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5 Mistakes You’re Probably Making During Gift-Giving Holidays

Modified on December 17, 2019 at 12:11 PM

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5 Mistakes You're Probably Making During Gift-Giving Holidays

Science doesn’t care if it’s rude. You might be caring too much about gift-giving social rules that have been actually ruining your efforts. The thing is, the gift-giving season has long since been infested by what we think is polite or desirable, and each year we are stressing to impress our loved ones only to end up disappointing them. 

Here are some tips to better plan this year’s gifts for the holidays 

1. Stressing Over Impressing 

Stop spending so much time on the big reveal. We think we want that big moment under the Christmas tree, where we enjoy the ecstatic excitement, but the person getting the gift is thinking, can I actually use this? 

Some people might be grateful for these short moments, but most of us are happy to have something that will serve us in the coming year. So stop focusing so much on exciting and shocking the other person with something fancy and expensive. 

A 2008 study published by the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology pointed out that, on the contrary, receivers actually appreciate cheaper and more practical presents.

2. Over-Individuation

There are special people in our hearts we want to give special presents to, but you can’t give everyone in your life a present. However, you can always say “Merry Christmas” with ecards from Hallmark to anyone. For those you are getting presents for, keep in mind that thinking that you have to give everyone something special might actually backfire. What happens is you end up giving worse presents to people.

If you find one great book, just give this book to everyone. People don’t care, and this way you give one good gift to everyone instead of a mediocre one.

There are, however, gifts like Christmas Hampers Australia, where you can buy en masse but also choose the contents to match the tastes and personality of those you wish to impress during gift-giving season.

3. Giver-focused Presents are Better

There are two strategies for buying a perfect gift, the recipient-focused and giver-focused. Recipient-focused presents that best represents the person you’re giving the gift. The other one better reflects you, supposedly sharing a piece of yourself to another person.

Culturally, we are led to believe that it’s narcissistic of us to give such self-centered gifts, and most of us would advise in favor of the recipient-focused presents. However, research has shown that gifts that reflect givers better promote closeness.

4. Regifting Isn’t Rude

The point of gift-giving is sharing. Contrary to popular opinion, regifting is shown to be alright by most people who gave us the gift in the first place. It is us who feel we’re betraying that someone.

This guilt is preventing you from, not only giving the other person what they might like and need, but also from enjoying the feeling of rendering someone happy this way. Not to mention that it is better not to hoard stuff we don’t need instead of giving it to someone who does. 

As long as you don’t give it back to the same person, it’s more than okay to do this during gift-giving season!

5.  It’s Okay to Ask

One problem concerning this is the aforementioned idea that the point of a good gift is the big surprise. You’ll be surprised to see how happy people are when just receiving something they asked for. 

Another problem is our preconception that we need to somehow divine what another person wants only to show them how well we know them. Unfortunately, thoughtful gifts usually turn out to be redundant and a 2011 Harvard and Stanford business schools research shows that people are generally more happy with the gifts that were on their wish lists for gift-giving season.

However, here’s some advice if you’re the one receiving the gift. Don’t leave it up to others to browse through your wish list and just ask for one thing. This way others won’t think that you’re fine with whatever you get, like they would be if there is a bunch of stuff on the list.

How should you approach this gift-giving season? 

When summed up, all these social rules are paradoxically concerned with what another person will think of you, are you thoughtful enough, caring, generous enough. But the key to a good present is just common sense, so there’s no need to lose your mind trying to come up with gift ideas every gift-giving season. I

Check out a Busy Mom’s Christmas Gift Guide for more ideas!


