Maybe you don’t really need anyone to tell you, but the holiday season is actually the most stressful time of the year. All that racking our brains, deciding the perfect gift for friends and family, jostling our way amidst crowds in the shopping malls, then getting heartbroken when that last lovely pair of handcrafted silver tongs had already been sold out.

Newspaper as an eco-friendly gift wrap.
(Photo from Hongkiat.com)

Yes, the holiday season is a very mentally, physically, and emotionally-challenging time.

So in lieu of a holiday gift guide—all the other reputable websites have already got you covered—we’ll just give you five tips on how to give perfect holiday gifts while beating holiday stress. All it takes to keep your sanity is five easy steps. Read on.

1. Make a List.
   
   Before you head out of the house and into the wilderness of the malls, do yourself a favor and make a list. Nothing beats a good list. Your list can be as simple as writing down the names of everyone you intend to give a gift to, and next to their name, your prospective gift. Or it could be as detailed as you want: people grouped according to priority, items to pick at each section of the mall, etc.

   Whatever your note-taking tool of choice, be it a Moleskine and a pen, or Evernote or a plain sheet of paper, use it now to make a list—the List.

   2. Know Your Giftee.

   The best holiday gifts don’t have to be ridiculously expensive. Sometimes, all a gift needs is a little thought put into it, and that’s sure to be appreciated better than some generic box of chocolates or worse a play-it-safe gift card.

   If you’ve been paying attention the past few years, you’ll know a little something about your recipient: his/her hobby, interests, passion, even needs. That said, someone who loves to cook will definitely appreciate a bottle of premium olive oil (you can never have enough) or even a Mediterranean cook book from the thrift store.  The sporty type in your family could use a new hands-free water bottle that’s BPA-free. And your grandma will surely thank you for a soothing herbal pillow for her back and a matching box of chamomile tea. See, the personalized gift is infinitely more satisfying.

   3.  Give the Gift of Experience.

   Instead of material gifts, why not give experiential gifts, such as tickets (for two, so they can bring a friend or a loved one along) to a movie or the theater, a concert, a spa, a salon, or a museum. Or you can sign them up for free classes in barista training, cooking, baking, flower arrangement, etc. Check online on events happening in your area, an art exhibit, perhaps, or a touring rock band, or a play.

   Just remember, pick the experience for the right person so it becomes memorable and enjoyable to them, and not simply a chore.
   

   4. Wrap It Up Nicely

   Your choice of gift wrap says a lot about you. True, malls have been offering free gift wrapping services for your purchases for the longest time, and who can refuse such an offer considering the hectic holidays. So if you’re time-pressed, by all means do that. But at least write a thoughtful note to go along with your gift.

   

   Brown paper bags as gift wrappers! (Photo from Parentmap.com)

   If you’ve got plenty of time, though, you can choose to wrap your holiday gifts yourself. Go green—use old calendars as wrappers, pieces of wallpaper, or the newspaper comics section, or old posters, mayo jars, even baking wax paper and brown sandwich bags!  Rev up your creativity here.

   Or make the wrapper part of your holiday gifts themselves—like a scarf, or a canvas bag that can be reused later.  Brilliant!  Check this out for more inspiration.
   
   5. Don’t Procrastinate.

   Last-minute holiday shopping are never productive: there will be edgy crowds, long lines, rush hours, flaky indecisions, bad decisions, stress, etc. If you can schedule your trip to the mall, specialty shop, thrift store, etc. early on, do it NOW and commit to it.

   Also, it’ll help a lot if you’re in good shape and form when you embark on your gift-hunting journey. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, eat a hearty meal, stay hydrated, and keep the smile on.

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It’s easy to get lost in the frenzy of the holiday season, but don’t let yourself sink in that downward spiral of stress. Remember, the holidays are supposed to be merry and cheerful, so don’t ever lose the good vibes!