Consider Alternative Holiday Gift Giving
As a long-time financial literacy and certified entrepreneurship educator, I consider it my duty to inform the masses that you do not have to succumb to the pressures of holiday marketing and advertising.
"Tis' the season to be jolly" according to the famous Christmas carol.
One issue that takes away the Christmas joy, however, and halts the spring in your step is debt. As a long-time financial literacy and certified entrepreneurship educator, I consider it my duty to inform the masses that you do not have to succumb to the pressures of holiday marketing and advertising.
The saying "Shop 'til you drop" takes on a literal meaning when people drop dead from heart attacks, strokes, and other medical and mental health issues brought on by stress and overindulgence. The shopping combined with the holiday cooking, feasting, attending and participating in multiple events, and more, combine to negatively affect us during the holiday season.
The following quote with statistics was taken from the article, The Mental Health Price of Overspending found on the genesight blog:
According to an article on the PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) website, in 2024,
“shoppers plan to spend an average of $1,638 on gifts, travel and entertainment this holiday season, marking a 7% increase from 2023 and a 15% jump from 2022.” And according to BCG (Boston Consulting Group) website, “just over a quarter of consumers (28%) plan to spend more than they did last year, just over a quarter (27%) plan to spend less—and just under half (45%) plan to spend the same.”
Alternative Gift Giving
I hope you considered alternative gift giving for Christmas. If not, there's still time to do so for Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and even birthdays during the holiday season. Don't overlook thrift stores. You can purchase some cool stuff then paint, refurbish, even bedazzle it if you like.
For example, a candelabra can be transformed into a work of art just perfect for Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah or other times when someone wants some dazzling home decor.
Know anyone whose child get tutored via Kumon, Varsity Tutors, or even private tutoring? You can pay for some lessons to give a parent or guardian some financial relief. Let's normalize giving books as gifts. I urge you to shop at local independently-owned bookstores.
The stock market is the place to go for a 'gift that keeps on giving.' Buying stock is a wonderful gift that not only provides income (dividends) for the shareholder it also provides a financial literacy lesson, especially for youth. Even purchasing just one or a few shares of stock promotes the concept of ownership.
The Walt Disney Company (DIS) offers a colorful Collectible Shareholder Certificate with Disney characters and imagery from Disney, ABC, ESPN, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. You can also purchase an "original, classic stock certificate replica" which displays classic Disney characters.
Put the stock certificate in a frame for an extra special touch. Since Disney no longer issues paper stock certificates, these options are educational and decorative. Cash App allows you buy and sell stock as well as learn about various publicly traded companies.
I could write an entire article about homemade gifts. Handcrafted items can be
personalized and have sentimental appeal. If you have been taking sewing, knitting, and/or crochet lessons, here's your chance to show off your skills. Those of you who have a 3D printer can definitely bring the 'Wow!' factor in your gift creation. Whatever you decide, just know that you can give interesting and well thought out gifts that go against the norm this holiday season and for years to come. Happy gifting!
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(Paula Goddard is a contributing writer for Atlantic City Focus. She is an award-winning writer, personal finance advisor, community organizer, and educator. She can be reached via social media @paulasuniverse and via email at paulagoddard@atlanticcityfocus.com.)
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