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Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on September 28, 2019 at 12:04 PM
Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Holiday Features
Tagged With: gift giving, Gift Ideas, Gifts, holiday gift ideas, holiday gifts, holiday shopping, Holidays

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

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I miss summer already 😭 Take me back to a bett I miss summer already 😭

Take me back to a better place 👉🏻 summer time at @storylandnh !! 🥳🥳🥳🥳

Can’t wait to go again next year! 🙌🏻✨🤸🏻‍♀️

#summertime #familytime #familyadventures #motherhoodunplugged #childhoodunplugged
What they remember about their childhood is in you What they remember about their childhood is in your hands 🫶🏻

#motherhood #motherhoodrising #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodthroughinstagram #motherhoodintheraw
This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. 🥳

Can’t believe my oldest son is 13 and outside helping dad do home projects like building a new deck. 🤯 Seems like yesterday he was in his walker on this back deck and it looked a lot better 😂

Thankful that @homedepot has great prices so we could finally afford to do this home reno project! 💪🏻🎉

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #hereisourhomeschool #motherhoodthroughinstagram
My first born son turned 13 years old today. 😱 My first born son turned 13 years old today. 😱

Somebody hold me. 😭

I asked him if he could stay 12 for one more year but he didn’t like that idea. 😒 Was worth a shot, right? 

Scroll for the outtakes 😂😂😂

This kid blows me away daily and makes me so proud to be his mom. I don’t have enough words to describe how much I love this child. 😭

Drop a comment and wish this boy a happy birthday! 🎉🎂 

#homeschoollife #homeschoolfamily #momlife #momlifeunfiltered #momlifeunplugged
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Luckily, there are holistic wellness products that can help make the motherhood journey easier!

Lost Empire Herbs stands out as a remarkable family venture led by three health-conscious brothers who share a profound dedication to a wholesome, active lifestyle. 

Their journey began with a modest kitchen table and the introduction of pine pollen, but it has since evolved into something truly remarkable, exceeding all expectations.😱

What truly sets Lost Empire Herbs apart is their extensive collective knowledge, derived from years of hands-on experience, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to explore new horizons. Driven by a genuine desire to enhance lives, they made a resolute decision to make the benefits of these exceptional herbs accessible to a wider audience. 

Their primary focus revolves around offering hormonal support, a vital consideration given the prevalence of endocrine-disrupting compounds in today's world, although their scope extends beyond this singular realm. 🌱 

I'm genuinely enthused about the prospect of trying out their products, eagerly anticipating the chance to personally experience the transformative effects of these wellness herbs. The brothers' evident passion and expertise have left me intrigued and eager to embark on a journey towards total wellness, guided by the offerings of Lost Empire Herbs.

@lostempireherbs #lostempireherbs #holistichealth #holistichealing #holisticwellness #holisticlifestyle #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodthroughinstagram #unleashthepowerofnature #rootingforyourhealth #hormonehealth @apexdropofficial
Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !! It s Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !!

It seems like summer is almost over and you’re probably scrambling to get all the things done on your bucket list. But don’t forget to slow down and have some fun with your kids this summer!!

Story Land in Glen NH is a great way to make some beautiful summer memories with your family! If you live in the New England area, definitely plan a visit before summer slips through your fingers, mama! ☀️ 🏖️ 

LIKE + SHARE if you needed this reminder to slow down and have fun! 

#motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #momlifeunfiltered #motherhoodrising #motherhoodthroughinstagram
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The aquarium includes interactive tide pools, exhibits, and tons of immersive activities. See otters, touch sting rays and nibble fish, interact with tropical birds and so much more. They even have axolotls and sharks! There is so much to see. We spent over 3 hours exploring the exhibits! And of course we had to stop in the amazing gift shop before we left. Don’t miss it! 

Living Shores is a fun, interactive environment that is perfect for the whole family! If you’re going to visit the White Mountains this summer, definitely make time to stop at @livingshoresnh! 🐠 🐟 🦀 

COMMENT and tell me which part your kiddos would like the best! 👇🏻

 #familytime #motherhoodunplugged #momlifeunfiltered #whitemountains #familygoals #familyfriendly
Don’t be fooled. You don’t need the perfect br Don’t be fooled. You don’t need the perfect branch to hang a swing in your yard. All you need is a tree and Slackers Build A Branch!

