1. Do: Give a gift card

Don’t: Pull money from your wallet and decide that’s your gift.

While giving gift cards and cash are essentially the same as they are both monetary gifts, one has a bit more thought in it than the other. And we’ve always been told it’s the thought that counts, right? Look at the recipient’s Giftster list for where they may like to shop. Even better, look at their gift preferences for tips about what store they most want to shop. Get creative with presenting their gift card by placing it in a fancy box, wrapping it like a pro, and finishing it with a ribbon and bow. 

Unless they’ve specifically told you or have it on their list that they’re saving up for something in particular, cash is probably not the ideal gift to give. Well…unless they are a teenager or college student, where the cash would come in handy the most. But I promise you, a gift card given to your wife for SpaFinder or something like that will be much more appreciated than taking out folded cash from your wallet and sticking it in a card. 

2. Do: Give a subscription box.

Don’t: Go to the store, find everything related to this one thing your loved one is into, buy everything you see that relates to it, and put it in a box.

There’s pretty much a subscription box for everything these days. A subscription box gift is a gift that keeps on giving! It works well for last-minute Christmas shopping because you can order them online. It doesn’t need to be for very long; it could be a couple of months, whatever is most appropriate for the recipient. It will show more thought in the gift than just going and buying several random things just because they’re related to someone’s interest. A subscription box can also introduce them to items and themes adjacent to their interest, helping your gift to be insightful while avoiding redundancy. 

3. Do: Give a nice piece of clothing.

Don’t: Give clothing if you don’t know what size to give.

I’ve received clothing that’s too small and, at other times, too big. Sometimes, there’s a receipt; other times, I’m just stuck with it. To the back of the closet, never to be worn or used by me if I donate, return, or sell it. So, while giving that sweater in the perfect color for your nephew, if you don’t know the size, put it down and move on. If you really want to give it, you could always give a gift card for the sweater amount and plan a date to take the person shopping so they can try it on. Spend time with a loved one AND give a gift? That’s a two-for-one present! Another option is to gift them a personal shopping experience with a service like Mindful Closet or Stich Fix. However, approach this gift cautiously; you want it to be appreciated. You don’t want to insult the recipient by implying they need style help. 

4. Do: Donate to the recipient’s favorite charity.

Don’t: Forget to tell them that you donated.

I may be talking from experience here because this may have happened to me once or twice. If you donate online, the charity will often give you the chance to print a letter to give to the recipient. Sometimes, they send a letter directly to them as well, but for those of us who like to give something for the person to open, that defeats the purpose. Have a little fun with this type of gift, and get creative with gift wrapping. This is the perfect gift for someone who has asked for no gifts. First, choose a charity that supports a cause the recipient is passionate about. Then, you could get a token item that represents the charity. Wrap up the item with the donation letter, giving it a fancy touch with a ribbon and a bow. 

5. Do: Give a consumable treat that you know they love.

Don’t: Give them something they’re allergic to or cannot eat.

Wines and spirits and nuts and sweets. Those gifts are always loved, except when you have food allergies or other sensitivities or restrictions. My father-in-law, who is diabetic, would love a tin of nuts but would likely pass on the box of chocolates. Check out the recipient’s gift preferences to see what would be best. If they aren’t on Giftster or haven’t listed preferences, run your gift idea by someone close to them, like a parent, spouse, or child. Use our helpful guide to wrap those oddly shaped gifts of food jars and containers. 

6. Do: Keep it simple.

Don’t: Go overboard and don’t impulse shop.

Gifts don’t always need to be grand or one-up the previous year. Don’t overthink it; keep it simple. The little things on a person’s wish list often mean just as much as the big things. And when you’re shopping at the last minute, sometimes simple is best. Remember the recipient’s gift preferences and fight the urge to impulse buy. No giant walruses, okay?

7. Do: Shop Local. 

Don’t: Underestimate Shipping Times. 

Shopping locally helps support your local community while also helping you find unique or one-of-a-kind gifts. These gifts show the recipient that you spent time and effort thinking about them and their interests. You then took the time to find the perfect gift for them. Sometimes, the thought and effort behind the gift mean more than the gift itself. If you decide to shop online, plan well in advance. Modern shipping times can be unpredictable and often delayed. It’s better to order sooner than risk their gift arriving after Christmas because you did last-minute Christmas shopping.

8. Do: Stay on Budget. 

Don’t: Overspend due to lack of planning.

Staying on budget is crucial for reducing your holiday stress. Before you shop, decide how much you can afford to spend on your gifts for the holiday season. Then, break down this total to calculate how much you want to spend on each person. That way, you can narrow your options to gifts that fit your budget. 

Without a plan, you won’t know how much you spend until you’re done shopping. You could easily spend significantly more than you want or can afford to. You will also lack direction when gift shopping, increasing your stress levels. Last-minute Christmas shopping can cause you to spend more as stores sell out, and you run out of time to shop for the best deal. 

No matter where your last-minute shopping takes you, make sure you have Giftster loaded on your mobile device to double-check those wish lists and gift preferences before you check out.

