Okay, I really have no wisdom on the subject. It’s so big, so out of control, so culturally varied, and so psychologically fraught that the only wisdom would be in bypassing the subject entirely.  But then I’d appear like Scrooge, and I wouldn’t want you getting on my case about that.

Let’s just focus in on Christmas presents.  An article published in the American Economic Review in 1993 revealed the results of who gives the worst Christmas presents.  It’s 20 years old, but I suspect the findings haven’t changed.  Subjects were asked to list all the Christmas presents they received, and then name the price that they would pay for each item. Who gave gifts that were valued (by the recipient) at closest to the original cost, and who paid for something that wasn’t nearly appreciated for what it cost.     

It turns out that grandparents give the worst gifts.  We old geezers spend 40% more than our grandkids would for the same item.  Spouses did better on the whole.  They only overpaid by 8%.  The survey found that grandparents tend to give things like pajamas and collectable quarters—and gift cards to stores not located where their grandchildren live.  There should be a grandparenting class on how to buy gifts.  On the other hand, the survey found that friends gave the most valued gifts.  This was followed by parents and siblings.  

But grandparents, aunts, and uncles wasted the most money.  Perhaps that is why so many grandparents have already intuitively given up and just give cash. Not very Christmassy, but maybe it is biblical, in keeping with the magi who brought gold to the baby Jesus.  Based on this economic study, however, I’m now beginning to think that the magi who brought frankincense and myrrh must have been some of Jesus’ long-distance aunts and uncles.  

A more recent study, found in my local newspaper, The News Gazette, December 4, 2022, compared what people want for Christmas to what people actually bought for each other.  The #1 desired item is gift cards.  54% of people would like them (provided they can be used at stores that are local… and still in business.)  Next on the list, 49% said they would like to be gifted clothing or accessories.  30% said they would like to get books or recordings, 24% wanted electronics, 23% wanted home décor, 21% jewelry, 20% personal care items, 18% sporting goods, and 17% home improvement items.  

In comparison, when asked what people planned to give, 37% said toys, even though it didn’t appear high anyone’s list of what they wanted.  I gave that one a pass, however, as the research evidently didn’t ask kids what they wanted.  Lots of people (31%) are getting food or candy for Christmas; even though nobody is asking for it. More people are getting personal care or beauty items (26%) than asked for it (see above, 20%,) which leads me to wonder, what are people trying to say when they give you a beauty item?   

And one more item, in case you are a clueless grandparent, aunt, or uncle.  The most requested toys this year from boys are: Legos, Hot Wheels, cars/trucks, Playstation, video games, Pokemon, Nerf, Electric RC cars, dinosaurs, and Xbox.  

Girls, on the other hand, are requesting Barbie, dolls in general, L.O.L. dolls, Legos, Makeup, Squishmallows, American Girl apparel, Disney items, baby dolls, and cell phones.  

I’m beginning to get the drift that grandparents might be best off to just give cash. I don't even know what half those items are.

Finally, just to let you know, I haven’t begun to do any shopping for Christmas yet.  But I have been rooting through the garage and have found a number of perfect items for people I don’t like all that much.  Maybe I should just give my relatives and friends a break this year, and focus on loving my enemies instead.  Merry Christmas.