Holidays create a special challenge every year.

Gifts are something beautiful and giving presents to others is a joyful event. It’s nice to see the happiness in the face of the other person and be happy together with them.

But … finding the right present and especially a present that is meaningful and brings real joy, is sometimes one of the hardest challenges which can be very frustrating.

Especially as simplicist and minimalist, we are trying to reduce unnecessary presents and gain the maximum benefit and value out of them.

Giving experiences

In 2020, the possibility to give experiences was extremely limited. The Covid virus reduced the possibilities to meet other people and spend time together. But sepnding time together is a great gift that lasts long.

Some ideas are:

• Invitation for a future brunch, lunch or dinner. A motto can give this event a personal touch.
• Invitation to a game evening with other people.
• Plan a trip to a special place where you can explain something about this place and make a picnic.
• Make a video call. Really. No kidding. Sit together before the screen. Have a good time. Drink something and speak about everything that comes into your mind. Enjoy it.

Showing others, that we are there for them. can be the best gift. The best.

Vouchers

If we know, that others are in the need for some items, we can think about giving them a voucher. The advantage of such a present is, that they can buy the specific presents by their own.

Examples are:

• Someone plans a mekover at the house, a store gift can be helpful.
• People love books. Think about a voucher from a local book store.
• If you have just become parents, a voucher from a drugstore is always welcome.

Outdoor activities

Outdoor activities are becoming more and more popular. People realize, that nature is good for their mental and physical health. If we know, that others love the nature and are happy outside, we can try to consider this in the gift.

• Plan a trip for them which they can do by bike.
• Some items for hiking or running.
• Helpful clothes to stay dry during an outdoor activity.

But we should also not underestimate the time at home. Home, sweet home.

Home, sweet home

There are many possibilities to get entertainment directly into our home. We only need a television with some smart functions and a subscription to one of the many services.

• Subscription to a television service from Amazon, Disney, Netflix, Hulu, etc.
• Music with a subscription from Amazon, Spotify, etc.
• Audio books from Audible, Amazon or some other service.

There are so many possibilities. The biggest problem is to decide for one or two of them and not to have too many. I personally love to write and go outside. Television only from time to time.

Further education

Our world gets more and more complex. It changes rapidly and we have to learn constantly, if we want to stay up-to-date with the technologies and new foundings.

This is time consuming and sometimes also stressful. But, there are many resources that we can find online and many helpful courses that are teaching nearly everything you can imagine.

The prices of the online courses are mostly fair and affordable to everybody. Nevertheless, a voucher for such a course can be a great present. ( But, we should ask in advance. At least I would do so. )

Special presents

Sometimes poeple have special hobbies or living a specific lifestyle. If we know about this, we can look for some special presents.

• Eco friendly products like vegan soaps or other cosmetic articles
• Special sorts of coffee
• Spezielle Stoffe für Kostüme, die selbst genäht werden
• If you know, that someone collects something, you may be can extend his collection?

But … sometimes, we should simply ask.

Ask others, what they really want

You can discretly ask others what wishes they have and if you can help to reach them. Sometimes this is the best present and fulfills the most wished dreams.

Another present that is nearly forgotten in our electronic time, are self-written cards. Such cards are very personal and bring a lot of joy when finding them in the letterbox.
Sometimes, such “normal” presents are the ones that bring the most joy.

And … do not buy just something only to have something. This is not a meaningful present. Better a little one that comes from heart than something that brings no joy. I know, this is not easy, but it makes sense.

See ya.