Free Times Holiday Guide and Shopping Season 2023

Holiday Guide and

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CON T EN TS 6 Holiday events 12 Gifts for a new baby 14 Most popular

children’s gifts 18 What to get your kid’s teacher 20 Tips for the picky recipients on your list 22 Alternative ways to wrap and bestow gifts INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Antai Fine Dining.........16 Carolina Fine Jewelry...... 2 City of West Columbia..... 9 Columbia Craft..............4 Cool Care..................... 3 The Crescent Olive......... 5 East Bay Deli.................15

Gardener’s Outpost.......21 Arts at Ebenezer............. 7 Saluda Shoals Park.........19 South Carolina Ballet.... 24 State of the Art Gallery and Pottery Studio..... 23 Sylvan’s Jewelers.............11

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COMPANY

Holiday Guide and Shopping Season Holiday Guide is published annually by Free Times and Evening Post Publishing 1225 Lady St., Columbia, SC 29201 803-765-0707 | free-times.com

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From Columbia Craft Family

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‘Tis The Season . . .

HAPPY OLIVE DAYS

CO LU M BI A & T R AV E L E R S R E S T, SO U T H C A R O L INA 2901- C Devine Street, Columbia 803.771.7774 108 S. Main Street, Travelers Rest 864.610.0096 www.thecrescentolive.com

Historic Columbia offers tours throughout the season.

HOLIDAY

Events

Vista Lights presented by Prisma Health Nov. 16, 6-10 p.m. 1200 Lincoln St., Congaree Vista. Free. vistacolumbia.com/ special-events/vista-lights.

Dutch Fork Choral Society

Dec. 8. 7 p.m. Lake Murray Presbyterian Church, 2721 Dutch Fork Rd., Chapin. With the Blythewood High School Chorale.

Dec. 10. 4 p.m. Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church 101 E. Boundary St., Chapin.

Historic Columbia Candlelight Tours

Dec. 9, 6-9 p.m. $8-$20, HC Member discounts available. Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion. historiccolumbia.org/events/2023/2023-12/ candlelight-tours

Historic Columbia Holiday House Tours Nov. 15-Dec. 30. Wednesday-Saturday at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.; Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. $15-$18, HC Members free.

Robert Mills House and Hampton-Preston Mansion. historiccolumbia.org/holidaytours.

Palmetto Chamber Orchestra

Dec. 16, 3 p.m. Palmetto Chamber Orchestra returns to the Public Library Main with a children’s holiday program: XOXO with PCO! Richland Library, Main. Free and open to the children of all ages.

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Palmetto Chamber Orchestra

Dec. 17, 6 p.m. Palmetto Chamber Orchestra presents its annual holiday concert: Columbia Celebrates! Incarnation Lutheran Church, 3005 Devine St. $15-$25, children under 12 $5; cash or check at the door.

Koger Center for the Arts

Dec. 1-3. Columbia Classical Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. $10-25.

Dec. 9-10, 16-17. South Carolina Ballet’s The Nutcracker. 9th, 16th 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., 10th and 17th – 3 p.m.

Dec. 20. Broadway in Columbia presents Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $29-$128.

Dec. 21. SC Philharmonic – Home for the Holidays. 7 p.m. Tickets $5-$40.

Dec. 22. Koger Center and ColaJazz present Live in the Lobby Jazz: Eve of the Eve of the Eve. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $18-$23. kogercenterforthearts.com.

Chapin Theatre

Dec 1, 2, 7, 8, 14, 15 @ 7:30 p.m. Dec 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 @ 3 p.m. It’s a Wonderful Life - A Live Radio play. $18 in advance. $20 at the door.

830 Columbia Ave, Chapin. chapintheatre. org/tickets.

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HOLIDAY Carlisle Street Holiday Art Stroll

Events

Sat., Dec. 2. 12-4 p.m. Annual event featuring OTM Gallery, Studio Carlisle, The Collective, The Mad Platter, Viridian Gallery & Studio, and Jodi Jenkins Designs. Free. 803-719-1713.

Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party

A holiday variety show with live music and puppets! Columbia Marionette Theatre, 401 Laurel St. Saturday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Santa’s Swingin’ Christmas Party is a unique creative collaboration with Cola Jazz Foundation. General admission $10 ages 2 and up. cmtpuppet.org. 803.252.7366. info@ cmtpuppet.org.

