As we reach the time of year full of peppermint and colorful lights, many people are planning out their gifts for the holidays. Whether you’re shopping for your family member who claims all they need is quality time or for your friends with endless wish lists, picking the right present is something everyone has been thinking about lately.
“I try my best to give good gifts that represent our relationship,” sophomore Ean Larkin said. “Whatever lets them know I care.”
His description of gift-giving was centered around a sense of care and thoughtfulness, rather than convenience or cost. English teacher Darrow Brunkenhoefer had similar values at the heart of her process.
“Spending time with people, having a good conversation, or sharing a meal will always be more valuable to me than a physical gift,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just needs to be thoughtful.”
When picking out the perfect present, oftentimes people struggle to decide on a shopping location. With the abundance of options, it can be difficult to determine the best choice based on whom you’re buying for.
“Usually, I’ll find ideas online and then try to find them in a local store somewhere. My dad’s birthday is coming up, and I know that he likes to read, so I’m going to get him a historical non-fiction book. Instead of just ordering it off Amazon, I’ll go to Powell’s and buy it,” Brunkenhoefer said, highlighting the added attentiveness that comes with purchasing from a local location.
Where does Larkin shop for his gifts?
“For close friends and family, I usually go to places they personally like, like Hobby Lobby or family-owned shops.”
However, freshman Jordyn Wimer has a different approach.
“I usually shop online. I don’t really go to stores because it’s harder to find the exact thing I want to get.”
Our students’ and staff’s priority for holiday shopping is to emphasize their appreciation and love for one another. At Tualatin High School, gifts are about more than just wrapping presents and putting them under the tree. They’re about kindness and care for others. No matter what ends up under the tree, the greatest gift we receive will always be the people who make the holidays feel special.
“It doesn’t have to be expensive. It just needs to be thoughtful.” – Darrow Brunkenhoefer, English teacher
