Simple Pleasures: A love note
Research indicates that people value plastic crap Christmas gifts a lot less than you think. Joel Waldfogel explains this valuation concept in his new book Scroogenomics.
Waldfogel said we spend about $65 billion per year on holiday gifts. It turns out that “people value stuff that they’ve received as gifts 20 percent less per dollar spent than stuff they buy for themselves. So multiplying that 20 percent times that $65 billion gets to you about $12 or $13 billion a year in destroyed value, or missing satisfaction in the U.S.”
Rather than participating in the hyper-consumption of holiday madness, why not do something simple for the holidays?
Rethink the idea of giving. Instead of buying stuff for people, consider these concepts…
- Spend time with your friends and family instead of shopping for stuff.
- Make your own wine or beer.
- Knit a scarf, hat or socks.
- Bake some yummy treats.
- Volunteer at a local non-profit.
- Make your own holiday cards.
- And if you have to give something, give in the form of charity donations, child education funds or a certificate to a loved one’s favorite shop.
Please leave a comment and tell me what you would add to the list.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Chris and I have never been really big on exchanging gifts…we prefer to spend out money on “experience” and activities. And by ‘experience’ I mean sushi dinner and dancing afterward!
This is so good. The majority of my gifts this year are going to be handmade, definitely. I’m doing some crafty stuff, making Irish cream from scratch & some of those tie-knot blankets! I’m actually looking forward to making all those things.
@Liz – ohhh how fun! Most of my gifts will be in the form of baked goods or knitted scarves. Fun to make and eat. Hugs to you…
Have you ever made your own beer? My friend Matt makes his and I have to admit – it’s pretty delicious. I would like to learn to make a smoky porter.
@Gwen. No I haven’t. My neighbor is making his own brew and gave us a sample taste. It’s so yummy! I’d love to learn how to make beer or wine.
Hmmmmm – I’ll have to add this to my life list.
I make a small “year in review” blurb photo book that most people seem to value far beyond its price to make. It’s also easy to ship overseas to my family. I also try to be generous throughout the year, giving small things that I know they need and want, randomly, as I find them. I sometimes give away my own things to people who have admired them if I think they would enjoy them/use them more than I do. (btw I found Scroogenomics yesterday – so far, spot on!)
@Jo – that’s such a great idea! I’ve been thinking of making a photography book for some family members. Especially, those who aren’t online constantly. I’m happy that you found Scroogenomics. I’ve only read portions of the book on the internet. Hopefully, it will come to my local library soon.