Wish List Etiquette

Are you reluctant to create a wish list because you think (or have been told) that it’s materialistic?  Selfish?  Rude?  Miss Manners may frown on wish lists, but Miss Hazel thinks they can be handy communication tools and a great relief to gift givers and recipients alike.  How to Organize Your Wish List focused on the mechanics of an on-line (Amazon.com) wish list, and provided tips such as to keep it updated, and add a variety of items in different price ranges.  Wish List Etiquette applies to any and all forms of a wish list, including dog-eared catalog pages.  Keep reading for a list of suggested DOs and DON’Ts.

GIFT GIVERS:  You are not obligated to consult or purchase anything from anyone’s wish list.  Your own personal brand of creativity and generosity is still allowed and appreciated!  Just remember to consider what the other person likes, wants, and needs.

• DO feel free to consult and ask for wish lists if you are short on gift ideas, especially for those you don’t see every day (relatives in other states), or those you don’t know very well (in-laws).
• DO, if you see something you like on a list, try to get that exact version of the item if you can.  There may be a reason why it was requested, such as software compatibility for an electronic product.  If it’s a toy for a younger child, ask the parent if another version would be equally welcome.
• DO notice whether the list is full of toys and games, or whether perhaps there are some more practical items desired and needed.
• DO think about whether or not you are just adding to someone’s clutter.  Consider clutter-free gifts such as gift certificates, experiences, and consumables.
• DON’T be persuaded by a wish list to exceed your gift-giving budget.  That will just make you resentful…and broke.

GIFT RECIPIENTS:  We will never all be on the same page at the same time when it comes to gift giving and receiving.  It’s part of being human.  Just remember:  Gratitude is always good manners.

• DO allow your loved ones to express their generosity and creativity in their own way.
• DON’T expect them to read your mind or express disappointment when they can’t.
• DO be gracious and sincerely thankful for each gift you receive, no matter what it is.
• DON’T expect to get everything on your wish list.  Your chances of getting future gifts increases if you appreciate what you DO get, and avoid being cranky about what you DON’T get.

PARENTS:  Wish lists can come in particularly handy with kids.  How so?  I’ve seen clients’ homes that were overrun with toys purchased by well-meaning relatives.  Parents tell me they are reluctant, lest they appear ungrateful, to let those relatives know how cluttered their home is; how much their kids really need new winter coats or music lessons more than they do new toys; and how oblivious their kids are to more toys when they already have so many.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have a polite way of letting doting grandparents know what you and your kids really want and need?

• DO create wish lists for younger children.  Include things they need, not just things they want.
• DON’T force the list on your loved ones, but DO have it handy (and in a shareable format) when asked for ideas.
• DO encourage older children to create their own wish lists — with your supervision and input, of course.  Then set expectations.  Teach them that they will NOT receive everything on the list, and to genuinely appreciate what they DO get.
• DON’T discourage kids from writing letters to Santa.  Yes, he may have access to their wish list, but that’s mostly for their adult family members.  Santa still appreciates a handwritten note, and milk and cookies on Christmas Eve.

I’d love to know what you think is good (or bad) gift-giving etiquette in the comments below.

My wish list for you?  Have a meaningful, organized, stress-free holiday season!

 

Copyright 2011 by Hazel Thornton, Organized For Life.

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Tags: clutter-free, gifts, stress-free, wish list