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Holiday Wish List Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

16 Dec 2024 By: Diane Gottsman

 

Holiday wish list etiquette | holiday gifts in brown paper with twine, red and green accents

Holiday shopping is in full swing, and it can be quite stressful to decide who gets what on your list. The time and effort you spend guessing can be alleviated when your friend or family member gives you some very direct, pointed “hints” in the form of a wish list.

A holiday wish list can be quite helpful when someone tells you specifically what they would like to receive. If you ask someone for some hints, it’s always nice to have clarity and clear direction, in order to find a gift that is useful, practical, or on their holiday list. It also reduces the stress of the right size, right color, or a duplicate from someone else.

On the other hand, sending out a random gift “registry” to people, without being asked, comes across as pushy and presumptuous. However, it doesn’t hurt to have one ready should others request it. This especially makes sense when there is a new baby to buy for, or a college graduate just starting out.

Here are a few holiday wish list etiquette do’s and don’ts for the season:

  • Don’t feel obligated to use the wish list. The gift giver should not feel pressure to shop the wish list if they choose to do something else.
  • Do choose a variety of options with different price points.
  • Don’t include anything over the top expensive – keep it modest.
  • Do be specific if there is a particular brand or color you have in mind.
  • Don’t overlook a group gift. If there is something on a wish list that is a higher price point, family members can join together to buy one larger gift.
  • Do present the gift in an appropriate manner. You can still wrap a gift, even if it is the form of a gift card. Put it in a pretty box and tie it with a bow. Or, send the gift to yourself to wrap and give it to them personally on the holiday.
  • Don’t make the gift giver work too hard by searching for your wish list in a sea of options. Send them the direct link when requested, and pre-fill in your mailing address so they don’t have to ask.
  • Do remember your holiday manners by sending a handwritten thank you note for each gift received.

You may also like Gift Giving Tips for the Holiday Season.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.