The post 8 Do’s and Don’ts of Last Minute Christmas Shopping appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Secret Santa gift exchanges are no exception.

Do you know where Secret Santa originates?

The tradition’s start is just as inspiring as the magic surrounding it in today’s society.

In December of 1979, a man named Larry Stewart was in a restaurant mourning the loss of his job. When he noticed a waitress wearing a worn-out jacket, he decided to change his perspective and give to others instead of feeling sorry for himself. He realized that many people were struggling much more than he was.

Each December, he would hand out $100 bills to people in need in his area. He became an American folk figure known as “Kansas City’s Secret Santa.” 

Over his lifetime, it’s estimated that he donated over $1.3 million, including donations in New York City after the events of 9/11 and in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina.

In fact, no one even knew his real name until 2006.

Now, he is known as the man whose philanthropy started the Secret Santa tradition. He even spent later years of his life “training” other Secret Santas to pick up his work making anonymous donations to the needy.

So this season, when you’re planning your next Secret Santa gift exchange, remember its inspirational origins. For an amazing Secret Santa gift exchange this year, here are some rules and tips you can follow to make the most of the holiday magic.

Using a Secret Santa Generator

Our top tip for organizing a Secret Santa gift exchange is to use an online Secret Santa generator, like Giftster. It makes it easy to keep track of participants and draw names while keeping everything completely anonymous.

Each participant can also build their wish list right in Giftster, keeping all of the Secret Santa details in one easy place. Here are some of the other benefits of using Giftster as your Secret Santa organizer:

• Invite participants to your group to share wish lists with each other
• Add a Secret Santa draw to your group
• Include any rules, including a budget
• Easily add gift ideas to your own wish list by manually inputting the details or by using Fetch to capture the item’s information from a website link
• Mark items on your group member’s lists as purchased without the list maker knowing who you are or what you’ve marked purchased
• See which items are still available on other’s lists, so your group can avoid duplicate gifts and returns
• Use any mobile device to access your list and preferences

Choosing participants for the Secret Santa gift exchange

You can host a Secret Santa gift exchange with almost anyone: friends, neighbors, children, relatives, or coworkers. In fact, you might have several different gift exchanges each year.

Decide who will be participating in the gift exchange

Has your family grown since last Christmas? Or are your in-laws going to be opting out of this year’s exchange? 

Make sure you have everyone who will be taking part in your exchange in your family’s Giftster group. Send them an invite to your group or ask them to do a member search to join your group. This is also a great time to email your group and ask them to start updating their wish lists and gift preferences.

Schedule when and where your exchange will take place

Let everyone know when the exchange will take place and where so they can start planning their shopping. Add the location to your Secret Santa draw rules (if you’re the group owner).

Set your Secret Santa budget

Choose a budget that is affordable for everyone so as many people can participate as possible. To really keep the cost down, consider a white elephant gift exchange where participants wrap up a funny or repurposed gift.

Or do a combination of both to mix it up for your group this year.

Set the tone for your gift exchange

Does your exchange have a theme? Is it meant to be sincere or a bit on the silly side, or a little of both? My family has, on occasion, assigned where all the gift exchange items should be purchased, like the grocery store or Walgreens or a craft shop. 

Also, it’s important to let people know what is and is not acceptable for the exchange. If you have family members with food allergies, maybe you choose not to gift food items in your exchange. Now’s the time to set the tone so everyone is on the same page.

Suggest ideas for items to list

We’ve all suffered from the “Hmmm…I don’t really know what I want for Christmas” response. Check out this extensive list of 100+ prompts to help build a wish list. Also, remind everyone about the budget that has been set for the exchange, and ask them to include gift ideas that fit the set amount.

State any gift-wrapping rules

Some people like to go all out on their wrapping, while others (…ahem…me…) prefer the quick and easy gift bag. Since there is an element of surprise with the exchange, decide if you’ll have any wrapping guidelines so you keep that little piece of mystery in place for as long as possible. 

Also, decide how the giftee’s name should be displayed on the package (I prefer gift labels) and if the “FROM:” part should list the gifter’s name or maybe “Your Secret Santa.” This would be a good time to say how you’ll reveal who each Secret Santa is.

Draw names for your Secret Santa

1. Simply go to your Groups page at giftster.com and select Secret Santa at the top of the screen to get started. 
2. Enter the draw rules and remind people to update their wish lists.
   
   Here’s a template that you can copy and paste into your draw rules and fill in with your own information. 
   
   When:
   Where:
   Budget:
   What’s Expected/Theme:
   Wrapping/Labeling Rules:

3. Choose the members of your group that will be participating. 
4. Select exclusions so that spouses and siblings don’t select each other or, if you’ve done a draw with Giftster in the past, select a past draw, and the exclusions will transfer over with the added bonus of no one choosing the same person they had last year. 
5. Press save and activate draw and you’re all finished! Everyone in your group will be notified that the draw has taken place by email. 
6. All you need to do is log in to Giftster and look for the little Santa hat in the Shop for the section next to the name of the person you drew. Even the coordinator will remain a complete surprise as well.

