Who's on your list this year? Undoubtedly, repeat holiday recipients and recent additions in a new friend, colleague, or family member. Gifting can quickly become a stressful time of year for anyone, especially when you want to surprise and delight. But it can be hard to give thoughtfully when there are so many people to gift and so little time to always be in the know of their new interests and desires.

I've historically exchanged "wish lists" with family and friends and continue to do so in some instances, but it's not so much my preference. This is not the easiest way to think about it, given that some people are hard to buy for and others struggle with what to buy for someone.

However, come that holiday exchange moment whether, at a holiday brunch, Secret Santa, work party, family gathering, after lighting the candles, or first thing in the morning, it's become inevitable that you aren't entirely surprised since you did indeed state exactly what you wanted. Not to be left ungrateful by any means, it's always nice to get a gift that you actually want. But there's not always a thrill of amazement in this for either party.

This year, why not try something new? My personal styling client, Deb from Michigan, and I were talking about gifting recently, and she shared her new endeavor to make giving and receiving more special. To develop new or long-term relationships with people we care for in a less anticipatory manner, even still within the guardrails of what the recipient actually values.

The solution: a Holiday Questionnaire to send early and fast to the recipients on your list. I've added a few layers to the original form that Deb shared and will be using her tool to help me gift family members and close friends. How it works: share the form/questions with anyone you're gifting and ask that they complete it by an early enough date for you to address your shopping. Once you get the responses back, think about unique gifts that align with their interests and desires. For instance, "A skill that I like to get better at is: speaking Italian." Insert an annual subscription to the Duolingo app. 

Start now on your gift planning, if you haven’t yet. Gift guides are out early this year in preparation for delays, supply chain shortages, and any unexpected bumps in the weeks leading into all the holidays ahead. Retailers alike have shared similar sentiments on availability and shipping estimates. Planning ahead will hopefully help remove any of the added stress that can pile up this time of year. Happy gifting!

Need extra help with gifting this season? Interested in changing up your gifting approach with something new that’s sure to please the people you love? Let’s work together. I’m assisting clients, their families, and businesses on intentional, outside-of-the-box gifts that are sure to please. Email me to discuss how we may best work together and support you in a seamless, easy, confident gifting season: connect@lauraksawyier.com

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