As a typical woman, I love receiving gifts with and without reason (mostly). When I was small I would count the days to Christmas, my birthday, or any other legit occasion to fill my curiosity and need for entertainment with new toys, books, and art materials. Then I grew up and I started making gifts for myself, lately focusing mainly on experiences and travel. Becoming a mom, however, was a complete game-changer. It is official now – making gifts for my daughter is a very dear experience. And as it seems not only to me but to all friends and relatives who ask all the time what is it that Mia needs or wants. That was the turning point when I started using a wish list.
WHY A WISH LIST IS SO HANDY
I have always loved celebrating my birthdays mainly for the wonderful emotions and memories I was building with my closest friends. The only thing that I did not fancy was getting gifts that I did not need or like. I knew how much effort and money people have put into choosing something (though not needed) and it was just saddening that it was all in vain. Still, my mom has raised me to appreciate the efforts and desire people put so I was always thankful for every single gift and gesture. I never expressed my needs or desires in advance to any occasion to anyone probably due to fears to be considered materialistic, rude, or even selfish.
As a result, I would often end up having boxes of unwanted gifts that in time I started giving to people who actually needed them. And that felt soooo good. However, growing up I became more practical and certainly not that shy. I started having virtual wishlists that I was happily sharing with anyone who wanted to know what my or my family’s needs and wants actually were. I find this extremely practical and efficient as it saves lots of money, hustle, and disappointments.
I believe that wishlists are actually very handy communication tools and a great relief to both gift-givers and recipients alike. We will never all be on the same page as humans so it is for our relatives and friends who want to give us a gift and look for some insight into what that could be. After all, the act of giving is the grace to meet a need and make somebody happy. Hence, I am a firm believer that wish lists can be very helpful as long as you follow proper etiquette.
WISH LISTS ETIQUETTE
Gift Givers
Certainly, whenever you want to make a gift you are welcome to use your own creativity. Just remember to consider what the other person really likes, wants, or needs in order to make the occasion even more special for both of you. Here are a couple of things that you might want to consider:
- DO feel free to consult and ask for wish lists if you are short on gift ideas.
- DO, if you see something you like on a list, try to get that exact version of the item, if at all possible. There might be a very good reason why the person wants exactly this item (especially if it comes to software, technology, toys, etc.).
- DO consider if the list is full of entertainment items, or whether perhaps there are some more practical ones that could come in very handy.
- DO consider clutter-free gifts such as gift certificates, experiences, lessons.
- DON’T feel obliged to exceed your gift-giving budget.
Gift Recipients
Showing gratitude is always good manners. And apart from that, it shows respect and kindness which are always so nice to share. Here are a few things to consider when receiving gifts:
- DO allow your loved ones to express their generosity and creativity in their own way.
- DON’T expect them to always be able to figure out what will make you happy.
- DO be gracious and thankful for each gift you receive.
Parents
Wish lists can come in particularly handy with kids.
- DO create wish lists for younger children including things they both need and want.
- DON’T force the list on your loved ones but DO have it handy in a shareable format when asked for inspiration and insight.
- DO encourage older children to create their own wish lists and use the opportunity to set realistic expectations of what they might get. Remind them to genuinely appreciate every little gesture.
If you have an upcoming occasion and you feel like trying out compiling a wish list of things that you truly want and need, check out Little Wish List. Handy, online-based, super flexible, and personalized, you can help someone make the act of giving a true blessing. My daughter is loving it and keeps on adding links to books and science experiments kits that she would love to get for her birthday. I would keep it handy and if family and friends ask for ideas of what to get her I can easily share it using any social channel.
XXX
The Mermaid