Time to shop! Check out your draw’s wish list and gift preferences and get shopping. Remember to be mindful of peoples’ preferences and allergies. If you’re shopping for a child, please keep in mind any parental preferences (i.e. no electronics, video games, etc.).

Send a reminder before your Secret Santa event

It never hurts to give people a little nudge to get their shopping done (I speak from experience; remember the giant stuffed walrus?).

It’s gift exchange time! Gather with your family or friends. Place the gifts under the tree. Enjoy each other’s company. Unwrap a little holiday cheer!

Don’t forget to update your Giftster wish list and gift preferences to help our your Secret Santa.

The Dos and Don’ts of a Secret Santa Gift Exchange

Here are a few guidelines to follow to make the event fun and satisfying for everyone…

Do get to know the person you are gifting

When it comes to gift-giving, it’s always best to choose something that the recipient will truly adore. To make this happen, take the time to understand their gift preferences and interests rather than leaving it to chance and potentially missing the mark. Learning more about someone may mean planning activities together, going out for dinner, or just sitting down and talking about stuff you guys love. Another great way to pick a thoughtful gift is to use an online wish list maker to take the guesswork out of the equation completely.

Don’t be cheap

Definitely, you need to stick to the budget and maximize your funds, but by all means, don’t be cheap. If you have committed to gifting someone, buy a new item. Although it is okay to repurpose unused gifts, giving out old items is generally considered a poor form of giving, even if it has barely been used. Secret Santa typically has a price cap of about $10 to $20 per gift, which is quite affordable. Plan your Christmas gift budget around that figure.

More importantly, stick to the gift budget. Don’t be the person who brings a $100 item to a $10 party. 

Do have participants open gifts simultaneously

Let participants open their presents simultaneously to eliminate the problem of people guessing their Secret Santas by process elimination. Once they open their gifts, let them individually write down their Secret Santa guesses on pieces of paper. Go around the room to check who was correct.  

Don’t show disappointment

Just because you fancy yourself as a really good giver doesn’t mean you share the same enthusiasm with everyone. Don’t act disappointed if you receive a gift you consider less appropriate. Doing so is a sure way of killing everyone’s Christmas spirit. No matter the gift you receive, thank the giver and let them know they made your day memorable.

Do offer a prize for guessing their Secret Santa

To make your Secret Santa Exchange rewarding enough, consider offering a prize to those who correctly guess their Secret Santa. Gifts such as Christmas cookies, cocktails, lottery tickets or even cash can incentivize participants who guess first. 

How to play Secret Santa online

You can also set up a Secret Santa game for friends and family spread across the country. Today’s technological advancement allows anyone from anywhere can join the Secret Santa Online event and celebrate their Christmas in style. 

Here are the rules to get your online gift exchange:

• Invite other players: Create an Online Secret Santa gift exchange and send email invitations to everyone within your circles who may want to join in.
• Create a wish list: Encourage participants to create a comprehensive wish list. You can leverage gifts and gifting inspiration from platforms such as Target, Etsy, and Amazon. Alternatively, send out a Secret Santa Questionnaire to find out what they love without accidentally blowing your cover.
• Exchange gifts: Wrap your gifts and mail them out. Alternatively, select items from their list and have the gifts shipped directly. Consider providing a postage stipend to each participant.
• Host an online party: All participants must wait to unwrap their packages on the appointed virtual exchange day. Set up live video meetings using Zoom or WebEx to host your online holiday party and play other virtual holiday games. Each participant should try to guess the identity of the gifter once they open the present.

Alternative gift exchanges for hobbies and special interest groups 

The following are a few alternatives to traditional gift-giving that suit the needs of special interest groups:

• Shared experiences: Contrary to the popular messaging around Christmas, gifts don’t necessarily have to be physical objects that you purchase. They can also be experiences. Instead of purchasing individual presents for your loved ones this year, consider investing that money in a group activity or adventure that you can all do together. These can range from going to local theme parks, sporting events, museums, a gym, or national parks. Buy a season pass for each member and present it as a Santa gift.
• Gift swap games: Coordinating a group gift swap gift such as White Elephant, Yankee Swap, or Dirty Santa can be a fun way of including everyone without spending lots of cash. Instead of buying a gift for each guest, ask every attendee to bring one wrapped gift to play.
• Custom coupon books: Custom coupon books are a creative way to appreciate a loved one. Spend time researching what the person you are creating the coupon for really needs. For example, if you are making a book for nursing parents, they would really appreciate a night out on the town without their little loved ones. Gifting a babysitting coupon is definitely a welcome gift. 

What is the difference between Secret Santa and White Elephant?

Secret Santa requires you to actually shop for the person whose name you picked. Because you already know who will receive your gift, you will shop for an item with them in mind. This personalizes the gift-giving experience.

With White Elephant, all participants bring in a gift which is then placed into a pool. Everyone takes a turn picking one at random. This means you won’t know beforehand who will leave with the gift you brought.  

