In our extended circle of family and friends, WE are the ones who send gifts throughout the year for no reason. Sometimes these are expensive gifts, like exotic flower arrangements, a mail-order coconut cream cake, or several books, and sometimes they are envelopes filled with personally chosen grocery coupons or articles on issues of interest to the recipient. We also write many more letters to family and friends than most people we know, and I consider these gifts as well. I read McKibben's intro remarks, but I don't see the problem in spending a lot of money on gifts for others. We spend excess money, which might otherwise be used for stuff for us or hoarded for the future.
Every year gets better.
We are not discontent, and my life is filled with days of almost complete solitude and silence, which I treasure and cultivate. Maybe one book, one shared subscription or a family membership to the local zoo or museum. I personally love to send my mother exotic flowers during the year for no reason. I know she does not feel awkward or embarrassed, and she doesn't feel compelled to respond in kind. It can take hours to open 6 or 8 gifts this way.