Note: this post is sponsored by Universal Store
This year I have come to the realisation that one of the biggest loves of my life is in giving to others. Being of service to others, offering love and support to my friends and family, having dinner parties that those close to me can enjoy, and giving gifts are some of the most joyous times in my life.
I previously thought that I could find joy in what I received in this world. Be it earning more money, climbing higher in my career, getting more followers on Daily Inspiration Board, fitting into last season’s skinny jeans or getting more invitations from friends… All of these things mean little in the face of what I can give.
I LOVE to give to others. I love it. If I can do something that puts a smile on someone’s face and gives them even a small shred of happiness in their day, I am happiest. It’s taken me a lot of years to realize this!
I definitely had an inkling of this a year back. One of the goals that I set for myself for 2014 was to be able to take my friends and family out to dinner, lunch, or whatever, and pay for them.
For the first time in my life, I have done this so many times in the past year that I can’t even count it! I love it, and it makes me so happy. It’s not a matter of money. It’s the fact of being able to give something to others without any thought of receiving something back.
In this world, money is energy. That’s the beauty of the world we live in – we can dictate our own lives, our own loves, our own successes, and where we focus our energy. Where we channel our own energy is inevitably where it comes back to us.
Here’s my top three tricks for giving gifts that people will love!
1. Put yourself in their shoes. The more thought you give it the better. If they have a hobby or interest you can align with that – if all else fails go for something pretty over practical. Gifting is about getting something for someone that they probably wouldn’t buy for themselves.
2. Stick within a reasonable budget. Try and match (creatively of course) what they will spend on you, just in case they feel self-conscious about that kind of thing. The spirit of Christmas isn’t about showing anyone up, but of giving and receiving lovingly.
3. Get the most high-quality products you can afford. I always think that a small, high-quality, well thought out gift is more precious than buying more that may be lower quality. Think: a small bar of Swiss chocolate over a block of non-branded, and go from there!
If you are shopping online this year, there are some amazing advantages – namely, you don’t have to deal with the crowds! There are many online shops that you can buy from. Check out online stores such as Universal Store for some Christmas fashion and gifting ideas.
Are you shopping online or in-store this Christmas?