There is no doubt we love Secret Santa gift exchanges. It provides an easy and fun way to ease the pressure off gift-giving during this festive time of year. Take advantage of Giftster’s wish list maker, gift guides, and Secret Santa generator to spread Christmas cheer throughout the seasons.

The post Secret Santa Gift Exchange Rules appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

We often think of gift giving traditions for weddings, but what about anniversary gift traditions?

Couples everywhere have their own take. In fact, my husband and I give each other no gifts at all! Instead, he gets odd years, I get even years, and we plan a surprise outing for the other. Sometimes it’s a weekend excursion, other years it’s a day trip to somewhere we’ve never been. For our 10th anniversary, I surprised him with dinner at a high-end restaurant where suits were required, it took 3 hours for the entire 21-course meal, and cost more than our mortgage (I regret nothing; it took me months to save for and was totally worth it).

Anniversary gifts rooted in tradition

But where does the tradition of anniversary gifting begin? According to this article from TIME, there are strong roots in anniversary gift traditions in Germany, and they made a much stronger appearance in England in the 19th century, especially in the Victorian era. As time has passed, couples everywhere celebrate anniversaries in ways that best represent their union, sometimes following these long-rooted traditions.

Traditional or modern…something for every couple

Below is a list of the traditional, modern, gemstone, and floral gift themes that correspond with each anniversary year. Use them as a starting point and get creative! For example, for paper, consider personalized stationery or a book (that’s made from paper) that has special meaning (I have one friend who personalized a book for her hubby for their first anniversary).

Depending on your partner, you may go either the practical or indulgent route, or even switch it up year to year. And if you’re looking to point your spouse in a direction, you can create a special anniversary wish list with gift ideas for them to choose from.

Whether it’s your first anniversary, your fifteenth, your fiftieth, or somewhere in between, these gift ideas are a great starting point for celebrating you and your sweetie.

1st Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Paper
Modern Gift: Clocks
Gemstone: Gold Jewelry
Flower: Carnation

2nd Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Cotton
Modern Gift: China
Gemstone: Garnet
Flower: Lily of the Valley

3rd Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Leather
Modern Gift: Crystal / Glass
Gemstone: Pearl
Flower: Sunflower

4th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: US: Fruit / Flowers; UK: Linen / Silk
Modern Gift: Electrical Appliances
Gemstone: Blue Topaz
Flower: Hydrangea

5th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Wood
Modern Gift: Silverware
Gemstone: Sapphire
Flower: Daisy

6th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: US: Iron; UK: Candy
Modern Gift: Wood
Gemstone: Amethyst
Flower: Calla Lilies

7th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: US: Copper; UK: Wool
Modern Gift: Brass Desk Sets
Gemstone: Onyx
Flower: Freesia

8th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: US: Bronze / Pottery; UK: Salt
Modern Gift: Linen / Lace
Gemstone: Tourmaline
Flower: Lilac

9th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: US: Willow / Pottery; UK: Copper
Modern Gift: Leather
Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli
Flower: Bird of Paradise

10th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: US: Aluminum / Tin; UK: Tin
Modern Gift: Diamonds / Jewelry
Gemstone: Diamond
Flower: Daffodil

11th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Steel
Modern Gift: Fashion Jewelry / Accessories
Gemstone: Turquoise
Flower: Tulip

12th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: US: Home Décor; UK: Linen / Silk
Modern Gift: Pearls / Colored Gems
Gemstone: Jade
Flower: Peony

13th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Lace
Modern Gift: Textiles / Furs
Gemstone: Citrine
Flower: Chrysanthemum

14th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Ivory
Modern Gift: Gold / Jewelry
Gemstone: Opal
Flower: Orchid

15th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Crystal
Modern Gift: Watches
Gemstone: Ruby
Flower: Rose

16th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Silver Holloware
Gemstone: Peridot

17th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Furniture
Gemstone: Watches

18th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Porcelain
Gemstone: Cat’s Eye

19th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Bronze
Gemstone: Aquamarine

20th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: China
Modern Gift: Platinum
Gemstone: Emerald
Flower: Aster

21st Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Brass / Nickel
Gemstone: Emerald / Iolite

22nd Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Copper
Gemstone: Spinel

23rd Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Silver Plate
Gemstone: Imperial Topaz

24th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Musical Instruments
Gemstone: Tanzanite

25th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Silver
Modern Gift: Sterling Silver
Gemstone: Silver Jubilee
Flower: Iris

26th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Original Pictures

27th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Sculpture

28th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Orchids

29th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: New Furniture

30th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Pearl
Modern Gift: Diamond
Gemstone: Pearl
Flower: Lily

31st Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Timepieces

32nd Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Conveyances

33rd Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Amethyst

34th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Opal

35th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: US: Coral / Jade; UK: Coral
Modern Gift: Jade
Gemstone: Emerald

36th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Bone China

37th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Alabaster

38th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Beryl / Tourmaline

39th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Lacy

40th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Ruby
Gemstone: Ruby
Flower: Gladiolus

