These are difficult economic times, not just in Ocean City but across the USA. A recent CBS poll showing that six out of ten Americans describe the current economy as “fairly bad” or “very bad.” With so many households having to tighten belts, gift-giving can become a source of stress instead of the pleasurable experience that is ought to be for both the giver and receiver.
Of course, it is doubly concerning during the peak gift-giving season in December, but there are birthdays and other events all year round when we give and exchange gifts. The good news is there are many ways of giving thoughtful and personalized gifts on a limited budget.
Adding an inscription to your gift
Demonstrating that you care is what gift-giving is all about and is why it is such an important part of US culture. Many of the best personalized gifts can be engraved with the recipient's name or a short message.
Examples include leather products like keychains, lanyards or wallets or other personal gifts such as pens, ornaments or items of jewelry. There are literally dozens of articles like these that can be purchased online, inscribed and delivered either to you or direct to the recipient, and prices start at less than $10.
Consider bulk purchases with a personal touch
The great thing about many of the gift ideas mentioned above is that they are the sort of gifts that have universal appeal. Everyone uses a pen or has keys they need to organize, for example. Some online sellers have the option for you to purchase items like these in bulk.
It’s a neat idea for simple personalized gifts at Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter if you have an extended family and want to treat everyone equally. Bulk purchases like this are also perfect for business owners who want to give a small gift to clients or suppliers during the holiday season. In this case, with the right inscription, they can also serve as a clever marketing tool.
Handmade gifts are the most cherished
Making something by hand shows that you have invested time, effort and creativity into your gift. However, time is something that not everyone has in abundance, and you also need to have the necessary creative skill. If you are not an expert at needlework or candle making, or you simply don’t have the hours to spare, there is still a way around it.
There are online gift platforms that specialize in handmade products. Again, there is a wide choice out there in the sub-$30 bracket including handmade leather products, jewelry, candles and clothing. Even if they are not made by you, handmade gifts have that unique touch that makes them extra special.
Consider giving the gift of time
We mentioned earlier that time is a precious commodity that is often in short supply. Sometimes, giving someone your precious time is a gift that transcends financial value. This is particularly so with older people or those who live alone, so give it serious thought when choosing a gift for a grandparent or for your single friends.
You could create your own home-made voucher that gives the recipient a special experience in your company. This doesn’t have to be something expensive like a meal at a restaurant. It could be as simple as a movie night together, a hike or perhaps a picnic in the park. Check what’s happening in the neighborhood for inspiration. The important thing is to make sure it reflects an activity that the recipient enjoys.
It’s the thought that counts
It might be one of the world’s most well-worn clichés, but like all clichés, it is founded in truth and it really is the thought that counts. We give and receive gifts every month for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays, and most are soon forgotten. The ones we remember and cherish are not usually the most expensive, but the ones that are personal and reflect the thought that went into them.
