Let’s first look at some of the ways families around the globe pay tribute to the remarkable women who’ve shaped our lives.

Mother’s Day traditions from around the world 

While Mother’s Day is a national holiday in the United States, it isn’t the only country that celebrates the holiday. Many countries throughout the world have their own traditions for how they recognize mothers. You could incorporate them into your traditions for a unique celebration. 

Mexico

Mother’s Day is one of the biggest and busiest holidays. The traditions are similar to those in the United States, with flowers and the importance of spending time with family. A unique tradition is mariachi bands performing Las Mañanitas. 

United Kingdom

In the UK, Mother’s Day is still tied to its religious roots, with it being held on the fourth Sunday of Lent. However, how people celebrate the day differs greatly from its origins. Some individuals may stick with the traditions by using the day to honor the Virgin Mary. Others choose to give their mother a simnel cake.

These are light fruit cakes that have layers of marzipan (shown above). Candy, cards, and flowers are also popular. 

Italy

In Italy, Mother’s Day is known as La Festa della Mamma. Mothers are pampered with a day of relaxation. They aren’t allowed to cook or do chores (sign me up for this!). Family members often give homemade gifts or fresh pastries. 

Australia

While giving flowers is a similar tradition, mothers in Australia specifically get chrysanthemums, or “mums” for short. Their popularity is because mothers in Australia are called “mum,” which mirrors the flower’s name. Other traditions mirror the traditions of the United States. 

History of Mother’s Day 

The Mother’s Day holiday didn’t start out with the same traditions and focus that we know today. Looking back into ancient history, the Greeks and Romans celebrated the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele at annual festivals. In the 16th century, those living in the UK would participate in Mothering Sunday. It was held on the fourth Sunday of the Lent. The tradition was to visit your “mother church,” which was the church you were christened at or your nearest chapel or church. People would go a-mothering.

It was one of the few days during the year that servants would be given the entire day off. Children and families would join servants on their journey to their mother church. This eventually turned the day into an opportunity for family reunions. The focus shifted to individual family mothers rather than the church. 

Mother’s Day really began to take the form we know today in the United States. A woman named Anna Jarvis wanted to honor her mother’s work nursing soldiers during the Civil War by getting a day dedicated to honoring all mothers. Her definition of a mother was quite broad:

“…the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.”

–Anna Jarvis

President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday in 1914. Watch more about Anna Jarvis and the history of Mother’s Day in the U.S below.

Start new Mother’s Day traditions in your family

Honoring tradition is one way to celebrate Mother’s Day. However, it can feel a bit empty or impersonal if you don’t have a direct connection to the gifts or activities that you are doing. Instead, consider making it more meaningful to your family by starting new traditions.

How to create your own traditions

1. Reflect: Consider what makes you and your family’s relationship with your mom unique and special. Reflect on shared interests, memorable experiences, or meaningful activities you all might enjoy. This could be anything from cooking to playing sports, creating art, going out to eat, or traveling. 
2. Brainstorm: List out ideas for new traditions that resonate with your mom’s personality and preferences. Think outside the box and consider activities or rituals that are both meaningful and enjoyable for both of you.
3. Personalize: Add personal touches to make the tradition truly special. Consider incorporating elements that hold sentimental value, such as favorite foods, cherished memories, or symbolic gestures.
4. Plan: Once you have a few ideas, plan out the logistics of your new tradition. Decide on a specific activity or event, set a date and time, and make any necessary arrangements to ensure everything goes smoothly.

You could be the type of family that appreciates sticking with the familiar. Or your family could thrive on trying new things. You want something that can be a shared activity or thing that you can make memories and bond over. Don’t forget that the holiday is about mom, so your chosen tradition should be something she loves. 

Embracing all moms 

Modern families can take all forms, and with it, the image of a mom can come in many forms. It’s important to recognize all non-traditional moms who take on the role of providing unyielding love, guidance, and support. From the single moms to the stepmoms and the women who haven’t given birth but still take on the role for the children in their lives. Don’t be afraid to share your love and appreciation for all the mother-figures in your life.

Honoring mothers who have come before us 

While Mother’s Day can be a day filled with laughter and joy for some, it can also bring feelings of sadness for others. Our mothers are influential people who leave a lasting hole in our hearts when they pass away. This can make Mother’s Day especially difficult when we are reminded of the wonderful women who are no longer with us. 

Turn this potentially sad day into a touching one by celebrating and honoring the mothers who have come before us.