Parade Day in the CWC

Dec. 9. North Pole 12 to 4 p.m., followed by the Holiday Parade of Lights at 5:30 p.m. The largest nighttime holiday parade in the Midlands. Free. 1006 12th St., Cayce-West Columbia. cwcchamber.com/ holidayparadeoflights.

Eve of the Eve of the Eve

Dec. 22. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $18-$23. Koger Center for the Arts (1051 Greene St. kogercenterforthearts.com. Legendary trumpeter and arranger Dick Goodwin, along with celebrated trumpeter and bandleader Mark Rapp, leads a group through fun and inspiring Tijuana Brass inspired jazz arrangements of holiday classics. It’s the best way to cap off the holiday season and get ready for ‘ol Saint Nick!

Jazz with Mark Rapp: Swing, Santa, Swing

Dec. 17. 4-6 p.m. $40-$200. Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. colajazz.com.

Transport yourself to a winter wonderland of music and merriment as trumpeting maestro Mark Rapp leads a jazz quintet of worldclass musicians accompanied by a featured vocalist. Featuring classic Christmas songs with a jazzy twist, Rapp’s signature holiday concert brings beautiful jazz vocals from the soulful Streets of New Orleans to the CMA. Hop on the sleigh and enjoy the holiday magic. Beer, wine, and specialty holiday drink available for purchase.

Loft Sessions: Pete Neighbour & Friends

Dec. 4. 7-9 p.m. $15-$30. Pastor’s Study, 1633 Main St. colajazz.com. Celebrated clarinetist,

Pete Neighbour, swings in the holidays with his unique versions of holiday favorites. The ColaJazz Loft Sessions serve as a cultural center where jazz musicians are nurtured with opportunities to collaborate with their peers, discover and refine their creativity and perform in front of eager audiences.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Nov. 28. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $47-$87. Koger Center for the Arts (1051 Greene St.). kogercenterforthearts.com. Brought to you through an unparalleled collaboration between the prestigious Koger Center for the Arts and the trailblazing ColaJazz Foundation this concert is an uplifting seasonal event perfect for the whole family.

Enjoy the soulful, big band versions of holiday classics performed by The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis augmented by the world-class jazz singer, Ashley Pezzotti.

A Christmas Carol presented by Columbia Children’s Theatre

Dec. 2. 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo. $15. harbisontheatre.org/events/ christmas-carol-2023.

Swingin’ Holidays presented by SC Jazz Masterworks Ensemble

Sunday, Dec. 17. 3:30 p.m. Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College, 7300 College St., Irmo. $25-50. harbisontheatre.org/events/ swingin-holidays

Arts Center of Kershaw County

Dec. 7. A Charlie Brown Christmas With the Reggie Sullivan Band. artscenterkc.org

Christmas at Red Bank

facebook.com/ChristmasAtRedBank.

Holiday concert featuring local rock and folk musicians at Red Bank United Methodist Church.

Colonial Life Arena

801 Lincoln St., coloniallifearena.com.

Dec. 8: Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Columbia Community Concert Band, cccb.bandlink. org. All-volunteer, adult, nonprofit band founded in 1981. Concerts at Airport High School.

Dec. 17: Dutch Fork Choral Society, dutchforkchoralsociety.com.

Dec. 8 & 10. Winter Concert

Find more things to do this season at free-times.com/events 8

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Sip, Dine, Stroll, and Shop in West Columbia If you are looking for the perfect gift, head to West Columbia to find the one-of-a-kind businesses that will help make your season bright.

Holiday Meeting Street Artisan Market Saturdays – Dec. 2, 9, 16 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

425 Meeting St., West Columbia

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HOLIDAY Newberry Opera House

1201 McKibben St., 803-276-6264, newberryoperahouse.com Nov. 19: Masters of Soul Motown Xmas Nov. 25: A Christmas Carol Nov. 26: John Berry Christmas Nov. 29: Celtic Angels Christmas Dec. 1: Soultown to Motown Dec. 3: Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy, The Nutcracker Ballet Dec. 7: Pam Tillis: Belles & Bows Dec. 8: Christmas with Wilson-Fairchild Dec. 10: Nat King Cole Christmas Dec. 13: Merry Country Christmas Dec. 14: Joe Gransden Big Band Xmas Dec. 21: A Very Electric Christmas Dec. 22: Christmas with the Celts

Palmetto Chamber Orchestra

palmettochamberorchestra.org. Concerts held at Incarnation Lutheran Church.

