On this Christmas Day, your gift sack is ready, and the presents are just waiting to be unwrapped. As in every year, there are different types of gift givers: some who craft their presents by hand, others who meticulously follow a wishlist saved on their phones, and those who opt for more traditional gifts, sometimes chosen at the last minute. Experts interviewed by HuffPost have identified six profiles of givers… so, which one are you?
The Materialist
It’s often said that “it’s the thought that counts,” but what lies beneath the craft paper and metallic ribbons is quite revealing. On the evening of December 24th, as you take on the dual role of Santa Claus, your true self shines through. While some revel in their gifts, others may feel less inclined to boast, wishing instead for the anonymity that comes with Secret Santa. Between the grandmother who delights in knitting sweaters for the entire family and you, armed with the chicest and trendiest gift, lies a considerable gap.
For you, a box of chocolates and a lovely bouquet of flowers are not even remotely acceptable as last-minute solutions; they’re firmly on your blacklist. If you tend to gift wristwatches with three-digit prices, designer handbags, or electric scooters to those close to you, you are branded a “materialist.” And mind you, this is not a derogatory label. You do not aim to show off or flaunt your wealth. Your lavish gifts might be more extravagant, but they are adeptly aligned with a wants or needs that are more or less urgent.
“This type of person typically works in a field that involves direct customer interaction or one where image is paramount. Their motto: ‘You must look like a baseball player to be a baseball player,'” notes Alyse Dermer, founder of Mr. Considerate, in her remarks to HuffPost.
The Sentimentalist
You despise impersonal gifts like gift cards or assorted baskets. Instead of lingering in front of displays adorned with big bows and labeled “gift ideas,” you’re determined in your pursuit of meaningful gifts that come from the heart. You prefer items that bear the initials of your loved ones or tell a fragment of their story.
You have a knack for moving your loved ones with personalized or custom gifts. You want your presents to be as unique as the recipients themselves. Under the Christmas tree, you’ll find engraved jewelry, photo books, or family portraits transformed into cartoons. During the unwrapping moment, it’s not uncommon for a joyful tear to roll down the cheek of the recipient. “This individual is thoughtful, nostalgic, and values human relationships,” highlights Dermer.
The Overzealous Giver
Your gifts can often miss the mark. While your intentions are good, they may elicit grimaces or forced smiles from your peers. It might be hard to accept, but your gifts often end up on resale platforms the following day or gathering dust in a drawer. Choosing gifts is, in fact, a task that irks you. If you could hire someone else to do it, you wouldn’t hesitate for a second. Often unaware of your loved ones’ tastes, you end up giving gifts you’d wish for yourself—sometimes they resonate, and other times they don’t.
The overzealous giver is known for presenting kitchen gadgets to busy women, gym memberships to sedentary men, or Hello Kitty bracelets to sixteen-year-olds. These presents often miss the point, but the giver is not looking to offend or humiliate.
The Procrastinator
You have a clear vision of what your loved ones expect from that jolly man in the red suit. Yet, your casual, laid-back attitude delays your plans and forces you to alter them. You leave it until the last moment, and once you hit the aisles, you find everything sold out. Instead of bringing home that essential oil diffuser, you settle for a basic incense burner from a discount store. While the more organized individuals purchase gifts a month in advance, taking advantage of great discounts, you find yourself shopping on Christmas Eve, all while picking up ingredients for your holiday meal.
The Listener
You take gift-giving seriously. Practicing active listening, a rare quality, allows you to meet your loved ones’ needs effectively. You remember everything your friends and family confide in you, knowing it will be valuable someday (especially at Christmas). To keep track of these wishes, perhaps you’ve even created a bullet-point list on your phone. And if someone responds with “I don’t need anything” when asked about gifts, you’re prepared to conduct an undercover inquiry. Grandmothers are particularly adept at this art!
The Convenience Seeker
If you prefer a straightforward approach and seek hassle-free gifts, you are likely a convenience seeker. You always opt for “safe” gifts—chocolate boxes, gift cards to reliable brands, or basic throws. You would never risk selecting a perfume from Sephora or a book from a bookstore. However, this does not mean you overlook your loved ones; after all, everyone has their own love language.
What truly matters is not so much the nature of the gift, but rather the thought behind it. A handwritten note accompanied by a few treats can sometimes convey more than an extravagant gadget that was never even on the wishlist.