I got mine from @bolderplay! 🥳

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I miss summer already 😭 Take me back to a bett I miss summer already 😭

Take me back to a better place 👉🏻 summer time at @storylandnh !! 🥳🥳🥳🥳

Can’t wait to go again next year! 🙌🏻✨🤸🏻‍♀️

#summertime #familytime #familyadventures #motherhoodunplugged #childhoodunplugged
What they remember about their childhood is in you What they remember about their childhood is in your hands 🫶🏻

#motherhood #motherhoodrising #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodthroughinstagram #motherhoodintheraw
This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. 🥳

Can’t believe my oldest son is 13 and outside helping dad do home projects like building a new deck. 🤯 Seems like yesterday he was in his walker on this back deck and it looked a lot better 😂

Thankful that @homedepot has great prices so we could finally afford to do this home reno project! 💪🏻🎉

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #hereisourhomeschool #motherhoodthroughinstagram
My first born son turned 13 years old today. 😱 My first born son turned 13 years old today. 😱

Somebody hold me. 😭

I asked him if he could stay 12 for one more year but he didn’t like that idea. 😒 Was worth a shot, right? 

Scroll for the outtakes 😂😂😂

This kid blows me away daily and makes me so proud to be his mom. I don’t have enough words to describe how much I love this child. 😭

Drop a comment and wish this boy a happy birthday! 🎉🎂 

#homeschoollife #homeschoolfamily #momlife #momlifeunfiltered #momlifeunplugged
Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to sta Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to stay healthy and fit is harder. 🏋🏼‍♀️🥵

Luckily, there are holistic wellness products that can help make the motherhood journey easier!

Lost Empire Herbs stands out as a remarkable family venture led by three health-conscious brothers who share a profound dedication to a wholesome, active lifestyle. 

Their journey began with a modest kitchen table and the introduction of pine pollen, but it has since evolved into something truly remarkable, exceeding all expectations.😱

What truly sets Lost Empire Herbs apart is their extensive collective knowledge, derived from years of hands-on experience, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to explore new horizons. Driven by a genuine desire to enhance lives, they made a resolute decision to make the benefits of these exceptional herbs accessible to a wider audience. 

Their primary focus revolves around offering hormonal support, a vital consideration given the prevalence of endocrine-disrupting compounds in today's world, although their scope extends beyond this singular realm. 🌱 

I'm genuinely enthused about the prospect of trying out their products, eagerly anticipating the chance to personally experience the transformative effects of these wellness herbs. The brothers' evident passion and expertise have left me intrigued and eager to embark on a journey towards total wellness, guided by the offerings of Lost Empire Herbs.

@lostempireherbs #lostempireherbs #holistichealth #holistichealing #holisticwellness #holisticlifestyle #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodthroughinstagram #unleashthepowerofnature #rootingforyourhealth #hormonehealth @apexdropofficial
Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !! It s Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !!

It seems like summer is almost over and you’re probably scrambling to get all the things done on your bucket list. But don’t forget to slow down and have some fun with your kids this summer!!

Story Land in Glen NH is a great way to make some beautiful summer memories with your family! If you live in the New England area, definitely plan a visit before summer slips through your fingers, mama! ☀️ 🏖️ 

LIKE + SHARE if you needed this reminder to slow down and have fun! 

#motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #momlifeunfiltered #motherhoodrising #motherhoodthroughinstagram
Looking for something fun to do in New Hampshire t Looking for something fun to do in New Hampshire this summer? Living Shores Aquarium in Glen NH is an indoor walk through adventure that allows your whole family to discover the wonders of the ocean year-round. 

The aquarium includes interactive tide pools, exhibits, and tons of immersive activities. See otters, touch sting rays and nibble fish, interact with tropical birds and so much more. They even have axolotls and sharks! There is so much to see. We spent over 3 hours exploring the exhibits! And of course we had to stop in the amazing gift shop before we left. Don’t miss it! 

Living Shores is a fun, interactive environment that is perfect for the whole family! If you’re going to visit the White Mountains this summer, definitely make time to stop at @livingshoresnh! 🐠 🐟 🦀 

COMMENT and tell me which part your kiddos would like the best! 👇🏻

 #familytime #motherhoodunplugged #momlifeunfiltered #whitemountains #familygoals #familyfriendly
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