Well, at first, I called it my own trick but as the people I tell it to started doing "my trick", it's becoming a regular thing already.
What and how is it?
This post will exactly "kill the element of surprise!"
Yeah, you read it right. Don't get me wrong. I like surprises but for my gifts, I'd rather know what would it be so it won't be wasted in the process.
It all started one Christmas. Me and my family are into exchange gifts after the New Year celebration. Before 1:00AM, we already had our gifts opened to each other. Before they bought their gifts for me, I "actually assigned" each one of them what they can buy for me. Since that time I'm starting on my own, I asked them for things that I need in my place. Like a blanket, kitchen wares and notebooks (since I love to write). Eventually, you didn't turn out to be a cheapskate but you just turned practical. And I am telling you, the feeling of getting exactly what you want is more exciting than the feeling of being surprised.
Doing this ensures that all the gifts you will received will not go to wasteland because you will be using them, as per your assessment, that is why you asked for them. The downside of "just surprise me" is what if you already have one of those things that you received?
What will you do with it?
Recycle it - by giving it as a gift to another person? I feel so guilty about this one. I mean the person who gave it to you just made the effort of giving you a gift then you will just give that to somebody else eventually? Totally awwww --- no.
Maybe you can put it in the drawer and be an additional "just another design" in your house. A place where all the dusts can find a home to. Or, for me, a clutter! Big NO again.
Mind you, this doesn't only work during holiday exchange gifts. You can also do this during your birthday, baby shower, despedida party, bachelorette party or any party you can take advantage and where people you know are soooooooo willing to give you the gift you want. (But hey, don't ask for very expensive gifts, okay?)
Isn't it nice to just see that the things you see in your place are just the things you really need? No extra clutter, no unnecessary things, no two identical designs and no wasted items there! One element of being minimalist, right?
....and being practical, too :)
What and how is it?
This post will exactly "kill the element of surprise!"
Yeah, you read it right. Don't get me wrong. I like surprises but for my gifts, I'd rather know what would it be so it won't be wasted in the process.
It all started one Christmas. Me and my family are into exchange gifts after the New Year celebration. Before 1:00AM, we already had our gifts opened to each other. Before they bought their gifts for me, I "actually assigned" each one of them what they can buy for me. Since that time I'm starting on my own, I asked them for things that I need in my place. Like a blanket, kitchen wares and notebooks (since I love to write). Eventually, you didn't turn out to be a cheapskate but you just turned practical. And I am telling you, the feeling of getting exactly what you want is more exciting than the feeling of being surprised.
Doing this ensures that all the gifts you will received will not go to wasteland because you will be using them, as per your assessment, that is why you asked for them. The downside of "just surprise me" is what if you already have one of those things that you received?
What will you do with it?
Recycle it - by giving it as a gift to another person? I feel so guilty about this one. I mean the person who gave it to you just made the effort of giving you a gift then you will just give that to somebody else eventually? Totally awwww --- no.
Maybe you can put it in the drawer and be an additional "just another design" in your house. A place where all the dusts can find a home to. Or, for me, a clutter! Big NO again.
Mind you, this doesn't only work during holiday exchange gifts. You can also do this during your birthday, baby shower, despedida party, bachelorette party or any party you can take advantage and where people you know are soooooooo willing to give you the gift you want. (But hey, don't ask for very expensive gifts, okay?)
Isn't it nice to just see that the things you see in your place are just the things you really need? No extra clutter, no unnecessary things, no two identical designs and no wasted items there! One element of being minimalist, right?
....and being practical, too :)
