Bargain Central

(From our December 2024 Issue)

Christmas Gifting, Want vs Need

By Debbie Neal

Are you in the Christmas Spirit? Is what you’re wishing for a want or a need? For many the line is blurred between a want or a need. A want is an emotional desire to possess or do something or to wish for it. Whereas a need is something that is necessary because it is essential or very important. So, I’ll ask again, for Christmas, is what you desire a want or a need?

Personally, I prefer to give and receive something that’s needed. Because I’m an avid listener and observer when it comes to satisfying a need for friends and family members. For instance, my oldest daughter and her family were planning to travel to Disneyland with duffle bags as luggage. So, she called me to borrow our Delsey luggage set. Being a young couple with a newborn, a newly purchased home and new car, luggage obviously wasn’t a priority until they really needed it. So, it’s a no brainer as to what they need for a Christmas gift. Oh, and why not throw in a luggage scale to avoid baggage overage fees which they paid on their return flight.

I found another example while visiting my youngest daughter who’s studying abroad in Italy. I observed a couple of needs in her apartment. First, a mini wall plug-in heater. She’s currently using an electric blanket which is fine while in bed. Second, a wet/dry vacuum. She’d mentioned that she’d gotten on her hands and knees to clean the floors before we came.

In both instances I just shake my head and say why Lord! LOL! But you get the gist of what I’m saying. While these items aren’t jewelry or flashy material things they are things they need and WILL use.

The keyword her is “use”. How often have you received a gift that someone thought you wanted and it’s still hanging in the closet with the tag on it. Or, better yet, it’s a gift card that you forgot you had and its still inside the Christmas card they gave you stored who knows where.

My point is the next time you’re pondering what to give a friend or a loved one, focus on what they might need vs what you think they might want. Happy Holidays everyone!

If you know of any local or national bargains you’d like to share with the community, email Bargain Central at contactus@coloradospringskids.com.