Taking your presents to new heights after Christmas

 A couple exchanging Christmas gifts. (Courtesy)

The Christmas season is a period that should be used to spread love and happiness to everyone around you. For this reason, December 26, is set aside to show love through gifting.

Giving gifts is a tradition that has been there since time immemorial. Christians are taught that the three wise men presented gifts to Mary, the mother of Jesus as a way of celebrating His birth.

In as much as the sole purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, appreciating our loved ones should be key.

Before gifting someone, there are a few things you need to consider. One of them is your pocket; consider options that suit your financial status to avoid struggling in future. The best gifts are based on their quality, not a hefty price tag.

Personalise the gifts by issuing them according to the recipient’s interests, hobbies, and preferences. This shows that you thought about it and appreciated the recipient’s individuality.

Consider gifts that evoke memories or hold sentimental value such as handcrafted items, heirlooms, or items associated with shared experiences because they create a lasting emotional impact.

Gifts that are practical and useful in a recipient’s daily life are often appreciated and utilised more frequently since they align with their needs or hobbies.

You can also go for homemade gifts. These are appreciated because they add a personal touch to the holiday season, conveying heartfelt sentiments as well as showcasing your creativity.

Some of them include handcrafted ornaments, that is, items made from various materials such as wood, clay, or fabric. To make them more sentimental, customise them with names, dates, or special messages.

Homemade bath salts, body scrubs, or scented candles packaged in a beautiful basket would make your girlfriends happy.

Kitchen skills come in handy during this season because baked treats such as homemade cookies, cakes, or speciality bread packed in a decorated festive tin are never taken for granted.

Your siblings or childhood friends will never get enough of a customised photo album that compiles a collection of cherished memories with captions or sincere handwritten notes.

Life is easier when you make those around you happy and they reciprocate the energy. Despite having this season, we should normalise the act of gifting.