A Shorter Shopping List

We’re doing something this year that’s liberating—we’re giving our children and grandchildren money instead of actual gifts.

Now, I’ve never wanted to be that kind of person—the person who just gives an “impersonal” gift of money or a gift card. But when we asked the children for a list of the things they wanted or needed (we don’t give them everything they ask for, of course, but we like to have options), the lists were long and varied—and expensive!

One of the girls suggested money so that they—and the grandchildren, who are getting old enough to want gifts that cost a little more too—could put it toward purchasing a pricier present. Initially, I rejected the idea, but then we thought about it. I remembered as a young girl, one of my grandmothers always gave us a little cash, and I looked forward to it every year because I could go shopping and buy something myself.

With that memory in mind, we decided to try it this year and see how it goes. I don’t know why I’ve always thought money was such an impersonal gift, but I must admit that I’m sure enjoying the fact that my shopping list is a lot shorter! Since we’ve given ourselves permission to go this route, I’ve been able to relax a little bit more and enjoy the days leading up to Christmas. I hope you’re enjoying your holiday preparations too!

Comments

[Diana Gibbs]

Shelli, I think money or gift cards are a great gift. We did that this year with the nieces. I went to stores that I knew they shop at for their age and tastes. A make up store for the teenager, the cowboy store for the one taking horseback lessons, and a good old big box store for the one that is younger. This way I felt like I was shopping for them, and hope they feel that their "gift" was picked just for them.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Hugs,
Di

[Anita Haines]

Todd and I too have done this the past few years for nieces and nephews. Most are young adults with small children so they appreciated using the giftcards to purchase what they wanted or even needed at the time. I still enjoy giving them because of course I have to jazz them up by making personalized gift card holders for them... which for some are cherished even more than the giftcard itself. This gives us more time for shop for our little ones :-)

[Glenda Conner]

Shelli my Mom said and ended up doing the exact same thing with the stipulation that the Grandkids please show her what they ended up purchasing - she said it then felt more like a gift! She now completely LOVES the idea!

[Tara]

My mother was horrified that she did this same thing this year, my grandmother used to do the same when we were kids. It truly helped us with our family's holiday and I think her retirement is to be enjoyed, not spent stressed over shopping!

[Gina Marie]

This year my 6 year old daughter's favorite birthday present was a gift card from Walmart for $25. I couldn't believe how excited she was to have her own card with money on it just like Mommy's. I had always thought of gift cards for older kids, but evidently the little ones really like them too! Merry Christmas!

[Gloria Pollack]

Shellie, don't feel guilty! I've also given money the last few years for the same reasons. All of my children are grown, and their needs are as varied as there are gifts on the planet. One of the very special things they look forward to are the handmade cards I make for their "gift". They treasure them and it means a lot that I'm giving my time and creativity to them. Merry Christmas, Shellie! We love you and hope your Christmas is full of blessings and love. Gloria

[Roberta]

Every year my husbands Grandparents give all the kids, grandkids, and great grandskids money for Christmas. They say it is because everyone is too hard to shop for and it is easier this way. They also give a small gift to every one. The boys all get the same thing and all the girls get the same thing. It is very nice to be able to pick out just the right thing with the money after Christmas when everything is on sale.

[Sue Scheets (Sushi)]

I remember being overwhelmed one year and gave out money, but instead of just money I went on the internet and found out easy to fold origami money. So someone got a picture frame with the person on the bill in the middle of the frame, or a ring, or bow tie. They had fun receiving the money and I had fun folding it. Some times that is what you need to do so the spirit of the holiday does not pass you by.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Sushi

[Elizabeth]

I use to think that $$ and Gift card were impersonal - but it is the route I started to go a few years ago and boy does it make life easier. Of course the Gift Cards were presented in beautiful handmade SU creations. It gives it that personal touch.