41st Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Land

42nd Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Improved Real Estate

43rd Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Travel

44th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Groceries

45th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Sapphire
Gemstone: Sapphire

46th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Original Poetry Tribute

47th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Books

48th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Optical Goods

49th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Luxury Items

50th Anniversary Gifts

Traditional Gift: Gold
Modern Gift: Gold
Gemstone: Gold
Flower: Yellow Rose & Violets

55th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Emerald
Gemstone: Alexandrite

60th Anniversary Gifts

Modern Gift: Diamond
Gemstone: Diamond

70th Anniversary Gifts

Gemstone: Platinum

75th Anniversary Gifts

Gemstone: Sapphire

80th Anniversary Gifts

Gemstone: Ruby

85th Anniversary Gifts

Gemstone: Moonstone

Log into your Giftster account today to add anniversary gifts that align with these themes or the traditions you’ve built with your sweetie.

Happy gifting!

Featured photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

The post Wedding Anniversary Gifts for Every Year appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Here are some of our favorite gift ideas for grads creating wish lists and gift-givers looking for a little gift inspiration.

First home away from home

• Towels for the bathroom and kitchen
• Bed Sheets
• Picture Frames
• Sunrise Alarm Clock with Bluetooth
• Instant Pot
• Tool Set

Sentimental gift ideas

• Engraved Necklace
• Watch (pocket or wrist; perfect for engraving)
• Bracelet
• Suit Set (cuff links, tie bar, money clip)
• Framed quote

Organizational gifts

• Day Planner
• Personalized Leather Portfolio
• Tech Cord Organizer

Bags, bags & more bags

• Carry On Travel Suitcase
• Work Tote Bag
• Backpack (with good laptop storage)
• Lunch Bag or Lunch Box Set

Subscription gifts

• Video Streaming Services (Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+)
• Music Streaming Services (Spotify, Amazon Music Prime)
• Audible
• Personal & Self-Care (Harry’s, Ipsy, TheraBox)

Techy gifts

• Charging Station
• Wireless Earbuds
• Video Game System (and maybe a copy of Animal Crossing)
• eBook Reader

Gift cards

• Grocery & Essentials
• Business Professional Wear Store
• Home Furnishings & Furniture Store
• Gas Stations
• Moving Truck Rentals

Books

• What’s Next: Your Five-Year Plan for Life After College by Elana Lyn Gross
• Adulting: How to Become a Grown-Up in 535 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown
• Get Good with Money: Ten Simple Steps to Becoming Financially Whole by Tiffany Aliche

Click here to create your graduation wish list today at Giftster (it’s free!)

The post Graduation Gifts for High School Grads appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

The details of those little items that we buy maybe every couple of months to a year are easy to forget when you don’t have to put them on your shopping list on a regular basis. Creating a reference list for these items not only helps you remember the details for the item but also where you purchase it so you’ll spend less time scrambling to find them in the future.

When deciding what items should be on this list, ask yourself this question:

I can never remember what size/color/brand/style of _____________ to buy when I need it.

If there are items in your life that fit this sentence, then a reference list is a great tool for you!

Online Reference Lists Privacy Settings

Now, unlike your holiday wish lists, these reference lists don’t need to be shared with a group. Set your sharing settings to private so the list will be for your eyes only.

Or, if you have a spouse or other family members that need to utilize these lists, create a smaller group that has just those few people in it. I have a group set up that’s just for my husband and me so he and I can share these types of lists.

Not everyone in the family needs to know what printer ink we need, but my husband and I sure do!

This is also a handy tool if you help take care of another household outside of your own. We just ran into this recently when we needed to pick up furnace filters for my parents. That is helpful information that I’m going to need in the future and I’m positive that I won’t remember it.

By building a reference list in Giftster, my parents can create a list and share it with me, and update it as they find things that I may need to help them get in the future.

Here are some ideas for items to help you build quick reference lists for yourself and your family.

Household Item Reference List

• Furnace Filters
• Light Bulbs
• Printer Ink
• Refrigerator Water Filters
• Paint Colors
• Water Softener Salt
• Picture Frame Sizes
• Mobile Phone Models
• Shower Curtain Size
• Kitchen Table Dimensions
• Window Dimensions (for drapes)
• Specialty Battery Sizes
• Throw Rug Sizes

Health, Beauty & Personal Care Item Reference List

• Makeup
• Lotions
• Moisturizers
• Sunscreen
• Vitamins
• Hair Color
• Shoe Inserts

Auto & Outdoor Item Reference List

• Tires
• Motor Oil
• Gardening Supplies
• Bicycle Tires
• Patio Furniture Dimensions

Cooking Item Reference List

• Spices
• Specialty Ingredients
• Coffee Filters (Sizes & Brand)
• Appliance Models

Create a household reference list today with these items and any others you use in your life.

The post Household Reference Lists to Help You Remember appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Today, instead of one large booklet arriving from a retailer, we are treated to virtual lists from several retailers, publications, and influencers, and building our wish list is just a click away. This year especially, shopping for our homes is keeping our spirits up as we prepare for the holiday season ahead.

