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Gifts for Yourself

From your best friend to your significant other, to your kids, to your kids’ teachers, to your parents, to your co-workers, to your contributions to toy drives and angel trees — the holiday shopping lists seem to grow exponentially every year.

Unfortunately for grown-ups, there is no Santa, and even if you have hinted, or made a gift list for your family, chances are your dream present may not be under the tree come Christmas morning. And, while it’s true the holidays have become increasingly expensive and materialistic, don’t shy away from getting a gift (or two) for yourself come December 25th. You’ve worked hard this year and have probably done a lot to make other people’s lives easier, so it’s OK to reward yourself with a gift no one else in your family or friends would think to get for you.

In order to truly treat yourself, think beyond the standard gifts of candles and sweaters. This year, consider gifting yourself something to make your life easier or better. Services like house cleaning, landscaping, or a professional organizer, are literally out-of-the-box presents that can take off some of the burdens that come with running a home. If you want to feel a bit pampered, gift yourself a spa day, or a basket full of gourmet goodies. Looking to have a healthier year ahead? Gift yourself an exercise glass, or a weight-loss app/program.

You may find that you are truly in need of things. Assess your current wardrobe: What’s missing? What no longer fits? What’s worn out? Consider gifting yourself a new or upgraded version of your existing overcoat, jeans, knitwear, or winter boots. It’s never a bad idea to have quality cold-weather garments. If you’ve already planned a big event, vacation, or celebration for 2020, you may want to gift yourself the outfit(s) for it now. It’ll be one less thing to worry about come that time next year.

Be sure to leave your gift unopened. You can’t buy your present and start using it right away. Wrap it up and store it with the other presents that will be placed under the tree. Part of the joy is discovering its contents come Christmas morning. If you’ve purchased an experience or service, be sure to get a voucher or gift card and wrap it as you would if gifting it to a loved one. Maybe even include a little encouraging note to yourself. And don’t be ashamed to open your self-given gift on Christmas day along with everyone else’s presents. Even though you know what’s inside the gift bag, it’ll still be enjoyable.

Once you decide on your gift, take it off any Pinterest boards or wish lists that you’ve shared with loved ones. If you think someone else has already purchased/scheduled your gift, wait until after Christmas to buy it for yourself. Then you can also take advantage of post-holiday sales. If, on Christmas day, a certain someone has read your mind and gotten you the perfect gift, then congratulations! Write them a heartfelt thank you and start planning/saving for your self-bought gift for next year.

Speaking of saving, look for sale prices if possible. As with any purchase, it makes sense to buy at the best price you can find. Also, the earlier you purchase the gift and put it away, the more of a rediscovery it will be when you open it Christmas Day. Of course, it’s up to you to share with others that you treated yourself this holiday season. Sometimes having a little secret makes the gift that much more special.

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