[Terry Molineux]

Well I guess everyone beat me to it....I was going to suggest you make beautiful gift card holders or money holders since you are so creative and have every available supply at your finger tips.....that would make the gift more personal and yet giving them the option to buy what they want/and or need!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

[Laura Hit]

When I was a child and even still now, if I am giving money or a gift card, I try really hard to show the giver what I purchased. I either take a photo and send it to them, or be sure to include what it was used for in a card. I appreciate when people do that for me too. Or maybe at the next family gathering, take some time to share or show what it was used for. And with my 7 month old daughter - we are doing that as well!

[Tammy Fite]

I don't like giving money either, but sometimes it really is the best gift to give!! And, I try to personlize it with fun and festive money holders that I make myself--then the recipient knows it's just for them!!

[Julie Topham]

Just think of cash as a "universal gift certificate". My FIL does this every year and it's fun to shop the sales after Christmas! All the grandkids in the family look forward to it.

[Jackie]

I also used to hate giving or RECEIVING cash...I have long let that go! My grandchildren LOVE to receive cash to get something they will ACTUALLY wear or play with! And I also don't mind receiving cash anymore...ONE GUESS what I spend it on!!! LOL! See you in Phoenix! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[Sue Smith]

I, too, am giving gift cards this year. An unexpected benefit for me is that I am staying within my budget for the first time! Shelli, I hope you and your family enjoy this holiday season. Happy New Year!

[Chris O]

Shelli:
As my family has gotten older, we've changed the money/gift card approach a bit and now also make a donation to our recipient's favorite charity, like the local animal shelter or food bank. We have found that to be such a happy gift to everyone involved...
Anyway, since your gifts will come 'from the heart', I am certain whatever you give will be enjoyed and appreciated. May you all have a joyful and blessed Christmas!

[SHH]

May I share an idea that my parents do for the grandchildren? At Thanksgiving my parents give each grandchild an amount of money. The children then have to go shopping, buy what they want, and wrap up their own gift. Then when we all get together for our family celebration the children open their gifts in front of my parents and the grandparents get to be thrilled to see what they bought their grandchildren, Each child is also happy to see how their cousins spent their money. I know it may sound odd, but it sure works for us!
Merry Christmas!

[Carolyn B]

My parents give the family money, I love it, they would never know which stamps I what to buy. My daughter put her's into savings and now uses it for college. Merry Christmas everyone!

[Carolyn B]

My parents give the family money, I love it, they would never know which stamps I what to buy. My daughter put her's into savings and now uses it for college. Merry Christmas everyone!

[Barbara Konopa]

When we started have grandchildren I decided that I would purchase them shares of stock that paid good dividends. That way by the time they are 18 they will have a goodly chunk of money as we also reinvest the dividends. For our adult children we quit giving money or gift cards a few years ago as all we were doing were exchanging gift cards. My husband and I buy what we want and are trying to scale back. It has taken all the pressure of holidays off my shoulders. That is the nicest gift of all.

[SHH]

Another thing that we do that works great for our family is Lessons. Each Christmas my parents give each family a folder containing a check to be deposited each month of that year. The money is to be used to help pay for the grandchildren's lessons. Our son greatly appreciates that his grandparents help pay for his piano lessons and sports he plays.

[Sylvia]

My dad is nearly 90 years old and he does this. He says that he never has to worry about it being the wrong size or color.

[Pat Chastain]

Selli,
I have to say that I just plain enjoy your BLOG. It is always fresh, friendly, about home, fanily and the business we love and it's - like Shelli - always positive and upbeat!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas filled with the spirit of "the reason for the season".

Thanks for sharing with us.

PatC

[Connie Peterson]

I think a lot of people do that nowadays. My mom gave each of us money and a smaller gift that she picked out just for us.

[Marion Dornan]

I don't think giving cash is impersonal. I think it is very personal, because I get to go get exactly what I want in the color or size that I want. And if I get cash from more than one person, I can get the one thing that I might have really wanted. And then again, I love to shop, so to me, it is the gift that keeps on giving.
I'm glad to hear you had a great holiday with your family, it sounds wonderful.