Here is a list of holiday gift guides to help inspire ideas and fun for your wish list this year.

Amazon: A go-to retailer for many, you’ll find those big items as well as stocking stuffers to add to your wish list. There are also special guides for our friends in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Barnes & Noble: Books are a favorite gift of mine to give, and perfect for kids (and grown-ups) of all ages.

The Bump: Whether it’s for the parents-to-be, little ones on their way or already here, or moms and dads getting through each day of infancy, this list has ideas for all!

cNet: Tech and gadget gifts at several price points are what you’ll find in this guide from the folks at cNet.

Consumer Reports: A trusted gift guide source, Consumer Reports gives you honest reviews of the items on your wish list.

Crate & Barrel: If entertaining brings you joy, so will the gift ideas you”ll find on Crate & Barrel’s gift guide!

Delish: Calling all foodies! This gift guide from Delish will have your mouth watering for treats and drinks.

Disney Store: Magic is around every corner in The Disney Store’s gift guide. Ideas for kids and grown-ups alike!

Elle:  From stocking stuffers to gifts for your best friend, this gift guide from Elle is full of list-inspiring gift ideas.

Esquire: In this gift guide from Esquire, you’ll find gifts for guys that will have them smiling.

Fanatics: Hey there, sports fans! Fanatics has your favorite teams and fan favorites on their gift guide this year.

Fat Brain Toys: One of my favorite gift guides, Fat Brain Toys has fun, educational, and creative gift ideas to keep your little one busy and learning.

Good Housekeeping: Always a favorite, Good Housekeeping’s holiday gift guide has a little something for everyone at every price point.

GQ: Gifts for him and gifts for him to give are in this year’s GQ gift guide.

Home Depot: From holiday DIY and beyond! Find the tools and more for your wish list from Home Depot.

InStyle: Fashionable gift ideas for you and those fashion-forward people in your life!

Kohl’s: Gifts for the home, the family, and others are what you’ll find on the Kohl’s gift guide. Their ugly sweaters are pretty great as well!

L.L. Bean: Fleeces and slippers and jackets, oh my! The coziest gift ideas are on L.L. Bean’s gift guide this year.

Lululemon: Snag a few pieces for your favorite yogi and maybe add one or two to your own list!

Macy’s: Along with having great gift ideas for everyone, Macy’s gift guide also has a section to shop by personality. Mine would be the PJ-All-Day Hobbyist.

Nordstrom: Nordstrom’s gift guide has you covered from gifts under $25 to luxe gift ideas.

Penguin Random House: Book lovers – you don’t want to miss the Penguin Random House gift guide this year, where they encourage you to give the gift of reading.

Prevention: Prevention’s gift guide this year is a collection of several gift guides! Find a gift or two for yourself, and maybe one or two to add to a family member’s wish list.

Real Simple Holiday Gift Guide: This guide also gives you links for unique gift lists and gift wrapping ideas.

REI: For those who love the outdoors, REI’s gift guide has ideas galore!

Rachel Ray Show: This gift guide has ideas that include subscription boxes and DIY!

Target: The gift guide at Target is a favorite for the holidays and throughout the year.

Town & Country: The folks at Town & Country have been plumping up their gift guide over the past month! Loads of gift ideas from the unique to the fashionable.

Toy Insider: The 15th annual Toy Insider holiday gift guide includes STEM toys along with their budget-friendly lists of 12 items under $12.

Urban Outfitters: Find a gift for them, find a gift for you, add a couple of stocking stuffers, and you’re on your way with the Urban Outfitters gift guide.

Walmart: Find gift ideas and holiday decorations to make things festive!

Washington Post: Choose from a variety of different categories, like food, travel, video games, self-care, and more on the Washington Post’s curated gift guides.

What Moms Love: The Ultimate Toy Gift Guide for kids is fun for parents and kiddos alike. I’m especially checking out their list of 200+ stocking stuffers that aren’t junk!

Update your Giftster wish list and start shopping for others today!

The post Find Gift Ideas from These 2020 Holiday Gift Guides appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Throughout the world, the tradition of giving gifts to someone on their birthday is quite common – a practice we can thank the ancient egyptians for. The process of giving thoughtful gifts has certainly changed since ancient times – where we now have access to handy online wish list services like Giftster. The sentiments and reasons behind the celebrations and gifting traditions remain the same.

Aside from gift-giving, what other birthday traditions are seen around the globe?

Check out some of these international birthday customs, some sweet, some silly, and some rooted in tradition.

North American Birthday Traditions

Canada: To ward off bad luck, the person celebrating their birthday has their nose greased, usually with butter, by friends and family.

Jamaica: A messy tradition, Jamaicans will throw flour at you on your birthday in what they call antiquing. It’s usually done when you’re not expecting it.

Mexico: Birthday parties are celebrated by having a piñata filled with candy. People take turns hitting the piñata until it breaks open spilling all the candy. Also, they sing the traditional birthday song “los Mañanitas” to the person celebrating the birthday.

