JINGLE ‘BELL’

All the Way to Impromptu Gift Mastery

The holiday season brings with it many surprises more beautiful than anything conjured up by a sugar plum fairy. Yet there’s a certain unwelcome surprise that can happen during those 12 days of Christmas: the dreaded one-sided gift. It could be an old childhood friend stopping through town, your handyman or the neighbor down the street. Someone will give you an unanticipated token of affection. Never knowing when it will happen can turn the “most wonderful time of the year” into a daily game of Rudolph roulette with every social interaction. 

Photos: James River Media

This calls for a four-ingredient acronym! When it comes to preparing gifts for unexpected scenarios, Jingle BELL all the way! Fill your Santa sack and never again feel like a reindeer in headlights. 

BUNDLED BEAUTY
Thanks to YouTube and TikTok tutorials, gift prep with all the jingle bells and whistles is very approachable these days. Taking a few minutes to learn how to properly measure wrapping paper, curl ribbons with a pair of scissors or stuff tissue paper in an artful way, can really take your gift giving to the next level. Even something as universal as an Amazon gift card can appear aesthetically customized with a sprig of faux holly or curlicue ribbon tucked in the card. 

Photos: James River Media

Expert tips 

• Store packaging materials organized by type in a specific place you’ll remember like a cedar closet or attic. Bows, ribbons and tissue paper can be stored in clear containers. Bags can be stored upright with the nesting approach, in which smaller ones fit inside larger ones. 
• Once your extra gifts are prepared, place a sticky note on the bottom of each with a small descriptor — just remember to remove them before handing off the package. 
• The best time to gather wrapping materials and anything Christmas inspired in general, are the days immediately following Christmas. Gather all materials that are still intact for reuse, and then head to stores and stock up on all the mark-downs in preparation for the next year. 
• When it comes to floral packaging add-ons, keep it faux. Not only will they hold up, but some people are allergic to fresh greenery. 
• If you have a way with words, consider handwriting a little poem or thoughtful Christmas wish in each card (a message that is meaningful but could work for anyone). 

Bottom Photos: James River Media

ELFISH ENTHUSIASM
Christmas elves evoke childlike joy and mischievous humor. You may have already resorted to this style of gag gifting after years of exchanging presents with your father-in-law — a man of simple desires and a loyal fan of one sports team. How many Virginia Tech Hokie-themed beverage containers and articles of clothing does one man need? Let’s face it, sometimes gifts are more about cheap thrills than treasured keepsakes. Those inflatable light-up reindeer antlers on Grandpa’s head — for which the cousins took aim during a hearty game of plastic ring toss? Well, they might not live to see another year, but the hilarious memories and pictures will circulate for a lifetime. The thing about hot dog-flavored candy canes, socks shaped like animal paws and burrito-mimicking throw blankets, is that they disarm the opener. Like an elf with a twinkle in your eye, you’ll revel in the thrill of the hunt and the reactions that follow. 

Expert tips 

• Throughout the year, consider stockpiling items that stand out to you in the front clearance sections of the big box stores. Anything neat that inspires curiosity or a chuckle can be saved as a novelty gift. 
• Group budget-friendly small gifts together by theme. For the wordsmith recipients, compile low-cost crossword puzzle booklets, free books in good condition from local little libraries and silly joke book collectibles from stores like Five Below and Dollar General. This piggybacks on the bundling theme, as it also features skillful curation. 

Photos: James River Media

LABORS OF LOVE
Do you have a special talent that showcases your individuality? Quilting? Painting? Crafting? Baking? Shearing your farm-raised llama and hand-knitting wool socks? If so, this type of gift is a no-brainer. You’re likely already creating special gifts for the folks on your list, so assuming that your passion isn’t too time-consuming, make several extras. 

Expert tips 

• If items aren’t specific to the Christmas season or perishable, they can be gifted throughout the year for any occasion. Examples include landscape paintings, sewn fashion accessories or blankets, soaps and jewelry. 
• To keep the creative process from feeling like a chore, make a day of it. It can be part of your typical Christmas season, a random day in September or part of “Christmas in July.” Spend the day immersed in your passion while sipping hot chocolate and watching your favorite Christmas movie. 

LOCAL LOOT
If you’re short on crafting talent or time, no worries! With local loot, you pass along someone else’s creations. If you’re proud of where you live and wish to support small mom-and-pop shops, farmers and local artisans, give gifts that celebrate your community. Festivals, art and craft expos and farmers markets are the best places to find treasures like paintings, pottery, woodwork, candles, treats and more. 

Expert tips

• Festival finds can be gathered all year round, especially when it comes to crafts and pottery. 
• Food and beverages are best purchased and/or prepared as close to the holidays as possible (with the exception of freeze-dried candy, properly sealed snacks with far-off expiration dates, or something like fine wine that ages well). 
• Be sure to strike up a conversation with the artist about the inspiration or origin of source materials. Passing along the story behind the gift is half the fun. 

Final tip
At the height of the season, keep your extra gifts in an accessible place like your handbag or the trunk of the car. From there, you can easily choose and grab an appropriate choice on the fly. 

No longer a reindeer in headlights, you are now taking the reigns as a savvy Santa with a few tricks up your red velvet sleeve. That’s a wrap … with a bow on top! ✦