Thoughtful ways to celebrate a mother’s spirit

• Try lighting a candle with a scent that reminds you of her. Scent is a powerful tool for evoking memories.
• Reminisce by looking at pictures and videos.
• Write a letter to your mother where you share your thoughts, feelings, and what you have been up to over the last year.
• Spend the day doing your mom’s favorite activities. 
• Plan a celebration with your siblings
• Bake/cook her favorite foods
• Visit her final resting place with flowers or her favorite things

Start your Mother’s Day traditions  

There is a reason so many countries have similar traditions when it comes to celebrating and honoring mothers. Flowers, candy, cards, and jewelry are popular gifts. Acts of service are also popular, such as cooking, baking, or cleaning.

However, how you celebrate Mother’s Day can look very different from one family to the next. The goal is to celebrate the mom in your life with a kind gesture, gift, or activity that she will appreciate the most. 

If you need help with gift ideas for Mother’s Day, have mom make a giftster.com account. She can then create a wish list that gives you a roadmap to the gifts she wants the most. Remind her she can even just jot down “quality time with my family” or “dust the house” as an item on the list. With Giftster she can truly can add anything her heart desires.

The post What are some unique Mother’s Day traditions to honor mom? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

1. Do: Give a gift card

Don’t: Pull money from your wallet and decide that’s your gift.

While giving gift cards and cash are essentially the same as they are both monetary gifts, one has a bit more thought in it than the other. And we’ve always been told it’s the thought that counts, right? Look at the recipient’s Giftster list for where they may like to shop. Even better, look at their gift preferences for tips about what store they most want to shop. Get creative with presenting their gift card by placing it in a fancy box, wrapping it like a pro, and finishing it with a ribbon and bow. 

Unless they’ve specifically told you or have it on their list that they’re saving up for something in particular, cash is probably not the ideal gift to give. Well…unless they are a teenager or college student, where the cash would come in handy the most. But I promise you, a gift card given to your wife for SpaFinder or something like that will be much more appreciated than taking out folded cash from your wallet and sticking it in a card. 

2. Do: Give a subscription box.

Don’t: Go to the store, find everything related to this one thing your loved one is into, buy everything you see that relates to it, and put it in a box.

There’s pretty much a subscription box for everything these days. A subscription box gift is a gift that keeps on giving! It works well for last-minute Christmas shopping because you can order them online. It doesn’t need to be for very long; it could be a couple of months, whatever is most appropriate for the recipient. It will show more thought in the gift than just going and buying several random things just because they’re related to someone’s interest. A subscription box can also introduce them to items and themes adjacent to their interest, helping your gift to be insightful while avoiding redundancy. 

3. Do: Give a nice piece of clothing.

Don’t: Give clothing if you don’t know what size to give.

I’ve received clothing that’s too small and, at other times, too big. Sometimes, there’s a receipt; other times, I’m just stuck with it. To the back of the closet, never to be worn or used by me if I donate, return, or sell it. So, while giving that sweater in the perfect color for your nephew, if you don’t know the size, put it down and move on. If you really want to give it, you could always give a gift card for the sweater amount and plan a date to take the person shopping so they can try it on. Spend time with a loved one AND give a gift? That’s a two-for-one present! Another option is to gift them a personal shopping experience with a service like Mindful Closet or Stich Fix. However, approach this gift cautiously; you want it to be appreciated. You don’t want to insult the recipient by implying they need style help. 

4. Do: Donate to the recipient’s favorite charity.

Don’t: Forget to tell them that you donated.

I may be talking from experience here because this may have happened to me once or twice. If you donate online, the charity will often give you the chance to print a letter to give to the recipient. Sometimes, they send a letter directly to them as well, but for those of us who like to give something for the person to open, that defeats the purpose. Have a little fun with this type of gift, and get creative with gift wrapping. This is the perfect gift for someone who has asked for no gifts. First, choose a charity that supports a cause the recipient is passionate about. Then, you could get a token item that represents the charity. Wrap up the item with the donation letter, giving it a fancy touch with a ribbon and a bow. 

5. Do: Give a consumable treat that you know they love.

Don’t: Give them something they’re allergic to or cannot eat.

Wines and spirits and nuts and sweets. Those gifts are always loved, except when you have food allergies or other sensitivities or restrictions. My father-in-law, who is diabetic, would love a tin of nuts but would likely pass on the box of chocolates. Check out the recipient’s gift preferences to see what would be best. If they aren’t on Giftster or haven’t listed preferences, run your gift idea by someone close to them, like a parent, spouse, or child. Use our helpful guide to wrap those oddly shaped gifts of food jars and containers. 

6. Do: Keep it simple.

Don’t: Go overboard and don’t impulse shop.

Gifts don’t always need to be grand or one-up the previous year. Don’t overthink it; keep it simple. The little things on a person’s wish list often mean just as much as the big things. And when you’re shopping at the last minute, sometimes simple is best. Remember the recipient’s gift preferences and fight the urge to impulse buy. No giant walruses, okay?

