Guidance for millennials and seniors on what to ask for in a Christmas gift: Insights from a long-term fixed income earner
As you prepare your Christmas list, especially if you are a senior or a millennial on a fixed income, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. This article discusses the nuances of gift-giving, especially when you are not looking for luxury items or 'stuff' for the sake of it, but genuinely useful and affordable gifts.
What are Some Practical Gifts to Ask for as a Grown Adult on a Fixed Income?
For those in the senior or millennial category, a fixed income can bring about a range of financial realities. Despite not seeking luxury items, finding meaningful and useful gifts can be challenging. Some individuals, like the almost 70-year-old author, have already reflected on what would be most suitable and practical.
As an example, the author lists several practical Christmas gifts that they deemed necessary and wanted:
Four bottles of a premium brand called Four Bottles, condensed into one bottle of Everclear Moonshine, a distinctly unique gift Tide pods, useful for laundry A new inexpensive task chair, enhancing comfort and productivity Feliway pheromones for cats, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in feline companionsFamily Gift Exchanges: Maximizing the Christmas Spirit Amid Constraints
Christmas gift exchanges can be a wonderful tradition, especially for larger families. For instance, in the author's family, there is a gift exchange among the adult children, where names are drawn to avoid overwhelming any individual and keep costs down for everyone. The maximum value for each gift is limited to $50.
The adult children typically buy gifts ranging from $20 to $50 for each other. However, the list for the parents and the younger girls includes more affordable items like:
Pens Nail sanding boards Chip clipsThis thoughtfulness ensures that no one feels unable to contribute, and it simultaneously helps sustain the joy of receiving a gift.
Navigating the Challenges of Christmas Generosity in a Fixed Income Household
Reflecting on past experiences, the author recalls a time when their mother only listed expensive items like a fur coat, new car, or diamond jewelry on her Christmas wish list. This was aimed at their father more than them, and the author, being only 8 years old at the time, couldn't afford anything on her list. Along with her siblings, the author worked extra hard to save up for something and eventually bought their mother a heart-shaped pendant with an extremely tiny diamond chip.
Even though the gift was modest, it was exceptionally meaningful. The author's mother saw it as genuine diamond jewelry and was extremely proud of her accomplishment. This experience highlighted the importance of considering more affordable and personal gifts, especially when trying to make others feel valued.
Conclusion
As a fixed income earner, it is possible to navigate the challenges of Christmas gift-giving through thoughtful planning and practical approaches. Whether you are a senior or a millennial, the key is to focus on meaningful and useful gifts that reflect your true needs and desires.