Whether a child like glee comes over you, all warm and fuzzy at the thought of exchanging gifts or if you are more of a begrudged Christmas Scrooge, you likely partake in the exchange of gifts at this time or throughout the year. Which ever category you may fall into, below is a compilation, nonexhaustive, of the different types of gift givers that exist for our amusement and or sorrow at that special time of year. The week before Boxing Day.
The Boomerang: The individual buys gifts for you that they would actually secretly like to receive themselves. Generally little thought goes into the other persons’ tastes, and is really just a projection of their own desires or wants. I am unsure if this is subconscious of a typically selfish person or if they intentionally are trying to overtly hint to you at what they want you to buy them. Because it’s always about them.
The Can’t-Be-Bothered Guy: will spend zero time thinking of something to get you and will likely rely on their partner to give something, if at all. While this may seem like a bummer, generally these people are generous throughout the year in ways that are not of monetary value ie will help with something anytime they’re called, Or otherwise dedicate time to you and your life. Therefore they are still invited to Christmas.
The Gift Card Gal: they are practical individuals who admit they cannot shop according to everyone’s tastes, and thoughtful enough to provide a gift that allows the recipient sufficient stretch and control over what they purchase. These people are in the gray zone and are either preferred or deferred depending on who you speak to. Personally, as an individual with particular taste, also known as a difficult person to shop for, I quite like receiving gift cards as I know what I will put it towards. Others believe it to be impersonal, detached, and not in the ‘spirit’ of giving. Meh, money is money, I’ll take it thanks.
Miss Moneybags: this person gives large sums of money to you and if you’re lucky enough to have said individual in your life, know your gifts will always pale in comparison to the wads of cash this generous soul imparts with you. Even if it’s not a huge sum, you can always rely on the person for the cash injection you are hoping for so they are most welcome at Christmas.
The Infantile Adult: this person wants PRESENTS. And big ones, with bows and shiny things. The more the merrier, they love receiving gifts even if they are not the most expensive items. Wrap anything up with some sparkly ribbon and they will get excited. Like a child who you can’t help but love for their innocent and merry disposition. This person will give a gift that “looks” impressive but is just discount stuff from Winners or clearance aisle at Superstore. Can’t be mad but usually these gifts are immediate placements to the regifts bin.
The Maker: will make you something thoughtful and likely spend hours doing so. These people are usually crafty and or creative and prefer to add a personal touch to whatever they are giving. Typically will take some time to determine what is right for each person as they understand what the other person in their life is interested in. Not all people can fall in this category as it really is touchy and tough to pin point certain people to their preferences.
The Egalitarian: This person will go to one store and do all their shopping there, typically in one isle. There will be a theme selected each year and whatever that is, you all get. Gift baskets all around? This persons’ got you. Maybe matching notebooks, or a disaster Go-Bag from an outdoorsy store? Got you. Does everyone need a coffee maker all at once, not a problem, the Nespresso machines are en route. You will either love or hate this gift, and the gift giver doesn’t give a shit, they are over everyone’s complaints about gifts and doesn’t have the time to spend going to different places. As you may have deduced, I fall into this or the aforementioned Maker category depending on mood.
The Booze Distributor: No prohibition is not coming but Boozy Santa has nonetheless decided to load everybody up with alcohol. They think hey – can’t go wrong with alcohol and in any case, is an easy regift that nobody will be offended at, nor know about it intact they didn’t get it right. Not as ‘impersonal’ as gift cards, still a ‘gift’ in stature unlike money and not particularly hard to get it right.
The Really Excellent Surprise Gift Giver: This person knows you well, and has spent both time and money on getting you the proper gift that you love. This should be a spouse or parental who really understands the other person, no matter how “difficult” they are to shop for. May be any category like an experience, a service, fabulous physical gift or generally something that makes you aware of the fact that they actually DID listen. Thankfully my most excellent husband falls into this category, or the one below.
The Good Partner: will ask you what specifically you want for Christmas or as a gift and will immediately say yes/purchase it no matter the cost when you promptly respond without mincing words or feigning that “you don’t need to get me anything”. This may save marriages if everyone can just do this. Mark my untrained words!
Happy Shopping Kids!