Dec. 16: Holiday Concert at Richland Library Main Dec. 17: Columbia Celebrates

Sumter Opera House

1 N Main St., Sumter, 803-246-2500, sumteroperahouse.com.

Dec. 1: FRISSON Ensemble – A Classic Christmas

Trinity Cathedral

1100 Sumter St., trinitysc.org/music Advent procession and festival: Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Handel’s Messiah: Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. $15-45.

Evensong, a service of readings, prayers and music: Sunday, Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Compline, a candlelight choral service: Thursdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21 at 8 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St. Columbia. Free and open to the public. trinitysc.org Candlelight Carols, followed by cocoa on the Cathedral Lawn: Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Christmas Eve pageant: Sunday, Dec. 24 at 4 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Events

Christmas morning service: Monday, Dec. 25 at 10 a.m. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St. Columbia. Free and open to the public. trinitysc.org Epiphany Carols and Oyster Roast: Friday, Jan. 5 at 5:30 p.m. $10 per person.

Carolina LifeSong Initiative

Dec. 1. Holiday Garland of Choirs. 803-7771870. The initiative serves students with special needs by providing them with piano instruction and music experiences. Every semester includes a public recital for the students.

Columbia Operatic Laboratory

Friday, Dec. 15: COLab, Carols, and Cocoa: Columbia Operatic Laboratory’s final Artist in Residency Event. 6:30 p.m.: Sing carols throughout Richland Library Main and enjoy tasty festive treats. 7:30 p.m.: concert in the Auditorium of some of our favorite holiday pieces.

Richland Library

Holiday Market: Dec. 13 and Dec. 20. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Richland Library Main, Free.

COLab, Carols, and Cocoa: Dec. 15, 7:308:30 p.m. Richland Library Main, Free.

The Palmetto Chamber Orchestra presents a Holiday Concert: Dec. 16. 3-4:30 p.m.

Richland Library Main, Free.

First Thursday on Main

Dec. 7, 6-9p.m. First Thursday’s Hip Hop anniversary wrap up party with Fat Rat da Czar. Free. Boyd Plaza, 1515 Main St. firstthursdayonmain.com

The Nick

Starting Dec. 25, $12. The Color Purple.

Musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel about the life-long struggles of an African American woman living in the South during the early 1900s.

Bill’s Pickin Parlor

Dec. 16. Live Music & Dancing Night, Christmas Dance & Potluck with the Bob Strickland Band, $10 donation, 6-10 p.m.

Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Party with live band, potluck dinner, non-alcoholic toast at midnight, $25 donation, 7 p.m.midnight, Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor, billsmusicshop.com, 803-796-6477

Christmas Eve services: Sunday, Dec. 24 at 7 and 11 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Find more things to do this season at free-times.com/events 10

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Great first holiday gifts for a new

BY ERIK J. MARTIN

I

Baby

s someone close to you expecting before the end of the year, or have a friend or loved one who recently gave birth? You probably want to shower plentiful attention and presents upon the new arrival over the holiday season. But before you load up that cart with goodies, it’s smart to give careful thought to items appropriate for a baby or his or her parents. The goal here is to serve as more of a helpful and thoughtful gift stork than a clueless dork.

“Giving new baby gifts as holiday presents is not as simple as it seems. There are many things to consider, including safety, gender, the timing of delivery and what the parents already have,” says nationally recognized event planner and gift curator Shelli Stelmak.

“Consider that babies often have to stay in the hospital longer than expected and parents can be inundated with the same gifts. Generic shipped gifts often don’t attach cards from the sender or seem impersonal. And as the gifts pile up, so does the list of ‘who sent what,’ thank you cards and possible returns/ exchanges, adding more work for the family.”

Before selecting a holiday gift for that infant, ponder their age.

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“If they are under the age of six months, they probably don’t need an entire Lego set yet. It can’t hurt to ask the parents if they already have certain gifts,” recommends Liesl Schuh, author of The Girl Dad book and a gifting expert. “I think it’s always a treat to receive a gift with meaning for both the parents and the child. That’s why I like children’s books as gifts, which never go out of style and can be used from the time a child is a newborn to older stages of life. Books foster family bonding, learning and a memory later in life of a favorite book or experience.”

