Zero Waste Lifestyle: How to Gift for the Person Who Wants Nothing
One of the most minor head-butting problems I have with my own mom - who is a lovely, wonderful person, and I don't hold any animosity towards her - is that when she sees something that we must have, she doesn't hesitate to bring it over on her bi-weekly trips to see her grandkids. And I know she's reading this (hi, mom). It's really endearing, and my kids love her presence and all the little gifts and goodies that she brings. However, I did raise my eyebrows when a 5'x4' kid's tent was suddenly in my living room and my toddler was too excited for me to say 'no'.
This is a common theme I see between the Millenial's and their Boomer parents - it's also in a variety of levels and intensities. Mine, with my own parents is very mild. However, while I was married to my ex-husband, this was a point of contention, because not only did we not have kids as a reason to just have things around, but it was almost overwhelming and I was tasked with returning all of the junk (yes, I will use that harsh of a term) back for store credit to a place I never shop at. It was insanely frustrating because I didn't know how to tell someone who was less well of than we were, to not gift us things. Not because it wasn't "good enough for us" but it was stuff that I knew would not last very long because of it's low quality (making us have to re-buy it anyway), or was just so out of left field of what we would use or need, I would feel obligated to put an Easter Bunny light switch plate somewhere in the house.
So let's say you're at the other end of my equation. You have someone you love and care, and all you want to do is treat them and give them something special. Well, dear readers, let me tell you: there's a way to do it, and I'm going to give you the secrets.
Listen
I'm going to need you to take a step back and listen to your gift receiver. What are they doing in life? What are they reading, liking, eating, consuming, or doing? Everyone has something. And if they are an expert - DO NOT BUY THEM EQUIPMENT FOR THEIR HOBBY. You have no idea what they want or are looking at. If someone, with love in their heart, bought me a melt and pour soap making kit - I think I would smile gently and just sigh, because they no nothing about what I actually do. Just get them a gift card or money that's intended for X. You don't need to waste your precious time or get the big ticket item that's way out of your budget. You can gift them your monetary budget amount so they can keep saving for their big thing.
Consumable, Useful Gifts - but use Sparingly
When I get laundry detergent, dish soap, new laundry towels, or any other useful gift - I am always stoked because that literally saves me a freaking trip or a mental to get it. And let me be frank - I hate spending more than $30 on "essential items". Like, going and buying new towels for my home makes me want to puke. You want how much for a towel? That's nice, I'll just use my stolen towels from the gym.
This is perfect for the person who is the house manager. Now, I know some people will be annoyed if they get laundry detergent for Christmas, so make sure you do that on occasion, or as an addition to a nicer, personalized gift. So, let's get a little broader and a little nicer than just cleaning supplies.
A nice set of teas, high quality chocolate, a nice bottle of wine - all winners. I know Omaha Steaks was a hit once - but even a week of a meal service to a new family or a 2hr cleaning service would be a wonderful idea.
And if you are reading this and you'd be offended if anyone gifted you a cleaning service - I'm so happy your life is wonderful enough to be offended by a gift. May you have the day you deserve.
When in doubt, upgrade a cheap item to a high quality one
This is probably one of the best pieces of advice I could give anyone. If someone you love is really hard to buy for, just upgrade something small in their life. Take a $5 item and get them the $20-40 option.
Some examples:
One of my former employees used a yeti with a broken handle every day, because it still functioned and worked she didn't want to get a new one. So I did.
I gifted a really nice wooden pen to someone who loved to write hand written notes and meetings. They used it daily instead of the cheap ball point they were used to.
I was gifted Bombas socks last year - my favorite - and they're not cheap, but they're so nice and they're my first grab out of the drier when they're clean to wear.
And this is the silliest one - my husband eats super slow. So slow, that his food gets cold. So, I got him insulated bowls. Bowls that will stay warm for ever without burning your hands when you pick them up. They don't match anything we have, and they stick out when I put them in our pantry but they're really, really nice. Stainless steel too, so they won't break.
An obvious one - a cutting board. It doesn't have to be mine, for gosh sakes. But goodness, if you're friend is using a cheap plastic mat to cut veggies, chuck it and get them a solid wood one.
Thanks for reading. It's time for me to pick up my kids now.