So we’re gearing up for the annual Secret Santa in our family.  With seven brothers and sisters, we decided long ago that the only way to financially survive the holidays is to do a gift exchange.  While the lower cost is nice, I miss the ritual of thinking about and giving something to each of the people I love most.

My brother Lane and I are having a bit of a debate this year. When asked for clues as to what he might like, he responded with a list of suggestions, all under the $25 limit.  Then he qualified a gift card request  by saying, ”If you only get one gift, it’s not super fun to just open a gift card.”  (“Oh, reeeeally?”, I say!)  My feeling is the exact opposite.  If I’m only getting one gift, then I’d rather get something that I truly need or want.

But see that’s me–always a practical gal.  Lane is a little more jazz hands and whimsy than I.  But I get his point.  That’s why I think it’s important to do both: Give a gift card that can be redeemed later along with something that can be opened and enjoyed right away.  For example:

• I do not (I swear!) have my little sister Brooke this year. But if I did, I would gift card her with a pedicure (she’s pregnant and her toes should look nice when she sees them for the last time in a few weeks) and an inexpensive crossword puzzle book (her secret obsession) that she can work through while being pampered.
• I do not have my sister Paige either. If I did, however, I’d get her a gift card to the bookstore so she can buy something to read while on break (she’s a teacher). Then I’d laminate some old family photos into bookmarks.  She’d immediately get a good laugh and then later get the joy of picking out a good book.
• I do not have my brother B.J. But I think he might like a gift card to an electronics store because he’s always getting some new gadget for his computer. Then again, he also has a random fascination with the Food Network. So I might get him a gift card to the cooking store instead.  I’d partner either card with his favorite candy–real malt balls.  Not drug store malt balls that come in a box, but the kind you have to ask for by the pound, have scooped out with tongs, and hold in a little white baggy.  He’d savor those as much as the actual gift.

I think Lane would agree that this approach meets both of our needs.  You get something you want and something fun to open and enjoy in the moment.  I guess we’ll find out for sure…in about 39 more shopping days.