7. Do: Shop Local. 

Don’t: Underestimate Shipping Times. 

Shopping locally helps support your local community while also helping you find unique or one-of-a-kind gifts. These gifts show the recipient that you spent time and effort thinking about them and their interests. You then took the time to find the perfect gift for them. Sometimes, the thought and effort behind the gift mean more than the gift itself. If you decide to shop online, plan well in advance. Modern shipping times can be unpredictable and often delayed. It’s better to order sooner than risk their gift arriving after Christmas because you did last-minute Christmas shopping.

8. Do: Stay on Budget. 

Don’t: Overspend due to lack of planning.

Staying on budget is crucial for reducing your holiday stress. Before you shop, decide how much you can afford to spend on your gifts for the holiday season. Then, break down this total to calculate how much you want to spend on each person. That way, you can narrow your options to gifts that fit your budget. 

Without a plan, you won’t know how much you spend until you’re done shopping. You could easily spend significantly more than you want or can afford to. You will also lack direction when gift shopping, increasing your stress levels. Last-minute Christmas shopping can cause you to spend more as stores sell out, and you run out of time to shop for the best deal. 

No matter where your last-minute shopping takes you, make sure you have Giftster loaded on your mobile device to double-check those wish lists and gift preferences before you check out.

The post 8 Do’s and Don’ts of Last Minute Christmas Shopping appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Here are some tips for navigating gifts for your children and ensuring a cozier, happier holiday season for everyone.

Start a gift giving tradition of shared presents

A shared gift eliminates some jealousy and rivalry, especially if siblings can use it simultaneously. This strategy also benefits your bank account if you can purchase fewer big gifts.

Items to consider for a shared sibling gift include arts and crafts supplies, a doll house, a train table, a collection of LEGO, a family gym membership, sports equipment for the yard, or a family vacation. 

Choose similar stocking stuffers from Santa 

If your kids believe in Santa (or still enjoy Christmas morning stockings), you can stuff their stockings with similar presents. 

Pick a few inexpensive gifts your kids have requested and buy one for each. After all, even if little Anna doesn’t think she wants a new headband now, you know she’ll want one as soon as her big sister Elsa gets one from Santa. 

If you need some stocking stuffer ideas, check out Christmas Gift Prep 101.

Buy younger kids the same number of gifts 

We all understand that one expensive gift can equal five cheaper ones. But sometimes little kids value quantity over quality. They also get excited about big gifts. So what is Christoff going to think when he just gets one, small gift for Christmas and Sven gets several big ones?

If your budget allows, try to keep the “appearance” of gifts balanced. Add a few inexpensive gifts to raise numbers or wrap a smaller present in a big box.

Help your older kids create budget-friendly wishlists

As children get older, they begin to understand money and the value of a gift. Suddenly, a handful of cheap gifts doesn’t seem quite as exciting as it used to.

Fortunately, older kids can also understand spending limits. Use a wishlist maker like Giftster and help them add items that stay within a Healthy Holiday Shopping Budget. When siblings open (and compare) their presents on Christmas, they’ll know that the quality is the same.

It’s also harder to complain that “it’s not fair” when they receive the items they requested on their wishlists.

Teach gratitude and thankfulness during the season of gift giving

Comparing gifts, sibling rivalry, complaining, and whining might all be signs that your kids are kids. But it doesn’t hurt to integrate the art of being thankful into your holiday traditions. Try to participate in a few acts of kindness for others and model gratitude.

You can also encourage your kids to slow down on Christmas morning. Set aside time for them to play with and experience their new gifts with no other expectations: no sharing, no video calls, no traveling. They are almost guaranteed to be more appreciative.

Happy gifting!

The post “It’s Not Fair!” How to Handle Sibling Rivalry and Gift Giving  appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

While Thanksgiving often marks the beginning of the season of giving, presence is more important than presents.

Here are ways to make the most of quality time with family during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Play games with your family

Encourage screen-free time with family games. Classic board games are fun for kids of all ages, and many inspire cooperation or friendly competition. If you don’t have many games tucked away in a closet, you can always play charades or Pictionary with your own supplies.

You can also lay out a puzzle or two for everyone to work on together. And if you’re willing to allow a little screen time, multi-player video games can get everyone involved.

Enjoy time with family outside

Fresh air always feels good, especially if you and your family have cooked your Thanksgiving meal in a warm kitchen. Grab a ball to toss or even go for a walk after dinner to help digest the turkey. Light a bonfire to roast some s’mores (if you need more dessert!)

If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can still get out of the house. Once it gets dark, load up a car or two and take a drive to look at holiday lights.

Volunteer your time to help others

As you and your family are considering what you’re thankful for, you can also think of some ways to volunteer your time to help other families in need.