Schuh is also a fan of giving personalized items like towels, burp cloths and travel bags, as well as customized Christmas/holiday

decorations that have the child’s name or likeness on them.

Patrick Kucharson, the founder of the free Better Gift Coach newsletter, seconds the latter.

“Gifts that are keepsake items from the child’s first holiday season keep getting better with age,” he says. “I also like the idea of gifting a first Christmas/holiday season time capsule, where parents can store mementos on the baby’s first holiday, such as a letter to their future self, small toys or even a holidaythemed onesie.”

Thinking more practically, diapers will never go to waste. A diaper subscription service like Coterie is a thoughtful gift for the whole family, suggests Kristin Revere, a certified baby registry expert.

“Developmental toys the baby can use make great holiday gifts as well. I’m a fan of

Fat Brain toys, which are made out of 100% food-grade silicone and are great for teething,” Revere continues.

Curated gift boxes for mom, dad and the baby all in one package will also be cherished, adds Stelmak.

“In addition, I would consider gifting organizational items that can keep things tidy, such as diaper caddies and bottle storage bins.

They may not be the most glamorous gifts, but they are the most useful and needed items that are regularly forgotten about,” Stelmak says.

If you want to think outside the box and far into outer space, name a star for the new baby.

“Naming a star is a gift that is never outgrown. Not only are the stars associated with many holiday traditions, decorations and stories, but naming a star is a gift that is always remembered,” says Elaine Stolpe, director of sales and communications for International Star Registry.

When in doubt, “remember that a simple home-cooked meal can go a long way, too,” Schuh adds.

Lastly, if you lack cooking skills or the necessary cash for a wrapped present, give the gift every parent appreciates: babysitting.

“Offer babysitting services so that mom and dad can have a special night out in a well-needed break,” says Stelmak.

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THIS YEAR’S MOST POPULAR

Children’s Gifts A

BY BARRY WALDMAN

h, the Christmas season, the lights, the chestnuts roasting on open fires, the chill in the air, the Salvation Army bells, Frosty and Charlie Brown and Jimmy Stewart and Red Ryder BB guns.

And the celebration of birth and life. What a joyous time.

And perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the season: buying gifts for kids, seeing their faces light up and watching them enjoy, learn and play.

There are many great gifts on the market, says Cat Bowen, an inveterate gift tester and reviewer for her role as senior parenting editor for BestProducts.com. She has some overall guidelines for getting gifts the kids will love.

Children telegraph their interests, so watch them play and surf online and listen to them talk to their friends. “Lean into that and lean in early,” said Bowen, “because recently, we’ve had a lot of toys sell out around the holidays.”

This is particularly true for size- or deliverydependent items requiring planning. That means ensuring you have batteries, USB plugs, cords and items assembled before Christmas Eve. No one wants to bequeath their child bicycle parts on Christmas day.

Buying gifts is about spending money,

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and though we all want to spoil our kids and grandkids, it’s important to understand the weak correlation between the cost of a gift and the enjoyment kids will derive from it. With inflation and the increase in toy technology, keeping a lid on spending is tough. Even lowtech Lego sets can cost hundreds. Bowen says the average toy costs $50-$80, but shoppers wisely steer clear of the high-ticket items and spend an average of $35-$60 on gifts.

Bowen said the hot three categories of toys these days are magic, robots and retro. For retro, Super Mario Brothers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers are making a comeback, with new movie releases driving some of those sales. Even the venerable Spirographs, which dates to 1965, has seen its star rise – or redrawn.

For magic, Bowen singles out the Cookeez Makery. This oven-themed playset allows children to cook “dough” into a scented

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plush toy. If this sounds nonsensical and otherworldly, it’s magic and gets made for about 35 bucks.

There are two robot dogs on the market this year and plenty of other robot toys that often push the price boundaries. Many are app-powered and teach children basic coding, adding a soupçon of learning to the fun.

Bowen reminds shoppers purchasing tech toys to mind their compatibility with the child’s existing systems. For example, Xbox and Nintendo don’t play well together; Mac and PC try but sometimes fail.

