It’s officially the season of giving, which means it’s time to pick out the perfect gift for your family and friends. For most this is a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
What makes a great gift?
A great gift doesn’t have to be expensive or super unique but rather one that was curated to that specific person. A great gift combines thoughtfulness with desirability. It really does come down to the old saying, “It’s the thought that counts.” Although corny, it’s true. A gift given with attention to detail, thought and consideration is a great gift.
What makes a memorable gift?
If you want to make a lasting impression on the person receiving your gift, consider giving them an experience. Experiences tend to make a permanent mark on someone’s life, rather than material items, which rarely last. The gift of an experience doesn’t have to be something extravagant like an all-paid-for trip to Hawaii, but rather something meaningful. For example, someone who may have a stressful job, give them a massage or a spa day. For someone who enjoys art, take them to a pottery or painting class.
How to tell what someone really wants?
In order to pick out the best gift possible, you must be attentive. Pick up on the smaller details they say throughout the day. What are they complaining about? What are they wishing they had? Is there a certain product they have been talking about?
Even if there is not an obvious hint on what they want as a gift, people will often drop small hints in their daily conversations without them realizing it. On top of their verbal communication, use social media to further find out small details about that person, and of course, if there is any doubt about their gift, refer to a close family member or friend of theirs.
When in doubt, turn to an easy gift category
Several kinds of gifts are popular for a reason. They aren’t obscure, and many people tend to enjoy gifts in one, if not all three, of these basic categories.
Literature
Whether this gift is a subscription to a cool magazine they like or buying them a new book, gifting someone literature is always a safe option. These gifts are gifts that are easy to make meaningful. They provide the opportunity to bond with the recipient. Writing a heartfelt note in the book or gifting someone a personal favorite novel takes a simple gift and adds a whole new layer of meaning.
Food/Beverages
One thing every human on this planet has in common with one another is we all eat and drink. Figure out what this person’s favorite drink or food is and give it to them. Maybe this means surprising them with their favorite coffee, with a unique mug or baking them their favorite dessert. Making their favorite food or drink homemade makes the gift personal and adds meaning.
Apparel
Everyone wears clothing daily, but it changes from each person what types of clothing they truly feel confident in. Some may prefer baggier casual clothes while others might like more formal clothing. Figure out what type of clothing this person likes; maybe it’s sports merch or a pair of weird socks, and gift them that. Personalizing apparel can be hard, but make sure the type of clothing fits their personality and style.