In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, you could help cook a meal for a local organization that provides food to others. You can also ask your local food bank if you and your family could help assemble meal boxes or serve a Christmas dinner.

Don’t rush through dinner

To make the most of quality time with family on these major holidays, resist the urge to rush through dinner. It might be tempting to watch football, start cleaning up, or distract antsy children. But try to take advantage of the time when everyone is present together around the table.

As a bonus, the more slowly you eat, the less likely you will be to overeat and the more likely you will be to enjoy your food.

Engage others in conversation

It can be easy to make yourself busy during Thanksgiving and Christmas, whether you’re eating snacks, prepping dinner, or watching TV. This year, make it a personal challenge to engage each guest in conversation, for at least a few minutes. 

You can talk about work, school, friends, hobbies, or travel. After all, the gift of your presence is particularly powerful when you take the time to listen to and appreciate others.

If you’re feeling nervous about everyone being together, read our Holiday Survival Guide to Navigating Family Gatherings so you’re prepared to enjoy your quality time with loved ones.

Happy holidays!

The post How To Make the Most of Quality Time with Family During The Holidays appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

You might be wondering why “stressed shoppers,” “diminishing bank accounts,” and “too many shipping boxes to fit in the recycling bin” aren’t on that list. Because truthfully, the season of gift-giving comes with its drawbacks.

It is a running joke in our household that my husband is forever breaking down and recycling boxes during the holiday season. Just when he thinks he’s conquered the boxes, more show up. If you hope to make holiday shopping more efficient and less expensive, here are some tips for tackling that long gift list.

1. Make lists of recipients and gift ideas 

Lists are a great organizational strategy to keep your holiday shopping more efficient and less expensive. 

While making the list of people to shop for, Don’t Forget These 10 People During Your Holiday Gift Shopping. Next, jot down what you plan to purchase for them if you know. Be sure to ask or check their online wish lists too for ideas guaranteed to be a slam dunk.

Use your lists to plan trips to stores that carry several items, and cross the names off once you’ve purchased their gifts. You should be able to minimize shopping trips, browsing time, and forgetful moments. 

2. Start planning early

If you wait until the last minute to purchase gifts, you’ll likely find empty shelves, higher prices, and more expensive shipping costs. But if you start planning your gift-buying early, you can take advantage of seasonal sales that happen throughout the year. Some items have the best prices during other times of the year. You can buy these gifts and set them aside for the holiday season.

Take note of what friends and family are eyeing up

This is a popular strategy in my family, especially when doing things together. If we see someone eyeing something but not buying it, someone will detour back around and purchase it for them. It’s then given as a gift later, to the surprise of the person who wanted it.

Buying early also means you don’t have to worry about the gift arriving in time, allowing you to save on shipping costs. If an item is in high demand, starting early gives you more time to find the item and get on a pre-order or waiting list. Another benefit of early planning includes spreading out your spending over several months and having more time to collect coupons. This is a helpful strategy for those who are holiday shopping on a limited budget. 

If the holiday season is nearing, you can still do some planning to minimize your spending. Try comparison shopping to know which stores carry your gift list items for the least amount of money. Black Friday sales start popping up well before Black Friday rolls around. Shopping online allows you to see which retailers are offering the best price.

3. Try making DIY gifts

Do-it-yourself gifts take longer than placing an online order, but they can be a smart way to save money. If you have a hobby or talent that enables you to DIY a gift, then you are the best source for giving customized gifts. My mother loves to sew and embroider, so she loves to give people custom handmade gifts. Everyone loves her gifts because they are one-of-a-kind, with every detail chosen with them in mind. If you don’t know how to make beautifully knitted scarves, don’t give up. There are still DIY gifts you can make.

Here are some ideas:

• Cookies, salsa, syrup, jams, or other homemade goods
• Photo gifts (what grandparent can resist?)
• Bath bombs, soaps, or salt scrubs
• Candles, air fresheners, incense 
• Family recipe cookbook
• Ornaments 
• Relationship memory book
• Decorative planters
• Custom wooden coasters or cutting board
• Pottery or artwork

Don’t forget that sometimes the best gift is your time. Offer free babysitting or house cleaning to a friend or relative who could use your help more than they could use an object. There are plenty of gift ideas that don’t cost money, where the gift is your time and attention.

4. Use holiday wish lists

Sometimes, the most time-consuming part of holiday shopping is carefully choosing gifts for everyone on your list. There is always that one person who you never know what to get for them.

Then there are the people you have ideas for but don’t know which specific model or color would be the one they want the most. Encourage your friends and relatives to create wishlists to make it easier to pick the perfect gift.