If you care about your children learning while they play, there is good news on the market. Bowen says toymakers are subtly imbuing play objects with lessons, like the coding in robot apps. One item on the Best Products list is a volcano beanbag toss game that looks like cornhole but plays like school.

Children learn about volcanoes as they play.

Another is a national parks set for preschoolers and Squishy Human Body, which allows kids to remove and identify body parts. With this one, your future doctor can get a leg up in college anatomy class. (It takes guts to tell body parts jokes.)

“Educational toys are no longer the boring chemistry set that is cool to one out of 50 kids,” Bowen said.

Though education may be the goal, Barbie is the hot commodity in 2023, what with the movie hoopla. Bowen’s top pick for Barbierelated paraphernalia is decidedly low-tech: rub-off Barbie fashion plates that can be mixed, matched and colored in. Bowen’s own 12-year-old daughter made a whole Barbie book with her new analog toy. (Ken not included.)

Despite the dominance of the digital, the faddish and the mysterious, the number one

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gift on the Best Products list fits none of these categories. It’s not retro, magic or robot; it’s decidedly low-tech and not particularly educational. In fact, it’s as much a kitchen appliance as it is a toy. But, Bowen says, her kids love it and still use it year-round five years later.

It’s a snow cone machine. Just mix ice, flavored syrup and food coloring if you like, then let the machine fulfill its destiny. Shaved ice is for everyone, almost any time of year.

Alter the ingredients and make a margarita, slushie, granita or iced coffee. Wait a minute – that’s why it’s number one! It’s a gift for parents as much as for the kids.

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W H AT TO GET YOUR CHILD’S

BY BARRY WALDMAN

W

Teacher

e all were reminded during COVID-19 that teachers are among our most unsung heroes. Their job is demanding and critical, with the future of our country dependent on their good work. It can also be frustrating: teachers have complained for decades about all the administrative tasks, the testing that distorts their lesson planning and the constant oversight impinging on their professional judgment.

So, why do they do it? Teaching can be an incredibly fulfilling job. The opportunity to connect with a student, guide them in the right direction and touch them in a way they might remember for the rest of their life is a profoundly moving scenario.

That is why teachers love receiving Christmas gifts from their students (or the students’ parents), not so much for the gifts themselves but because of the message behind the present: you’re making a difference.

It is also why teachers are particularly moved by gifts with a personal touch. That might include a heartfelt note, a DIY project from the student, a gift aligned with the teacher’s interest or something with their name on it. These gifts epitomize the concept that “it’s the thought that counts.” Homemade proclamations of appreciation are just as good

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or better than store-bought knick-knacks.

Lauren Williams has taught kindergarten for ten years in the Charleston County (SC) School District. She’s received dozens of gifts from students, like coffee mugs, gift cards and stuffed animals. The gift she remembers best didn’t cost a thing. It was a picture drawn by the big sister of a girl in her class depicting Williams and the student holding hands, accompanied by a note saying, “Thank you for teaching me.”

“That one meant a lot; I taped it to my wall for years,” Williams remembered. “That’s why I got into teaching, for those connections you make with students.”

Williams says those small gestures can be a salve for teachers battling with all the administrative and testing dragons that bedevil an educator’s life. “Nine times out

of ten, teachers are feeling discouraged and that they aren’t making a difference. So those refreshing personal notes from parents or kids telling me I was making a difference or thanking me for loving them kept me going sometimes,” she said.

Christmas is the middle of the school year in primary and secondary school, so students and teachers will generally be back together for another semester. Therefore, some teachers are wary of receiving expensive gifts that can make future interactions awkward. Giving a failing grade to a child whose parents bestowed a wine basket or jewelry on you for Christmas is complicated. Other teachers say that isn’t an issue, and they appreciate the expression of gratitude for their efforts.

Christmas is also a holiday with a religious provenance that not everyone celebrates.

Susan McCan retired after 30 years as an elementary and middle teacher in Johnson City, NY, public schools. She said teachers and teachers’ aides work with students from a variety of cultures and have developed an appreciation for those cultures, so they aren’t generally sensitive to the idea of Christmas as a religious holiday.

But teachers caution against including overtly religious notes or cards unless you know the teacher will appreciate that. Offering such sentiments to a Muslim teacher who wears a head scarf, or a Jewish teacher who celebrates Hanukkah could be interpreted as

an affront.

