The Pressures of Gift Giving

Every year people begin to look for the perfect gift for friends and family, but sometimes that joy of giving turns into stress of searching for the perfect gift. When you're younger it's easier to make a handmade gift or card for your parents that they can hang on the fridge, and know that you put in the effort and care to create something for them. However, as you get older and start to make an income, it becomes difficult to decide how much to spend on gifts for your parents. But you also are expected to buy gifts for your friends. Many friend groups either buy gifts for everyone, or they do “Secret Santas” (or variations for other religions) instead. This creates the question: Is it better to get one small gift for everyone, or to use all your money for one person’s gift? No matter what you decide on for the distribution of gifts, the fear of disappointing your friends and family and the stress of  trying to find a time to buy gifts can lead to heightened anxiety for many.

Gift giving can be a joyful experience, but only to some extent. People that enjoy gift giving feel satisfied when they present someone with a gift that is special and personal to them. However, finding a niche gift for even one person can become a hassle. Unless someone outright asks for, say, a pair of shoes, it can be tedious to guess what someone wants to see when they tear off the wrapping paper. Furthermore, budgeting for parents, friends, and siblings can quickly add up. For teenagers in particular, it is usually easier to get a small gift for each person, or a more well-thought-out gift for two or three people. Social media has only advanced the normalization of “hauls,” which review thousands of dollars worth of holiday gifts for the internet to see. Viral skincare products, shoes, makeup, and clothes are reviewed one after another. As these types of videos become more popular, the stigma around minimalism becomes more apparent. The new “norm” illustrates a cycle of extreme overconsumption, where viewers feel the need to purchase viral products. One of the most expected gifts this year is the AirPods Max, which range from $300 to $800, and this overconsumption causes a lot of pressure to buy expensive products for the gift-giving season.

Ultimately, there is pressure to spend lots of money on the people we love, but the idea that you must purchase expensive gifts for people you truly care about is flawed. Most times, a meaningful gift is enough. We recommend a simple gift-giving formula: one physical gift card, and one small “gift.” By picking out a gift card to a place where your friend, parent,  or sibling often visits, you show that you pay attention to what they like. A simple $10 giftcard to Starbucks is thoughtful, practical, and inexpensive. Accompanying a gift card with something reminiscent of a memory you have shared is the perfect solution. As a teenager, we believe that a limit of $30 per gift for each person is more than enough. 

To avoid the pressure of finding the perfect gift in a time crunch, many choose to start the search on Black Friday. However, navigating the crowded shopping malls can be time consuming and stressful enough on its own. If you are organized enough to have brainstormed what you want to buy by Black Friday, it can be a strategic time to pick up some things. Otherwise, don’t be influenced by the flashy ads and sale campaigns: there is no reason to buy just because of a sale. Instead, think of a few quality items and manage your spending wisely. 

Overall, the holiday season is about spending time with those you love and giving each other the gift of quality time. This is far more important than any material present. This holiday season, try to be a source of joy for others, and they’ll forget to wonder what’s under their wrapping paper!