Perhaps you know exactly what they want, but you don’t have the first idea of where to find it so that you can buy it. This happens to me when I shop for my mother. She is passionate about sewing, but I have to go to specialty stores and websites to find gifts that would be suitable.

An online wish list makes this so much easier because I save time by knowing exactly what she wants and where to find it. With a Giftster wishlist, you’ll pick the perfect gift every time.

5. Organize gift exchanges to minimize your gift list

Are you purchasing gifts for everyone in your friend circle or all of the coworkers on your team? Consider organizing a gift exchange to save everyone time and money. Instead of purchasing a gift for everyone, they buy a single gift for one person.

If you know everyone has a similar interest, you can create a themed gift exchange. This helps guide everyone when buying their gift. We do this with a gardening club I am a part of. We all have a common interest in gardening, so buying gifts that are in line with this theme helps to make gift buying easier and ensures everyone gets a gift they will appreciate. 

With a Secret Santa, everyone leaves with something, so your friends and coworkers will all be happy. And you’ll be even happier to know that Giftster’s Secret Santa Generator makes it easy to organize a gift exchange.

You can also consider a White Elephant gift exchange, which is less personalized but can be a lot of fun too. This style of gift exchange is perfect for groups that enjoy the experience as much as the physical gifts. 

Another option is to skip the gift entirely and opt for a more creative exchange. This could be a cookie swap party or another themed DIY type of party. These exchanges are perfect when done around a holiday because it takes the stress out of having to buy a gift. In addition, everyone goes home with delicious treats that can be used during the holiday season. It is like a gift that keeps giving.

Happy gifting!

The post Long Gift List? 5 Tips to Shop More Efficiently and Save Money appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

If you’re like many shoppers, you want to get a head start on gift buying before the mad rush later. Retailers have released their holiday gift guides for 2023. And we have our guide to those gift guides, too.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of holiday gift guides that appear online at this time of year. Our collection doesn’t list them all, but we do try to find helpful and unique ways to categorize the gift guides you might be looking for.

Take a look at our carefully curated holiday gift guide collection for 2023. We’ve focused on budget, trends, stocking stuffers and white elephants, and giving back.

Luxurious finds

If you’ve been saving up or love to splurge, you’ll enjoy these gift guides of high-end ideas.

Forbes: This list has an assortment of fun, luxurious, and thoughtful items for this holiday season that will please everyone from the tech-lover to the home chef. 

Town & Country: What do you give the woman who has everything? Take a look at these glamorous gifts that include jewelry, clothing, and beauty tech for the fashion-conscious woman.

Esquire: If your guy is always looking for the latest tech or finest whiskeys, Esquire’s gift guide will take all the guesswork out of shopping for him this holiday season.

New York Post: Check out these trendy toys that include everything from play kitchens to virtual reality headsets. These kids’ gifts are the best of the best.

Vogue: When you’re looking for items that are a step above the ordinary, Vogue has ideas for carefully chosen gifts.

GQ: Does your guy deserve the best? With this holiday gift guide from GQ, you’re sure to find a present that will spoil him this season.

Budget-friendly holiday gift guides

Many stores and online retailers make it easy to stay within your shopping budget. Use these convenient gift guides to manage purchases this season.

CNET: We love the range of items on CNET’s holiday gift guide, especially their ideas that are under $25.

Better Homes & Gardens: Every gift on this list is under $30, but still thoughtful, useful, and fun to open for the holidays. 

Today: You’ll love that this gift guide is organized by the recipient’s interest, so you can find the perfect budget item for tech lovers, beauty lovers, and kids.

Wirecutter: The New York Times Wirecutter magazine recommends gifts for babies and kids that fit within any budget.

Serious Eats: Kitchen tools and gadgets don’t have to break the bank. Here are budget-friendly gifts for cooks and food lovers.

Barnes & Noble: Books are inexpensive but almost universally appealing. You can search books by age, interest, and best-seller.

STEAM ideas

Science, technology, engineering, art, and math gifts are trendy and useful. Search these gift guides to find the perfect present for anyone who loves to tinker, create, or problem-solve.

LEGO: Search the iconic brick connector toys by recipient, collection, and interest. There is even a gift finder to help you narrow your search for the perfect LEGO gift.

Uncommon Goods: Uncommon Goods has a wonderful collection of experience gifts that includes “make your own” kits, puzzles, and interactive games.

Genius Lab Gear: Don’t overlook this amazing list of science gifts for teenagers. We think that many adults would love these gadgets and gizmos, too.

Taste of Home: Use this holiday gift guide to find the best present for makers and crafters on your shopping list.

Lowe’s: Ask anyone who grills, and they’ll say it’s an art form. Lowe’s has gifts for grill-masters, DIYers, and everything in between.

