Gift-Giving 101: How To Give The Most Thoughtful Gifts
Some of us are born gift-givers, but, for many, the art of picking the perfect present doesn’t come naturally. Is there a secret to giving a gift that will have its recipients smiling right from the start? It’s not as simple as on right answer. But, becoming an expert gift giver is possible by following these six steps!
1.) LISTEN and Take Notes
The best gifts are not the ones your friends and family ask for directly. They’re the items your friend has mentioned in passing a few times or the ones she gravitates toward while on shopping trips. Buy the stuff that you know they want but have trouble justifying—the stuff you know will bring them happiness.
2.) Buy These Gifts All Year Long
Don’t reserve your giftgiving for the holidays, or, if you do, don’t do all your shopping during the holiday season. If inspiration strikes in the middle of the year on a random road trip, pick up whatever made you think of that person on the spot. You don’t have to give it to them right away. There will always be another reason to celebrate!
3.) Get Personal
What do you know about this person? Did they travel through Italy several years ago? In that case, consider buying them Italian cooking classes. Tangible photographs are also becoming a rarity these days, and it’s the easiest thing in the world to order prints online and either pick them up somewhere local or have them delivered straight to your house. From there, get creative and incorporate them into a fun collage or custom-made photo album.
4.) Shop for THEM, Not You
We’re not talking about when you go out to buy Christmas gifts and mass and end up also buying some for yourself. We mean, don’t buy presents for people based on what you think they’re lacking. So, your tech-savvy and fashion-challenged cousin really doesn’t want a gift card to The GAP. She wants one to Game Stop.
5.) Don’t Write Off The Small Stuff
You’ve heard that you shouldn’t stress the small stuff. You also shouldn’t deny its importance. The perfect gift doesn’t have to be expensive. If it recalls a cherished memory or reminds them of an inside joke, it can be just the thing. Aromatherapy is another inexpensive way to personalize a gift. If you know your mom has had difficulty sleeping recently, then the gift of a lavender candle could be exactly what she needs!
6.) Consider Giving a “Non-Stuff” Present
For most of us, if we need something, we just buy it. And, great gift shouldn’t feel like it’s going to just take up space in your family or friends’ homes. Instead of valuing the material, try shifting your perspective and focusing on the experiential. Give your loved one an experience that will enrich their life. Airplane tickets, gift certificates, classes, or tickets to a sporting event or concert are just a few great ideas for giving the gift of a nice memory.
All of these ideas can help you land on the perfect gift. But, if you can figure out how to combine some of the above ideas, your present will convey even more joy. For example, you might choose to give your mom a lavender candle. But, you also might decide to give her two gift certificates to a local DIY candle shop. That way, she can go with you or a friend and make a memory while she pours her custom-scented candle. Sounds pretty perfect, right? We think so, too! Good luck, and happy gifting!
