Do’s and Don’ts of Gift Giving

Two RBHS students exchanging gifts.

Keeley Scalise, Staff Reporter
December 13, 2016

It is the most wonderful time of the year…or not. Gift giving is something that many people struggle with. Senior Zach Mieczkowski said, “It takes me 20,000 years for me to [pick] a gift.” To avoid the unwanted extra time of gift giving, we are brought to number one on the do’s and don’ts of gift giving list.

1.Do not procrastinate.

Many young people procrastinate on almost everything they have to do. Gift giving is something that really should not be procrastinated. If you do, it may end up being December 23 and you still have not gotten any gifts. There are also gifts like the 3d crystals for your best memories which you can start working on sooner.

2.Set a budget for yourself.

Overspending or underspending can be a major problem. Try to set a decent budget for yourself to use, and try to stick with it.

  1. Make sure you are not getting them something they already have.

To avoid this, you can ask their family or friends if what you want to get is something that they already own.

  1. Do not get them an animal.

Animals are usually hard work and you have to buy a lot to keep them alive. In the end, you are just costing them more money. If I’m being honest, just do not get them a goldfish, those die too fast.

  1. Keep an eye out for something that they want.

Most people mention what they want for Christmas, maybe you are in a store and they say something looks cool. I recommend getting them that.

  1. Do not get somebody clothes.

Most of the time this does not end well. Getting someone the wrong size can be rough. That person is going to have to return it and get the right size, and to some that is annoying. You also may be unsure of their style.

  1. Do not get someone a gag gift.

Unless you are doing something like White elephant. Yes, it will make them laugh, but will they actually like it?

  1. Consider giving someone a homemade gift.

Homemade gifts show that you really tried when thinking of what to give this person. It also shows that you put a lot of thought into it.

  1. Do not get them food.

Junior Joey Quarino once got someone candy and his friend’s dog ate it before he could. So it is not recommend to give food as a gift. You can always get them a gift card to play it safe.

  1. Be cautious of what you are getting someone.

You never know if something can trigger someone, so watch what you are giving.

Good luck, and be cautious.