Care for yourself and others

Self-care will never go out of style, and neither will giving back to others. Here are the gifts that help others the most. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out Season of Giving: 10 Meaningful Ways to Give Back This Holiday.

Glamour: Find the perfect gift to help a new mom relax, pamper your BFF, or spoil your teenage daughter and her friends.

InStyle: This holiday gift guide is organized by function, including “better sleep,” “relaxation,” and “personal development.”

The Strategist: These gifts all benefit organizations fighting for the rights of others, and they’re also great presents for the people on your shopping list.

Reader’s Digest: Just scrolling through this holiday gift guide makes you feel good. There are over 40 items to choose from that benefit others.

Amazon: While this major online retailer is known for having almost everything, we appreciate their Unique Gifts category where you can shop small businesses, women-owned businesses, and black-owned businesses.

Oprah Daily: Many items in this holiday gift guide feel indulgent, and they also support important causes.

Today’s Parent: Use this gift guide to find kid-friendly presents that help fundations and organizations for children.

Stocking stuffers and white elephants

Throughout the holiday season, you might find yourself invited to a white elephant or stumped for stocking stuffer ideas. We’ve put together our own guides to these gift-giving situations. Read our guide to 15 Hilarious White Elephant Gift Ideas and Christmas Gift Prep 101 – Stocking Stuffers & Wrapping Tips. 

Find more gift guides for small and inexpensive stocking stuffers or witty and (maybe) useful white elephant gift exchanges below.

Real Simple: These white elephant-themed gifts are fun and clever, and the participants might even find them useful.

Men’s Health: If you’re heading to a white elephant gift exchange, you can’t go wrong with these creative and hilarious ideas. 

The Spruce: Don’t miss these goofy, wacky, and funny gift ideas for an entertaining white elephant gift exchange.

Good Housekeeping: Find 80 stocking stuffer ideas for your entire family in this holiday gift guide.

The Cut: Each stocking stuffer item on this list has a helpful title, such as “for the friend who works from home” and “for the person who loves spicy food.”

The Paper Source: Shop these cute and quirky stocking stuffers that include everything from candy to toys to socks. 

Visit giftster.com to create a Christmas wish list and to start a Secret Santa drawing for your holiday gift exchange. 

The post Giftster’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide Collection appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

In the UK alone, consumers use 227,000 miles of wrapping paper each year.

Are you interested in giving less to the landfills this year? Here are some ideas for eco-friendly wrapping paper alternatives.

Stockings 

All of those stockings hung by the chimney with care are excellent eco-friendly gift wrap options. You don’t need wrapping paper for presents that fit in stockings, so to reduce waste make sure not to double up. 

On the topic of stockings, socks can be great wrapping options for small items like jewelry. Choose a cozy, holiday-themed pair for a useful, waste-free gift wrap.

E-mail 

You might be tempted to purchase gift cards and place them in holiday cards. But for an eco-friendly wrapping paper alternative, digitize them instead. 

Most stores have electronic gift cards or certificates that don’t use paper or plastic (and are harder to misplace). “Wrap” them up in an email and the recipient still gets to “open” them.

Furoshiki

Furoshiki are traditional Japanese fabric wrapping cloths. They are reusable, versatile, and creative. Once you’ve tried this gift-wrapping art, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to wrap even the most oddly shaped present. 

Learn more about how to tie Furoshiki here, and all the gifts you give this year will be eco-friendly and beautiful.

Old papers

Do you get a newspaper delivered to your home? Are there unused road maps in your car? How many coloring book pages are on your refrigerator? 

Think of how fun and environmentally friendly it would be for a gift recipient to have a present wrapped in the Sunday comics, a map of a famous city, or a crayon drawing of a dinosaur.

Containers

If you think about the gift you’re giving, you might be able to come up with a corresponding “container,” like a box or jar, to put it in. They are incredibly versatile, which means the recipient of your gift is likely to reuse the container it’s “wrapped” in instead of throwing it away.

A few ideas might be candies or cookies in a tin or mason jar, books in a fabric tote bag, or spa items, wrapped in a towel, in a basket.

Just a bow (or no wrapping at all)

Potted plants, bottles of alcohol, or candles would look lovely with a simple ribbon or no wrapping. And while it might seem unconventional, according to AP News, “nearly two-thirds [of U.S. respondents] said they would happily receive gifts without wrapping.” 

If you want to be creative with just bows, here are 25 Ways to Wrap Ribbon and Bows on Gifts.

No matter which method you choose, we hope you and the recipients of your gifts are happier with these environmentally friendly options for gift wrap.

Happy gifting!

The post Eco-friendly Wrapping Paper Alternatives appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Does this sound familiar?

Maybe if you live in a magazine or movie set.

