In Nigeria, it is safe to conclude that the art of giving is lost. But this would be false considering the fact that Nigerians have never been that kind of people. It is also interesting because we give but not in ceremonial context like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers and Christmas. However, I see people putting effort these days into gifting on special occasions, not for just romantic partners but family friends. NB: I'm not talking about sending them money.
Image source- Christmas Gift
People like different things. Some people's guilty pleasures are flowers, shoes, gadgets, wigs and so on. Everybody loves to receive gifts no matter how little but I believe that the most important thing in gifting is thoughtfulness. I always say to my friends that anybody can go into a store, and get me a shoe and I'll be so happy. But there are some gifts that might even cost less than the shoe that would make me happier because I know the person listens to me and knows me.
I'm guilty for never gifting during Christmas. I always say I would but as the day grows nearer, my mind tells me I have better things to do with money. But the holidays is a season of love and there's love in giving. This is essentially why Boxing Day exists because it is expected that you give and receive gifts. Today's the first day of the month of December and I'm not pushing behind the thought of giving to my loved ones and I don't want you to do same. In order to make things easier for you, I have curated a short list of gift ideas based on preferences/interests that you could give to your loved ones this festive period.
- Music Lovers: For a friend, lover or family relative that enjoys music more than anything else, you don't want to gift them a book. You could get a music gadget like AirPods, JBL speakers. Also this is December and there's a feast of music concerts. Getting him/her a concert ticket sounds like a great idea. If you are on a tight budget and don't have a lot of money to spare, you can take your time to curate a wonderful playlist for them. It costs $0 and it would make them happy.
Image source - A Playlist
Book Lovers: The go-to gifts for them are books, no surprises here. Except that you might not know what they want. In situations like this, you can give them a voucher to shop from a bookstore. You can also get them reading lamps, bookish mugs, bookmarks and annotation supplies like book tabs and highlighting pen.
To assist your friend or family by relieving them of the stress of cooking during the festive period, you can get them a tray of varieties of food that can last for up to a week. Works perfectly if they live alone.
For friends that are particular about their looks, you could get them perfumes, a dress, bag or a shoe. They would love it.
If you know somebody who just joined the natural hair gang, buy them hair supplies like clips, detangling comb, spray bottle and a leave-in conditioner. It's not easy, speaking from experience.
For those of you with friends who just moved to a new apartment or are moving, you can get them house supplies. It would be very appreciated. It could be kitchenware, a cute miniso, or a minimalist house accessory. Anything you know that they would need. If you don't have a lot of money, you can assist them in the whole moving process.
For friends with businesses, gift them a mug that says, "Best in Entrepreneurship, You are killing it, Forbes U30 (manifesting). It would melt their hearts.
For your parents, you could restock their supplements or drugs. It would go a really long way. If your mum is a fashionista, get her an Ankara material or jewelry. Gifting them a hamper with healthy snacks and treats would be great too. The prayers they would shower you with would last you for the whole of 2023.
Children are the easiest people to gift. There's a variety of options from toys, comic books, coloring books, building blocks, and games, all depending on their age. Children love ice cream too or anything that has an insane amount of sugar. Give them, one day can't hurt.
If you are an employer, how nice would it be if you gift your employees too. You know, I'm talking bonuses, credit alerts, data subscription for a month and hampers too. Such a wide variety. Be a good boss this festive season.
You should give gifts to people based on what they love or need at the moment. It would slap to get a t-shirt that has BAD FEMINIST incribed on it. Finally, there's no love without giving. So express your love this festive season with gifts.
