TheGiftLover

It's Christmas morning, and you ' re gathered around the fireplace, presents in hand, ready to start opening them, when you feel a sense of dread. As you open them your fear is confirmed, the people supposedly closest to you have no idea what you like, they have gotten you socks, white socks, and blank t-shirts. Feeling loved to me is feeling understood and remembering the small things, and gifts are the perfect way to showcase that.

MyFavoriteGift

by Ellie In

When I found out I would be living in Seattle, a big city so far away from my hometown, there was no emotion that I didn't feel. Nerves, giddiness, nausea, yearning, you name it, I was effectively unstable At the time, I was also working at a coffeeshop that I loved very dearly and was sad to leave behind, especially all the lovely friends I had made, and one of my coworkers, Yaritza, could see how the anxious anticipation in my eyes every time I talked about Seattle She's been here many times, over and over again, while visiting her brother and loves the Emerald City almost as much as I do now For one of my going-away gifts, she presented to me a list of her favorite spots in the city, ranging from the best ice cream parlors to the most scenic hiking trails less than 30 minutes away I had these places to look forward to, to cherish, and to feel less alone as I ventured on my own for the first time ever I think of her every time I visit Twice Sold Tales in Capitol Hill, the quaintest little bookstore with roaming cats, every time I walk around Gas Works Park and people-watch, and every time I grab a pastry from Top Pot It's a gift that that I will never forget

Base gifts off what you already know Consider what would enrich their life

Utilize all types of occasions to give Keep in mind that not every gift has to be something you buy

7UnconventionalThingsI ConsidertobeGifts

the sharing of a song you like letting me pet your cat a post-it note drawing a sip of your drink borrowing a sweater you taking a photo of me a good candy bar

Think that money will make or break the perfect gift Buy for the sake of buying, consumer waste is a problem!

Give carelessly or without thought

Place so much importance on one gift, the action behind matters more