South American Birthday Traditions

Argentina: Birthdays in Argentina are celebrated with tea sandwiches and sweet pastries called sandwiches de miga and masas. Children also get a tug on their earlobe for every year they are old.

Brazil: The birthday boy or girl is given the first piece of cake, but they do not keep it for themselves. They give it to the most important person in their lives. For kids, that’s usually the mom or dad.

Asian Birthday Traditions

China: In China, eating a plate of long noodles on your birthday is supposed to help bring long life. Also, traditionally, a baby’s first birthday is the day of their birth to mark the beginning of their first year of life. The following year, the child is counted as 2 years old wherein the United States, we would count them as being 1 year old. Additionally, your age increases by one year with the beginning of each lunar new year. This is regardless of age. So if a baby is 1 year old at birth and born a week before the end of the lunar new year, the next week when the lunar new year rolls around, the baby is counted as 2 years old. You are basically counting the number of years you’ve had life in, not how many full, 356-day years you have lived through.

India: After singing the birthday song, the special birthday person cuts a small piece of cake and feeds it to all the guests. They usually start with their closest family members first. After everyone has had a bite, the guests take turns feeding the cake to the birthday boy or girl, which sometimes gets a bit messy and fun.

Israel: In Israel, the birthday child wears a crown of flowers or leaves and is raised while sitting on a chair the same number of times as their age. Also, on a child’s 3rd birthday, they receive their first haircut.

Vietnam: Instead of celebrating individual birthdays, it’s customary for everyone in Vietnam to celebrate their birthday together on Tết, which is Vietnamese New Year’s Day.

African Birthday Traditions

Ghana: Children are woken on their birthdays to eat a fried sweet potato patty called “oto.” 

Nigeria: A person’s 1st, 10th and 15th birthdays are the most important, and are celebrated with large parties with their families. 

Australian Birthday Traditions

Australia: Children eat fairy bread which is bread with butter and candy sprinkles on top.

New Zealand: After the candles are blown out on the birthday cake, the birthday person receives a clap for every year they are old.

European Birthday Traditions

Austria: In some parts of Austria, birthdays are celebrated the night before the person’s actual birthday.

England: At 21 given a key to the house to symbolize that they have reached adulthood and can come and go as they please. This is also a tradition in other countries like Ireland, Scotland, and South Africa.

Germany: In Germany, it’s bad luck to wish someone happy birthday on any other day but their birthday. Also, single men over 30 sweep the steps of their local city hall while friends through pebbles in their path. This is to show that the man is unattached and eligible. 

Holland: A person’s 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, and 21st birthdays crown years in Holland. Special and usually larger gifts are given for these years. Also, a man’s 50th birthday is known as Abraham and a woman’s 50th birthday is known as Sarah after Abraham and Sarah from the Bible.

Ireland: Children are hung upside down and their heads gently “bumped” on the floor, one for every year they are old. 

Italy: While the literal translation of Happy Birthday is Buon Compleanno, most people say Auguri or Tanti Auguri which translates to “best wishes.” Or you could say “tanti auguri di compleanno” which translates to English as “many best wishes for your birthday.”

Do your birthday traditions include gift giving? Visit giftster.com to create a free birthday wish list – the original two-way gift registry for families and close friends.

The post Birthday Traditions Around The World appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

For the Funny Dad

• Dad Jokes T-Shirt
• Dad Jokes Calendar
• Fun Men’s Socks

For the Curious Dad

• Trivia Book
• Wooden Puzzles
• Gift Cards for Books
• Museum Membership

For the Stylish Dad

• Hawaiian Shirt
• Personalized Watch
• Personalized Bracelet
• Neckwear

For the Sporty Dad

• Putting Green
• Stadium Chair
• Jersey from Favorite Sport Team
• Fitness Tracker

For the Sentimental Dad

• Dad Journal
• Family History Research
• A framed picture of you and your dad

For the Hungry Dad

• Grill Tool Set
• Snack Subscription
• Meat Subscription
• Infrared Meat Thermometer

For the Thirsty Dad

• Insulated Mug
• Beer Caddy
• Cocktail Subscription
• Coffee Gift Set

For the Handy Dad

• Multitool
• Wallet Multitool
• Laser Level
• Garden Tool Set

For the New Dad

• Books to read with little ones
• Dad Glass
• Baby Carrier
• Diaper Bag Backpack

For Every Dad

• Docking Station
• Apple Watch
• Time with YOU!

Daily Essentials

If your dad needs day-to-day essential items instead of gifts this year, create and share an essential items list. Give him the gift of not stressing about the items he needs most.

Free Father’s Day Printable

Make dad’s day extra special and have your kids write out the reasons they adore their dad with our free 5 Things I Love About You Dad Printable.

Share your works of art with us on social media using the hashtag #mygiftsterstory.

Add These Gift Ideas To Your List

Copy these gift ideas to your Giftster list or suggest them on a group member’s list.

We’ve added all of these gift ideas to Giftster so you can easily copy over any of the suggestions found in this article to your own list with just two clicks!