For the rest of us, the holidays aren’t perfect. If you’re preparing for family gatherings this holiday season, here’s your survival guide to help you make it to the new year.

Manage your expectations

When you’re preparing to survive family gatherings during the holiday season, it’s important to manage your expectations. 

Do any of these relatives sound familiar?

The one who drinks too much. The one who makes judgmental comments about your life choices or parenting. The one who only wants to talk about sports. The one who makes everyone pose for hundreds of photographs. The one whose cooking is awful. The one with kids who never behave.

This list is not all-inclusive, but you get the idea.

Here’s the thing. If you go into your family gathering this year expecting these people to be different and for the experience to be better, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment.

After all, people rarely change. And you can’t control who they are or what they do.

What you can control are your expectations.

Expect your relatives to be exactly who they are and to act like they always have. Yes, things might be better this year. But they might not. And honestly, it’s fine if things aren’t perfect.

You can also control your behavior and boundaries. 

Avoid certain topics of conversation or certain relatives (if you can). While everyone else is yelling at the TV during the “big game,” read a book somewhere quiet if you want to. Don’t feel obligated to take a turn holding someone else’s baby.

Essentially, if you are realistic about what to expect and plan your behavior and boundaries accordingly, you have a much better chance of surviving the holidays.

Practice mindfulness and self-care during family gatherings

Even if you love every moment of family gatherings, you should take care not to overextend yourself. Traveling or hosting groups of people takes time, energy, and mental stamina.

Sometimes, though, there are relatives who are difficult to spend time with. Or gatherings tend to end up full of drama or tension. Maybe everyone is expected to participate in an activity, and you don’t really enjoy it, but you put on a happy face anyway.

Any of these situations can add to the stress of family gatherings over the holidays.

Practice mindfulness. Be aware of your heart rate rising or if you start to feel hot. Then, take some steps to calm down.

You might try:

• taking a few deep breaths
• stepping outside for a minute or two
• seeking out a relative whose presence is calming
• excusing yourself from an uncomfortable conversation
• drinking water or having a snack

Practice self-care. Just because you are with family over the holidays doesn’t mean you must ignore the things you enjoy. Maintain your familiar routines as much as you can, including exercise or a nighttime beauty routine.

Set and follow through with personal boundaries. Consider setting appropriate boundaries for yourself. Saying no to too many holiday parties or gatherings is completely okay. If you know they will only cause you to feel stressed and overwhelmed say no. You don’t need to have a reason other than you simply cannot make it. Give yourself permission to decline. You know yourself best and how much you can handle. Set boundaries and stick to them during the holidays and year-round.

Prepare your children (and your partner) to survive the holidays

If you have kids, they probably look forward to the holidays. However, children also like routines. When they are in strange places, eating strange food, and hanging around strange people, they might also start to act… strange.

Talk to them about what to expect in advance. Show them photographs of relatives they only see once or twice a year. Let them pack a bag of their favorite snacks, toys, books, or stuffed animals. Give in to screen time, because if watching a video on their tablet keeps them from having a tantrum or oversharing their teenage attitude, it’s a win for everyone. 

Also explain boundaries and expectations, such as “no phone during dinner” or “stay out of Grandma’s bedroom.”

Remember that your kids may not feel completely comfortable around extended family. You can teach them what to do if a relative asks for a hug or kiss and they don’t want to give one: “No, thank you. Can I have a high five instead?”

Don’t neglect to prepare your partner, too, especially if it’s their first time at one of your family gatherings. They should also know what to expect. Are there relatives to avoid if they’ve been drinking? Topics to never bring up? Traditions they’ll be asked to participate in?

When you’re going to your partner’s family gathering for the first time, ask the same questions so you know what you’re getting into and how best to manage.

Try to incorporate positive experiences

You can’t please everyone. Some people seem to want to be miserable. But you can certainly try to please most people. Here are some ways to incorporate positive experiences during family gatherings:

Change your outlook. Aim to notice something nice about each of your family members and compliment them. Looking for the positives can improve your mood, and compliments will help improve everyone else’s. You can also give back this holiday season and make the most of helping others.

Plan games and activities. Consider taking a walk with some relatives, especially since it feels nice to get some exercise outside. Other activities like games can promote family collaboration and fun competition.

Organize a gift exchange. It’s nice to receive gifts, but it’s also rewarding to give them. Gift-giving can create a “warm glow” effect. This feeling might be exactly what your family gathering needs this holiday season.

If you need some tips to keep gift-giving positive for everyone, here are some ideas:

• organize a Secret Santa gift exchange
• set a recommended amount to spend on gifts
• create and use wishlists for gift shopping

Giftster can help you with your gift-giving needs at your upcoming family gatherings. Let us help you survive the holidays with easy wishlists and Secret Santas. We’ll help you get the gifts right so you and your relatives can enjoy time together.

