggle and want to help. Two-and-a-half years ago, the friends founded Secretly Gifting, a concierge gifting service. Clients entrust them to shop for their gifts year-round.
Bronczek and Ourisman always suggest choosing gifts that match the recipient’s “passion points and interests.” But what if you don’t know the recipient very well?
Their advice is to “get one of your favourite things.” Expressing your own personal taste shows that you’re invested in the exchange, even if you’re not close with the recipient. Aim for highquality items with thoughtful details that are within your budget. Think of items that will last past the holidays, and don’t forget to nicely wrap whatever you buy.
Ultimately, you want whoever receives the gift to like and use it, but there are some presents that will get more use than others. During the holidays, most people can count on receiving multiple mugs, scented candles or wine bottles — and they probably do not need more. Items such as scented perfumes, lotions and winter accessories could be too personal. Something that doesn’t match the recipient’s specific taste will probably sit in a closet unused or be returned.
With that in mind, here are some common gifts that aren’t as good as you think, and suggestions for what to buy instead.
SCENTED CANDLES
The candle craze shows no sign of, ahem, burning out, which could explain why we often end up with drawers of random holiday-scented candles. “What we don’t want to see happen is to have that be the fourth candle that person receives,” Ourisman said. “It’s a nice gesture, but a forgettable gesture.” If you do give one, she and Bronczek suggest picking your favourite scent and including a personal note to the recipient about why you like it.
Or you could pick something aromatic and useful but more thought out. A highquality olive oil in a beautiful bottle looks good on the counter and can help make delicious meals for family and friends. “It’s attractive and they’ll think of you when they use it,” Ourisman said.
Suggested: Frantoio Muraglia Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Striped ($72.95, williams-sonoma.ca)
MUGS
Does your recipient really need another mug? “If you’re giving a mug that says ‘Merry Christmas’ or something general, I don’t think that has the impact that you necessarily want it to make,” Ourisman said. “Plus, some people are very particular about their mugs and might like to use the same one.” Unless it’s something particularly meaningful, Ourisman and Bronczek suggest skipping a mug for another reusable item that won’t just sit on a shelf.
“We love gifts that are utilitarian but also have a lot of personality,” Ourisman said.
A sturdy tote looks a lot better than a paper bag and cuts down on plastic waste. Choose something that won’t break or tear. Fun patterns, colours or customization make the gift special; Ourisman suggests getting the family’s name embroidered on the bag.
Suggested: Apolis Customizable Market Tote (US$65, store.apolisglobal.com)
WINTER ACCESSORIES
Dipping temperatures require hats, gloves and scarves, and gift sets containing all three usually line department store shelves this time of year, sometimes at a discount.
But a low-quality set doesn’t do much good, because it’s unlikely someone will wear these items if they’re not warm.
A zany pattern might limit your giftee’s ability to match it to their wardrobe, too; your gift might unintentionally turn into a gag. Plus, the recipient could already have a set they like and use if they live somewhere with harsh winters. “Go with a company that’s tried and true and does its job,” Ourisman said.
Neutral patterns and colours (Brocznek likes camel) ensure that your giftee can match the set to whatever they’re wearing.
A throw blanket adds coziness and warmth and would be especially useful for someone who lives in a cold climate. Because it will probably stay at home, the pressure is off to match it to the recipient’s fashion taste.
The key to making gifting special is to pick an item that’s elevated, the gift concierges say, though this doesn’t have to mean more expensive.
Faux fur, for example, feels more luxurious than a flimsier material. If you know the giftee well, adding an element of personalization such as a monogram is a sweet gesture.
Suggested: Pretty Rugged Silver Fox Faux Fur Lap Blanket (US$150, prettyruggedgear.com)
SCENTED PERFUMES OR LOTIONS
Gifting a scent is a kind, intimate move, but “the margin for error is wide,” Ourisman said, because of how personal they are.
Ourisman and Brocznek advise against this route unless you’re very familiar with the recipient’s taste or are buying a specific item you know they want.
Even a seemingly less intimate gift in this same vein, such as holiday-themed lotion sets, can be tricky because their use depends on how much someone likes how they smell.
And some people might have sensitivities to specific scents or ingredients, and quality matters most here because it’s going on someone’s skin.
Unless you know the recipient loves a certain scent, an unscented, high-quality product is the way to go.
Suggested: Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
($21, kiehls.ca)