Apps are the reason for the season

by John Hepokoski

Gift giving has entered a whole new level with the creation of many apps to help make sure people receive the perfect gift. Apps like Giftster, Amazon Wishlist, and Elfster allow people to collaborate on gifts and make sure that they will like the gifts they receive. This is a drastic change from traditional gift giving—when adults do their best to surprise each other, and kids write out an old-fashioned list and send it to Santa without knowing whether they would get their desired gifts or not.
This new, brilliant form of gift-giving is definitely the best way to receive gifts. It is simple, efficient, and perfect because you will be receiving gifts that you actually want. If it’s clothes that you desire, then you know it will be the right size and color. If it’s tickets to the big game or concert that would mean the world to you, you will be going. If you just simply want money you know you have a shopping spree on the way. Guaranteed happiness!
Another obvious benefit of this new method of gift giving is that you will actually use the gift and not waste your friend’s or family member’s time and money. Although you do lose the overrated and short-lived surprise feeling from not knowing what you’re getting, this can actually help because you will no longer be anxious about what you are getting, and you do not have to keep guessing or asking what you are getting. Best of all, you will never be disappointed with your gift.
With all of the stress that accompanies the holidays, this way of being able to select the stuff that you truly want will unquestionably result in a happier holiday season.
As each day passes, excitement will build as you know that you will be getting items that you maybe would never get for yourself and things that will make you overjoyed. In fact, this method actually relates to being a kid when you would make a list for Santa—only now you are guaranteed to be getting exactly what you wish for!
Let’s not forget about the gift giver. They benefit too. Online gift giving reduces needless anxiety. How? It takes the guesswork completely out of the shopping equation.
And one of the best aspects of the new style of gift giving is how easy specific websites make the process. With so much variety online, having the specific websites that offer gift giving eliminates legitimate stress for the people who will be shopping for you. They will know exactly what website to get your requested gift from, exactly how you want it. And since the entire process is online, shopping can be done 24/7, from the comforts of home. People never have to worry about the item being in stock, as opposed to driving around for hours in bad weather and spending time inside crowded stores.
Let’s stop pretending that we like the ugly flannel shirt that we received from our uncle and that useless solar-powered alarm clock from our loving, good-intentioned grandparents. Instead, let’s look forward to a holiday season filled with thoughtful gifts that we not only want but also that we actually asked for.

Apps have ruined connection

by Emma Garcia

I know you’ve heard of those wishlist apps or at least seen the unholy amount of ads on your TikTok page. I bet some of you probably already have one and are waiting for family to pop the question: “What do you want for Christmas or Kwanzaa or Hanukkah?”
Well, tell that sparkle in your eye, no matter what you get, you’re bound to be disappointed. The wonderful magic of a cozy and nostalgic Christmas has converted into a big snowy pile of see-through Amazon boxes, and I, for one, can feel the difference.
A big part of the holiday spirit is gift giving. My best memories of Christmas are from when I was younger. The feeling of writing a letter to Santa and not knowing what you’ll get was unmatched. Now that our generation has grown up and knows the truth—sorry to the Santa believers out there—we make our list and send them out knowing items will be checked off. Not to mention the horrific things done to Secret Santa. There is no longer a need for paper in a hat now that your phone has taken over. The only thing the new Secret Santa has done is turn us into personal shoppers.
Trust, you don’t wanna end up like me last Christmas with an Amazon gift card because your aunt couldn’t figure it out. Whatever happened to knowing someone well enough that you can get them something amazing tailored to their liking? The warmth of someone enjoying a gift you actually thought hard of and planned out is something you could never get out of scrolling someone’s wish board or adding to an online cart.
In addition to that, holiday sales have invaded our brains and driven us to overconsumption. We are so blinded by items being half priced that we don’t even care if the gift will be appreciated or used. Now, with everything being online, it makes shopping 10 times easier. Or should I say dangerous. The amount of videos I’ve seen of people online shopping half awake not even knowing what they bought is concerning. This generation no longer has any self-control, and when the shopping demons take over, they don’t stop to consider if that vegetable cutter will be loved. I think if we all put down the laptop, write down a couple ideas then buy them after, not only will they be enjoyed by others, but you won’t go broke on the way.
Gifting apps also take away the appreciation for handmade gifts. Imagine one of your friends spending time making you a little trinket or decorating a picture frame with one of your best memories together. When someone takes time out of their day for you, it truly feels special. You can’t get that feeling when you already know the gift prior to receiving it.
If you think about it and you’re still stuck, please don’t give up and get a candle from Bath and BodyWorks. Just ask. I know some people might be opposed to asking but it’s really not that bad. And don’t just flat out ask for specific things they want, ask about their interests and go from there. One of my friends always asks if I still like a movie or character before getting me a gift and I think it’s so sweet. It’s really not that weird, guys. It shows that you care about their interests and want to know them better. You should be willing to feel a little uncomfortable or awkward for your friends and family.
Don’t let these apps give you an easy way out; the holiday season is a magical time. Strengthen bonds, have fun shopping, enjoy while exchanging gifts, and soak in the tree cuz it won’t be there forever.