To use a Giftster gift idea list:

• Log in to your Giftster account (Don’t have an account? Create one, it’s free!)
• View the gift idea list.
• Click on any item to reveal more details.
• Click the “I want this too” button to copy the item to your list.

Has your dad been keeping his Giftster list updated? Help out your family by adding some of these suggested items to his list with the Suggested Items feature (found at the bottom of your dad’s wish list).

The post Gift Ideas that will Make Dads Smile appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Gift Relaxation Time for Mom

• Bath Caddy
• Handmade Soap
• Body Care Product
• Spa Day or Mani/Pedi Date to schedule together
• Coffee Subscription
• Herbal Tea Set
• Jar Candles
• Gift Cards for Books
• Charm Bracelet
• Bottle of Wine
• Special Wine Glass
• Dinner Date in or out at her favorite restaurant

Multitasking & DIY Mom Gifts

• Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
• Personal Blender
• Time-Saving Cooking Tools (like an Instant Pot or immersion blender)
• Fitness Tracker
• A gift card to favorite craft, home improvement, nursery, or another specialty store

New Mom Gifts

• Birthstone Jewelry
• Picture Frames
• Mom Diary
• Mommy & Me Photo Session (can also be a photo gift card with her favorite photographer)
• A Nap (she may like this best of all!)

Sentimental Mom Gifts

• Digitize Family Photos & Videos
• Researching Family History
• Mom Journal
• Frame a favorite picture of mom and you

Get Crafty with Little Ones

Free Mother’s Day Printable

Daily Essentials

Add These Gift Ideas To Your List

• Log in to your Giftster account (Don’t have an account? Create one, it’s free!)
• View the gift idea list.
• Click on any item to reveal more details.
• Click the “I want this too” button to copy the item to your list.

The post Great Gifts for Mom on Mother's Day appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

This is a year that I have been looking forward to for many reasons. My oldest son is in 8th grade and will be graduating, then moving on to high school (so difficult to believe since it feels like he was just a little tot not that long ago). Our family has a HUGE family vacation planned, which hasn’t been possible for a while due to a lot of life hitting us at once. My younger son, as well as my daughter, will be celebrating birthdays 12 and 3 respectively. My parents will be celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. I have many exciting professional events that I’ve been looking forward to attending as well.

But now, things have changed, and not just for me but for us all.

We’re a rather joyful group here at Giftster, and we love helping our members enhance their celebrations by taking the stress out of gift giving. But right now, things are a bit more somber and less celebratory. Several events have been canceled or postponed with the hope of having them later in the year. Children are doing their school work at home while many parents work from home, all the while practicing social distancing. Gatherings of all types are being discouraged, so people aren’t getting together as they typically would for birthdays and other events.

So what does a group of gift loving people to do at a time like this? We look for ways to use what we have to help. It’s what we’re all doing right now.

While Giftster focuses on creating and sharing gift wish lists, it can really be used for sharing lists of any type for just about any need. And right now, there are many of us who are in greater need of a needed, essential items list more than a “it would be great to have” wish list. There are charitable organizations who have been utilizing Giftster for this purpose for years now, and it’s something we can all use.

And, as always, Giftster is free to use, so it is a tool for everyone.

No matter what your needs, if they’re great or if they’re few, and you have those in your life that you need to lean on a bit or those in your life you know could use a hand during this trying time, we’re here to help you communicate, organize, and share those needs.

How to Create a Free List for Essential Items You Need

1. If you’re new to Giftster, create a free account. If you’re already a Giftster member, log on to your account.
2. Go to My Lists and click on New List.
3. Name your list anything you’d like.
4. Set the privacy level for your list. Private makes it so only you see it. Shared allows you to share it with your group of family and friends. Public makes it so anyone can shop the list (whether they have a Giftster account or not). If you choose the public option, there are some additional privacy settings you can also choose. Press Save List when you’re finished.
5. Build your list. If you’re adding items that can be ordered online, copy the URL and use our Fetch function to pull in all the item details. If the items are not online, simply add all the details about the items you need. These can be food items, gift cards or gift certificates, household items, toiletries, school supplies, virtual subscriptions or needs (think entertainment like Netflix, Hulu, etc.), anything you may need. Literally anything at all.
6. Share your list. If you have a group of family or friends that you’d like to share these lists with, create a group and invite those people to join your group. If you prefer to share a public list, copy and share the URL for your list and share by whatever means you prefer (email, text, Facebook, etc.).

For more details, please go to our Essential Lists page.

Create Essential Items Lists for Older Family Members

This is also a great way to help older family members who may not be able to get out for the items they need. You can follow these same steps and share a needs list with family who are pitching in to help out. For more details, please visit our Essential Lists page.

I will echo the sentiments so many other companies have: we are all in this together. And, we will get through this. For now, we hope Giftster can help by being a tool you can utilize to help ease the stress of organizing and sharing lists for the things we need to get us through these days.

Wishing everyone good health and wellness. Day by day, we’ll get through this.

The post Making Lists for Needed & Essential Items appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.