The post A Holiday Survival Guide To Navigating Family Gatherings appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Here are 10 meaningful ways to give back during the holidays.

1. Participate in a toy, book, or clothing drive

Throughout the holidays, many stores and businesses host toy, book, and clothing drives. It’s easy to make a purchase and drop it in a bin. The store or collaborating organization does the rest for you.

2. Donate used items

Prepare for receiving gifts by donating items you no longer need. Your home will feel less cluttered, and it’s a great opportunity to give back.

3. Shop locally during the season of giving

During the holiday shopping frenzy, visit a locally owned shop or two. Purchases made will benefit business owners in your community, and you might discover new places to shop.

4. Organize a volunteer effort

Many wonderful organizations, such as thrift shops and food banks, exist in part due to the generosity of volunteers. Gather some friends, relatives, or coworkers to volunteer together and help those in need.

5. Give back to those who serve

Have you thanked your mailman or garbage collector recently? The season of gifting is the perfect time to leave a card or collective gift (from the neighborhood, for example). For more inspiration, Don’t Forget These 10 People During Your Holiday Gift Shopping.

6. Find a local Angel Tree

Angel Tree programs help provide Christmas gifts for children in need. You might find one at a local church, school, or Salvation Army. Prisons and nursing homes might also have similar programs.

7. Host an inclusive holiday party

Not everyone has a family or the ability to travel to see them during the holidays. Consider an inclusive holiday party for all of your coworkers or neighbors with a Secret Santa gift exchange, so everyone feels included in the season of gifting. Host a potluck and use Giftster for an easy and fool-proof Secret Santa.

8. Donate blood

Blood donation isn’t for everyone. But if you’re willing to brave the needle this holiday season, your donation can save someone’s life. Contact your local Red Cross for information about local blood drives.

9. Make a monetary donation

Sometimes the best way to make a difference is to donate money to a charity or research organization. Your funding can support an organization’s efforts to find a cure for a disease or to offer assistance to families in need.

10. Teach your kids to give back

You might want to make sure you aren’t the only one taking time to give back. Teach your kids the importance of thankfulness, gratitude, and generosity. Need somewhere to start? Here’s How to Teach Children the Art of Being Thankful During the Holidays.

The post Season of Giving: 10 Meaningful Ways to Give Back this Holiday appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Chances are also good that you struggled to have a great party. Friends were out of town, no one could figure out what to get you for two celebrations back-to-back, and everyone always seemed more excited about the holidays than your birthday. 

Let’s not forget that with all of the seasonal treats, your birthday cake probably didn’t stand out much, either.

As we start to approach the holiday season again, here are some ideas for how to make your birthday stand out. After all, everyone deserves to have a truly special day once a year.

Choose a fun, non-holiday theme

If you want your party to stand out from the holidays, invite them to more than just a birthday party. Invite them to the event of the year. Choose an amazing theme and some matching elements your guests can enjoy. 

For example, at a Barbie-themed birthday party, you might serve a pink cocktail and ask your guests to dress up for a “fashion show.” 

Do you plan to host the party at your house? Take down any holiday decorations or knick-knacks you have around your home so guests will focus on the occasion of your birthday instead.

Turn the party into an outing

Kids have birthdays at fun places all the time. Why can’t you? At a time of year when everyone is already gathered in their homes with friends and family, make your birthday stand out by hosting it at a fun location.

Steer clear of cookie decorating classes or a trip to the Nutcracker ballet. Instead, find venues that are holiday-free. You might even be the hit of the season if your party lets your guests burn off some of their holiday stress at a fun event like axe-throwing or indoor go-karting.

Ask for experiences instead of things

During the holiday season especially, people are in the gift-giving spirit. But this often results in an abundance (if not overabundance) of new items around the home. If your birthday is during the holiday season, your gifts might feel more of the same.

To make your birthday stand out, ask for something a little different. Experience gifts can include any of your favorite hobbies or interests.

Here are some ideas:

• Tickets to a sporting event, concert, or theatrical experience
• A class or “how to,” like cooking, pottery, glass-blowing, writing, or a sporting technique
• A night away in a hotel at a destination you’ve always wanted to visit (even if it’s just a nearby lake where you can go fishing)
• Self-care like a yoga class, massage, float spa, or manicure
• Babysitting so you can go out and enjoy any one of these activities
• Housecleaning, lawn care, or other home services to free up your spare time for other things

Looking to feel at ease about birthday gifts every year? Create a group on Giftster and you and your loved ones can create and share wish lists year-round.

Happy Gifting!

The post How to Make Your Birthday Stand Out from the Holiday Season appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.