Giving Experiences Instead of Things
One of my favorite blogs, Zen Personal Finance, has a great post today on why the author, Justin McHenry, doesn't want a ton of Christmas presents this year. He writes:
Don't get me wrong. I want stuff just like anyone else. But I don't want much. And I don't generally want things that anyone would buy me for a Christmas gift. I usually want either big things that are too expensive for anyone to buy as a gift, or very small things that most people would think are insubstantial to give as a gift. No one's going to spring for a trip to Europe for me, and probably no one's going to think that Post-It Notes are a sufficient gift (despite my love of them).
What I don't want are things that clutter my life, like random electronic gadgets, or clothes that I like just enough to keep even though I wouldn't have bought them myself (and also would have some guilt getting rid of). I don't mean to be Scroogey about it; I appreciate the sentiment. I just don't want the stuff.
McHenry says he is asking people to either make a donation in his name or to buy him "experiences," like tickets to an event. It sounds like a great idea, but will people be able to restrain themselves from buying the more traditional gifts?
Tags: personal finance | shopping | gifts | Christmas | holidays | Christmas presents
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holiday gifts
This is a really great thought. Thanks for posting it, Kimberly. Justin has the right attitude. And, I agree with him. In fact, I bet folks all over would be thankful to be given these options. I'm going to ask on Facebook.
I concur, there must be millions out there who receive unused gifts. Coupons for a local theater or for videos can always be used and are much appreciated by most folks. Be a little more creative in coming up with gifts this year. They will generally be much appreciated by the recipient and will be remembered and perhaps start a new trend.
Exactly, I'm not alone!!
Exactly!! So, I'm not the only one. We don't need more "stuff"! It's not that we don't want to have anything to do with the holiday spirit. It's that some of us seem burdened with these things surrounding us that we didn't really ask for, but at the same time don't feel quite right getting rid of. Imagine how our lives could become less cramped and disorganized if we just had less "stuff"?? It's all about people's feelings, not just the things. There are more ways to give/receive feelings that to just buy them in the form of a gadget or thing. Instead of "tokens" of affection, how about telling the person how you feel or what they mean to you. That's what it's all about isn't it? A small note, a special photo, a ticket or certificate to an activity the person will enjoy are all simple, real, meaningful gifts that can really make magic happen.
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