Whilst I’m a firm believer that Christmas is about way more than present giving and receiving, I have to say I do love choosing gifts for loved ones and watching faces light up when wrapping paper is peeled away. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like opening presents myself too – I think we all do don’t we? There’s a little magic in the feeling that you’re being treated. And I think it’s that concept of a ‘treat’ that’s so critical at this time of year… I don’t know about you, but since I had kids, I rarely spend money on myself. The change in my pocket goes on stuff the kids need, groceries or the odd I earnt this from the lack of sleep takeout coffee and slice of cake. When I worked in advertising and had ‘disposable income’ I was more indifferent about receiving presents because I could indulge myself reguarly. But after 4 years of living on a restricted budget and having to weigh up every single purchase I make, I have a new found sense of gratitude when I receive a gift as it’s something I would never be able to give myself.
I’m not one for impulse buying and instead enjoy carefully curating ideas so I’ve found the best way to pull a wish list together is to use Pinterest. I pin things I love onto my wishlist board throughout the year and then when I get a panicked email from mum asking what I want this year I already have a few ideas to hand to suggest to her.
I have a secret Pinterest board too that I use for gift ideas for others and it really does take the stress out of Christmas shopping if you put in a bit of preparation before the festive madness kicks off. I’ll be sharing some of gift ideas for children on the blog next week, with a focus on simple, natural toys that encourage imaginative play. In the meantime here are a few of my wishlist items in case they inspire some ideas for you too…
xoxo
Leave a Reply