Holiday is coming!

Holiday is coming!

Ten points if you remember that rhyme from primary school.

While the holiday hype might not be what it was back then, there is still plenty to be excited about.

First, 2024 – which has felt like three years long – is finally coming to a close.

Hallelujah?

Hallelujah.

Second, you are alive to read this, which means there is still enjoyment to be had – you can check out our last article on how to treat yourself even as you watch your coins.

Third, it’s gifting season!

This can be a time of equal dread—of spending money—and anticipation—of receiving gifts, but if there’s one thing we do, it’s to illuminate the way for you.

If we weren’t humble and demure, we’d have called ourselves a brilliant beacon in the dark, paving your way forward into utopia.

But, again, we don’t like to talk too much.

Money is tight for a lot of Nigerians at the moment.

According to Piggyvest’s Savings Report 2024, in 2023, only 15% of people didn’t save at all, but in 2024, that number shot up to 43%.

That shows the disparity between the average Nigerian’s income and expenditure.

One of Nigeria’s capital problems is its drooping economy, even the International Monetary Fund has noted that the President’s economic reforms don’t seem to be making things easier, with inflation and insecurity still pretty high.

Things seem a bit dire at the moment, but there is one thing you, an average Nigerian, can do to make things better for yourself and others.

Put money in the Nigerian economy.

Supporting Nigerian-made goods is a win-win – It helps our economy, creates jobs, and lets the world know what we can do.

This is why we decided you need a Nigerian-born gifting guide.

Cash, while always welcome, isn’t the only gift that people appreciate, there’s a bunch of other thoughtful things that would put a smile on someone’s face.

Gifts are supposed to make people happy, right?

Come along then, let’s hand out smiles.

Make them clothes

Buying ready-to-wear pieces may be out of your budget, and that’s fine.

But commissioning a tailor to make clothes for your loved one might not sap your wallet as much.

This is a great idea if the person loves to dress up.

If you know what they like – are they into dresses? Co-ords? A nice pair of Ankara trousers? – it should be easy enough. You might only have to do some work to get their sizing just right.

Tip: No one will blame you if you were a bit sneaky and took one of their clothes to get their measurements.

Work smart, not hard, please.

Go to a market near you, Sahad Stores – or check the index for more places – get some fabrics, and pop over to your tailor’s to tell them what you want.

You could even have a matching piece made for yourself, make it a thing between you and them.

Reason am.

Curate a cinema-like experience for them

Movie tickets went from ₦3k to ₦10k seemingly within the blink of an eye.

We are all still lowkey shocked.

But, fear not, cinema lovers, all is not lost.

If the person is into movies but you can’t justify the cost with the usual cinema experience, then you should use that money to personalise the experience for them at home.

All you need is a movie that you know they want to see or maybe a classic fave for them, something to watch it on – size does matter, but even if all you have is a laptop, that’ll do – a dark room, and some snacks.

Order their favorite food and snacks from Glovo or Chowdeck, or if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, cook something nice for them – you can get groceries from Mano – and see their face light up when they walk into your surprise movie screening.

It’s all about being thoughtful, really.

Pay for a subscription or two for them

Bet you didn’t think of that, hm?

Most people have some sort of monthly subscription, whether it be music, fitness, or whatever services they use, and while they may not cost an arm and a leg, all together they do pinch a little.

So why not offer to take the load off of them for a month?

You can offer to pay for one or more and make their life easier in a small, but tangible way.

Something something about little things, abi?

Perfume

Who says no to a bottle of perfume?

Thankfully, there’s perfume for all price points, so even if its an open-box bottle of luxury perfume from Http.erfumes, or a small bottle of perfumed glow oil from Arami Essentials, you can make some moves.

Don’t worry, there’s more where that came from in our index

Again, if possible, get an idea of what kind of fragrances they use normally, and search for something similar.

Better safe than sorry, innit?

That way, if they don’t like it, you’ll know that, true true, they just hate you.

Just kidding, just kidding.

Gift them an experience

Experiences are arguably more valuable than money, and they’re definitely more memorable, so why not give someone one?

What are they into? Candles? Sign them up for a candle-making session at Madewithsunshineng. Are they stressed? Book them a session at Healthy Body Clinic and Resort or a Yoga class at The Happiness Center. Food? If you have the Nairas, book them a buffet at Omedel Hotel.

The point is, why does a gift always have to be something they can keep at home? What if it’s something they can experience and carry with them forever?

Step above the noise and give them something actually different.

Don’t say we didn’t put you on.

Customise jewellery for them

The best gifts are personalised, and fewer things say “made for you” than customised jewellery.

It could be a simple bracelet with their initials or a meaningful quote engraved on it, or a necklace with their name as a pendant, customised jewellery is an easy way to tell them they matter and also give them something new to wear.

Check out Black Sheep and Bethmoda Jewellery and if nothing catches your eye, give our index a whirl.

Unless they aren’t a jewellery person, this is an almost failsafe gift.

Look at us giving you all the tricks in the book.

You are so blessed.

Get them a gift card

If all else fails, a gift card is the way to go.

Open a tab for them with one of their favourite brands – Beauty Hut? The Small Chops Lady? Papa’s Grill? Omegies Accessories? Roving Heights? – and let them decide on what they want for themselves.

The options are endless and are as long as your money is.

It’s an easy way of putting the specifics of the gift in their hands, so this is great if you don’t know exactly what to get them, but have a general idea of what they like.

Give them life (a plant)

What’s more precious than life?

While you can’t exactly gift people babies, you can make them parents.

A plant parent.

Think about it; plants are pretty, kinda low maintenance, and they make the air cleaner. Is there even a downside to owning one?

Well?

They also come in different sizes, shapes and colors, so whatever the person’s aesthetic is, there is a plant for them.

Check out House of Plants, or if they have a green thumb, order them seeds from Jumia.

Be there for them

Last , but certainly not least, it’s a cliche, but sometimes, your presence is the greatest gift you can give.

There’s something invaluable about being firmly present in someone’s life, actively taking interest in their affairs, empathising with their sadnesses, and celebrating their wins with them.

It’s the most valuable thing one human can offer to another, the gift of community and love.

Add that to anything on this list and see how much they appreciate you.

Not just the gifts or experiences, but you.

The human experience is made up of other people, so why not be the best person you can to them?

 

Gifting can be head-scratching work, especially when you really care.

This is why, in conjunction with this stunning guide, we have come up with an index of resources to help you give the best gifts this year-end.

Christmas o, birthday o, new year o, we’ve got you.

When have we not?

It’s what we do.

 

The Thoughtfully Gifted Index

 

Be honest, you didn’t think of most of the things on our list, abi?

Do you see that it’s not hard to make the people in your life feel loved?

It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or a pricey token, as long as it’s thoughtful and heartfelt.

So, are you looking forward to the holidays? On a scale of 1-10, how do you think your December will go?

Which of our gift ideas will you be using?

Give us small credit (and gist) in the comments below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

comments powered by Disqus