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5 Essential Steps To Becoming The Best Gift Giver Ever This Holiday Season

by Una LaMarche

We’ve all watched enough heartwarming holiday TV movies to know that the true reason for the season is giving (and, if you’re single, maybe a small town romance with a charming Christmas tree farmer). Sometimes giving is easy: giving love, giving thanks, donating to charities. But when it comes to giving gifts, our confidence and our energy tends to falter.

That’s why we’ve partnered with RAYOVAC®, maker of long-lasting batteries that power your life without draining your wallet. After all, apart from caffeine and stress, what runs the holidays? Batteries, baby. From seasonal decorations that make your living room sparkle to that cordless hand mixer working overtime to make all the cookies, everything is easier when you’re stocked up on affordable batteries — and gift-giving is no exception. As anyone who has ever given a child an electronic toy and forgotten to include batteries can attest, these powerful little guys are the MVPs of meltdown-free holiday cheer.

Now, on to becoming the gift-giving G.O.A.T. you’re destined to be — it all starts with knowing your audience. Do they like to be surprised, or want you to stick to the bulleted list they sent? Do they veer towards the practical or the sentimental? Choosing the perfect present can be overwhelming for even the most thoughtful of folks, but the good news is that we’re here to help!

And in keeping with the RAYOVAC® brand’s reputation as great value at an affordable price, we’re giving you holiday hacks that [cue the chorus of angels] actually save money. Because truly great gift-giving isn’t about the price tag — it’s about the care, enthusiasm, and joy that goes into the process.

And whether you’re shopping for a close friend or family member, or a co-worker whose name you just learned last week, these tips will guide you every step of the way.

Ever unwrapped an epic gift only to realize you don’t have the right batteries? And it’s a holiday, so stores aren’t open? Don’t be that guy! Adding a pack of RAYOVAC® batteries is sure to save the day, every time.

If you spend lots of time with your giftee, take notes all year about ideas they drop in passing. (Example: I once bought my BFF a rock tumbler that she’d casually mentioned she’d wanted as a kid and it made her happy-cry.)

Gift receipts, that is. It’s always a smart move to slip one into the card or wrapping, just in case. It’s as thoughtful as tucking in a pack of RAYOVAC® batteries with an electronic present.

Ask your recipient for a few general ideas if they don’t have a formal list. Online gift guides can also bring you inspiration if you’re really stuck. And when in doubt, two words: GIFT CARD.

Shiny bows and bags are great, but you can make your gift unique and save money with DIY or recycled wrapping. Give brown paper bags a glow up with paint or stickers, or use a piece of scrap fabric for a homey touch.