Caution is also indicated when purchasing a coffee mug, which Williams says has become the new apple. “It became a running joke with my roommate – our coffee mug collection became insane,” she said.

McCann said coffee mugs were among the many items that went into her garage sale.

“You only need so many coffee mugs,” she laughed.

What are good gifts if you want to buy something? Williams offers these ideas: Gift cards, particularly those aligned with a teacher’s interests.

Personalized gifts, like something monogrammed with the teacher’s initials.

Beverage containers like an insulated water bottle.

Meal prep gift cards.

Self-care: lip balm, hand cream, hand sanitizer.

Particularly for teachers of the lower grades, something related to the classroom theme.

“Mine last year was cactus,” she said. “If you find something cute to add to the classroom that matches there, that’s always appreciated.”

Ultimately, teachers say, it is truly the thought that counts. Susan McCann even appreciated the gifts that couldn’t be used, like one earring from mom’s drawer, expired cookies, or something partly used. As long as a child or parent was offering their thanks, that was enough.

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What to buy for tricky recipients on your holiday gift list

BY ERIK J. MARTIN

S

ooner or later, it happens to everybody. You’re faced with the challenging task of choosing a gift for someone who’s difficult to please or whom you risk upsetting with your chosen present. The easy answer is to either bestow something generic – like a gift card – or skip that recipient altogether.

But don’t give up so quickly. With the right planning and a little creativity, you can score in this “no-win” game of gift-giving.

“If you find someone tricky to find a gift for, you are not alone in that sentiment. While others might take the simple route by treating this gifting opportunity as a check-the-box exercise, look at this is your opportunity for you and your gift to shine,” Patrick Kucharson, founder of Better Gift Coach in Cleveland, says. “All it’s going to take is a little more consideration and a reminder of a fundamental of gift giving: Present gifts they want to receive over gifts you want to give.”

Adopting the right attitude is important, says Genevieve Dreizen, COO of Fresh Starts Registry and a modern etiquette expert.

“Here is where ‘it’s the thought that counts’ comes into play. When we give gifts, we aren’t being graded. We instead should attempt to share the way we feel about this person with them in the form of an item,” she says. “We should strive to assemble our thoughts and feelings about this person in the form of a wrapped package and aim to do our best.”

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Folks who pose a challenge include the minimalist-minded who value experiences over material possessions and those who seem to already “have it all.”

“Those with unique or specific tastes as well as people who are uncomfortable receiving gifts also fall into this challenging recipient category,” Kucharson adds.

Let’s break down several problematic candidates and the right gift strategies for each.

A finicky relative, loved one or friend, including those who often bring gifts back to the store. “Stop treating selecting gifts for picky people as a solo sport. Instead, treat it as a team sport and recognize that your most important teammate is your finicky gift recipient,” suggests Kucharson. “So, save everyone the hassle and directly ask them what they want. Most studies find that, in general, gift recipients are more appreciative of presents they request versus unrequested or surprise ones.”

A wealthy person who “has it all.” “For these individuals, I would recommend something

thoughtful and practical. Perhaps something to equip, decorate or furnish their outdoor living spaces,” says Wendy Wang, owner of F&J Outdoor. Alternatively, consider something personalized and not massproduced. “A beautiful photo frame is very rarely under-appreciated. You’ll earn bonus points for putting a photo of you and the receiver in the same shot inside the frame,” Dreizen notes.

An extra-religious person who may appreciate a more spiritual-type gift or a friend who practices a different religion. “It can be hard to gift for cultures you are not fully educated in, so I recommend gifting something safe like a lovely smelling candle, a beautiful journal and a cozy blanket or pair of slippers. This allows them to reflect, meditate, or relax with their new gifts however they desire,” advises Dreizen.

An older parent who says they don’t want anything. “Moms and dads always say they don’t want anything, but thoughtful gifts surely touch their hearts,” says Wang. Here, personalized gifts that are sentimental, unique and thoughtful can be ideal. “Think of options like a photo book, coffee mug, mousepad, canvas print, monogrammed wine glasses, engraved bamboo cutting board and even personalized luggage tags,” says Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert with MySavings. com. Or give the gift of more time together by booking a shared trip or excursion that you

“A beautiful photo frame is very rarely under-appreciated.

You’ll earn bonus points for putting a photo of you and the receiver in the same shot inside the frame.” clear with them ahead of time.

