Growing Trend - Necessity Gift Giving

I was talking with neighbors over the weekend about what their plans were for gift-giving this holiday season and the one theme which ran through all of their responses was that this year’s gifts will be based on what family members needed the most.

Each said, unlike previous years, there had been serious family discussions about gifts and the lack of money to spend. More practical gifts based on necessity seemed to be the main direction everyone was going.

Necessity gifts included:

• Gas cards for the kids.
• A grocery store gift card for an aunt.
• Paying the mother-in-law's cable bill.
• Drug store gift certificates for various family members.
• Gift certificates at a campus bookstore.
• Car insurance payment for a college student.
• Pizza delivery coupons for a college student.

Stocking stuffers were also discussed. Items such as chap stick, shaving cream, razors, deodorant, and shampoo and soaps topped the list mixed with fruits and inexpensive sweets.

Sizing Down Holiday Decor

Some plan to purchase a Christmas tree, but all agreed that this year if they do buy a tree, it will be small. Others discussed passing on a tree and instead decorating the house with last year's lights and placing ornaments in bowls or creating a holiday scenes on bookshelves to place their favorite decorations. One neighbor plans to use the dining room table centerpiece as the main focal point for the holiday decor.

The Children

Everyone in the group agreed that the exception to practicality was with the gifts they'll be selecting for the younger children although they also agreed that there will be fewer toys from Santa.

I guess even Santa can be hurt by a recession.