December just started, and the mental list is already running. Who still needs a gift. What to bring to the party. Whether that thing you ordered will arrive in time. The pressure to find something "perfect" for everyone while also keeping it together can be overwhelming.

Here's a secret: I actually love this part. Something you may not know about me (unless you’re my family) is that I'm a really good gift giver. Not because I spend a lot or find rare things, but because I pay attention. Year round, I'm taking mental notes (I call them cookies). Who mentioned their roasting pan is on its last legs. Who would love a gift certificate for a foot massage. Who would live in fluffy slippers all winter.

I've been known to buy something in March and hide it away until that special day. The secret isn't about being a good shopper. It's about being a good listener.

Let's talk about making gift-giving more fun this year.

Here's the truth: great gifts aren't about the price tag. They're about making someone feel seen, appreciated, loved. When someone's face lights up, it's because they're thinking "you actually get me."

Why This Matters: Think about the best gift you've ever received. It probably wasn't the most expensive thing. It was the thing that made you feel like someone really knew you - they'd been paying attention. That's what we're going for.

The Shift That Changes Everything: Stop asking "what should I get them" and start asking "what would make them feel understood." When you approach it this way, gift-giving stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like a little treasure hunt.

Questions to Ask Yourself When You're Stuck:

And here's the thing—this kind of gifting works on any budget. A $15 gift that shows you were paying attention will always beat a $100 gift that feels generic. Always.

This Week's Recipe: Holiday Shortbread Cookies

Shortbread feels fancy but is surprisingly simple—and it's perfect for little hands to help with. The dough is forgiving, the shapes are fun, and a bag of homemade shortbread wrapped with a ribbon is the kind of gift people actually get excited about. Perfect for neighbours, teachers, coworkers, the host who has everything.

Here's your permission slip:

You don't need to find the "perfect" thing.
You don't need to overspend to prove you care.
You don't have to hand-make everything.
You don't have to write a heartfelt novel in every card.

Why This Matters: It's easy to fall into the comparison trap this time of year. Someone else's beautifully wrapped packages, the Pinterest-perfect gift baskets, the friend who always seems to nail it. But here's what I've learned: most people aren't keeping score. They just want to feel thought of.

The Goal: Connection, not perfection. If you're working with a tighter budget this year, it’s ok - some of the most meaningful gifts don't cost much at all. What matters is that the person feels your effort That's it.

This Week's Practice: If the holiday noise is getting loud, take a few minutes for yourself with this gentle meditation: Mindfulness of Emotion. It helps create space inside when the outside world feels too full.

Some of my favourite gifts to give (and receive) aren't things you can buy in a store:

Why These Land: These aren't backup options for when you're out of ideas. They're often the gifts people hold onto the longest.

And here's the bonus - giving this way feels lighter for you too.

If you're looking for something meaningful for the cook, the busy mom, or honestly yourself—Love What's On Your Plate is exactly that. It’s now is 3 versions! Hardcover, softcover and ebook!

A cookbook that actually gets used—the kind that lives on the counter, not on a shelf. A gift for yourself, a mother/daughter, a host, a friend.

Great gifts don't need to be expensive to matter. They just need to be thoughtful.

To read more about this topic, the blog post is here!

More realistic strategies at svliving.com