4 The Queens Courier • holiday • DECEMBER 17, 2015 for breaking news visit www.qns.com WHO’S ON YOUR LIST? s holiday guide By Tresa Erickson Shopping for gifts is a holiday ritual for many, and it usually starts with making out a list of recipients. While you might long to buy a gift for everyone you know, that probably is not within your budget. Here some tips to whittle your choices and make a good list. Budget is always a factor. How much can you afford to spend on holiday gifts this year? This will provide a very good indication of how long or short your list may be. Larger budgets may allow for longer lists. Gift choices also play a factor. Some people have very specific wants or needs, some more expensive than others. While you are under no obligation to purchase the gift requested, especially if it is out of your budget, it would be a nice gesture. Think about the more expensive gifts you plan to buy and the percentage of your budget that will take. Then, you should be able to determine a reasonable number for your list. When you have a good idea of your budget and the gifts you hope to buy, you can start making out the list. First, write down everyone you would like to buy for family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances, service people, etc. Then whittle it down from there. Again, you do not have to buy a gift for everyone you know. Neighbors you hardly know will not be expecting a gift. Neither will your mailman, unless he knows you personally and visits with you regularly. And, even then, he might not be expecting a gift. Family should probably be first on the list, followed by close friends, neighbors and coworkers. Be careful that you do not overlook or exclude someone that could lead to issues later. If you work closely with three people, and you buy gifts for just two of them, chances are the one left out will take offense. If you can’t afford to buy for all three, leave them off your list or buy them a group gift, like a round of hot chocolate on a cold day. Look to individuals’ wishes to whittle your list even further. Not everyone takes great delight in holiday gifts. Should a person on your list request no gifts this year, abide by their wishes. They may feel uncomfortable with the exchange of gifts or feel like they have everything they need and prefer you spend the money on someone else. Abide by their wishes, skip the gift and give them a card instead. If you are working with a really small budget, you may have to get creative with your list. Write down the people you absolutely must buy a gift for, then think outside of the box to find other gift ideas and keep costs in check. Perhaps you could have a few people on your list over for dinner or bake them some cookies in lieu of a wrapped gift. Food is a great gift, and it doesn’t require a lot of money. A big pot of chili for the gang at the office might be just the perfect gift. The gift of time is also an idea. Perhaps you could hang out with a close friend for a few hours and catch up, or watch their children while they go shopping. When it comes to shopping for holiday gifts, you do not have to go all out and break the bank. Buy gifts only for those necessary and give from the heart where you can. Recipients will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Celebrate the Holidays with Chocolate! Let Aigners be a part of your families tradition Serving Queens since 1930 WE MAKE CHOCOLATES FOR ALL HOLIDAYS AND SPECIAL EVENTS, ALL CHOCOLATES ARE HOMEMADE HERE 103-02 Metropolitan Ave. Corner of 71st Rd. • 718-544 1850 www.aignerchocolates.com • Facebook.com/aignerchocolates
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