In general, when gift-giving try to consider someone’s aesthetic, lifestyle and interests.

“If your loved one is a minimalist, don’t gift them knickknacks. If they have small children, don’t give them something fragile. Consideration, effort and intent are paramount to anything else,” Dreizen says.

As a last resort, if your recipient genuinely expresses that they don’t want you to get them a gift, but you feel compelled to bestow them something anyway, “my advice is to honor their wishes – almost,” Kucharson continues.

“My go-to gift in this scenario is a handwritten card that shares your appreciation for them.”

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Alternative ways to wrap and bestow gifts for the holidays

BY ERIK J. MARTIN

G

iving a gift is about so much more than the product inside the box.

Experts say the presentation can make all the difference – much like the ornaments and lights that truly make a Christmas tree stand out. That’s why it’s recommended to think carefully about how you wrap/package and bestow a present this holiday season.

“The ‘H’ in holiday has come to stand for hurried and hassled. Wrapping gifts and presenting them with pride will elevate the generous act of giving,” says Lisa Mirza Grotts, an etiquette expert. “A handsomely wrapped gift is the equivalent of receiving a handwritten letter – you are much more likely to open that versus a mass-produced or computer-generated letter.”

Ianthe Mauro, a spokesperson for Objects With Purpose, concurs.

“How can your gift be received with gratitude or awe if it looks mundane, cookiecutter and unimaginative? The impact of your gift’s first impression is everything. It’s all about intentional generosity, which starts at the gift presentation: the way it looks on the outside.”

Mauro’s recipe for an effective presentation is to ditch the mass-produced wrapping paper and peel-and-stick bows. Instead, consider using plain brown paper – even a roll of butcher paper or a brown paper bag turned inside out. Then, if you have distinctive handwriting, use a sharpie and write on the paper a story or a poem that speaks to the recipient. Complete the handmade look with a sprig of rosemary taped to the top corner of the box.

“Alternatively, use a vintage silk scarf and tie the gift like a gorgeous bundle. The scarf

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can be an additional present and doubles as the presentation,” suggests Mauro. “You can add a card and tie it to the scarf or have it tucked inside to be discovered when opened.”

If you still value commercial wrapping paper, try to use some that reflect the recipient’s tastes and interests, such as wrapping adorned with cute canines for a dog lover. Or print photos of shared moments with the recipient on paper and use that paper to cover the gift, making the wrapping itself a potential keepsake, advises Patrick Kucharson, the founder of the free Better Gift Coach newsletter.

Using paper or cloth gift bags or a wicker

basket instead of wrapping paper can be a more eco-friendly option, especially if you encourage reuse of the bag or basket. If you really want to go green, wrap the box or package in newspaper, such as the colored funny pages from your Sunday edition.

“You can even go to a print shop and print out an oversized city map of where the recipient lives instead of using newspaper or wrapping paper,” Grotts continues.

In lieu of using a box, put your gift inside a tin that you can line with tissue paper or paper shreds to prevent the item from shifting around.

“Or consider stuffing your gift into a large balloon that your recipient gets to pop instead of on wrap,” Kucharson adds.

When it comes to actually handing off the gift, put a little creative effort into the action.

“If you are sending a gift in the mail, opt to have it sent to you first so that you can intentionally wrap it with your thoughtful touches,” suggests Mauro. “If you are bringing a gift in person, bypass the gift table and handed it to the recipient personally whenever possible.”

A fun way to make gift-giving memorable is to hide the present and make the recipient hunt for it, giving them “hot” or “cold” clues.

You can also divide the gift into pieces if it is an item that requires assembly; simply wrap the pieces separately and deliver the gift piece by piece in the days leading up to the grand

finale gifting occasion when they receive the final piece needed to assemble it in its entirety, Kurcharson explains.

“Or you can present the gift within a Disguise The Surprise divider box that allows you to quickly and effortlessly conceal or highlight a single gift or create sections to fill the entire box with gifts tailored to the recipient’s interests,” says Duffy Hofer, founder of Disguise The Surprise. The reusable plastic dividers that come with this product enable you to, for example, hide a small gift within a larger box.

“People expect clothing inside of a shirt box, but when they lift the lid and see that a small but treasured jewelry item is inside, that’s where the excitement comes in,” she says.

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