Whether for a family member, a friend or a coworker — it’s no secret that finding the perfect gift can be tricky! But finding and giving the perfect gift doesn’t have to be as tricky as we tend to make it, and it definitely doesn’t have to be a cause of stress. In fact, giving gifts can be as beneficial for you as the giver as it is for your giftee!
It’s important to remind yourself often throughout the process that there is no single perfect gift, and to ask yourself simple questions to figure out what they would like instead of looking through gifts asking yourself hard questions like “would they like this?” or “would they use this?” Before you start shopping, ask: What’s the occasion? What would they normally be doing if they weren’t going to be there with you? What do they enjoy doing? What do they always talk about? If you can answer any of these questions, then you’ll likely be able to find a perfect gift!
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Look to the Occasion for Inspiration
Stop and think about what kind of occasion you are buying a gift for, as it will help you to determine what type of gift will work best! For example, an anniversary is a very different kind of celebration compared with a birthday and will likely call for a very different kind of gift — they’re much more intimate and your gift should be, too. While some occasions are appropriate for almost any approach, they can still help to give you some direction if you’re feeling lost! Christmas, for instance, is an occasion that’s open to all sorts of gifts, but also offers all sorts of gifts and inspiration! From gifts like a winter-wonderland-themed basket filled with gourmet hot chocolates, stylish stir sticks, marshmallows and a mug, to gifts like pairs of cute colorful and cozy Christmas socks they’ll actually wear, you have the occasion to thank!
Look to the Past
Are there any holiday traditions you shared with your family or friends that have been missed in recent years? Is there anything that you and your sibling really wanted when you were younger, but never received? Even though some of these gifts may seem inappropriate or unwanted into adulthood, they are almost always joyous and impactful gifts — not to mention joyous and impactful moments!
Look to the Future
By looking at what the person on your list wants to do, you can help them indulge in it or even improve at it. For your aunt who wishes she cooked more, for example, consider classes that will ensure she indulges in it and gets to the level she’d like to be at! When you look at what they want to do, it becomes easy to create little kits, baskets or pairings as well. For your aunt who’s getting cooking classes, for instance, something to go along with her new class like funny oven mitts that are stylish and safe, can be an awesome addition!
Look at What They do With Their Time, Presently
Look at what your giftee does with their time, and help them showcase it, indulge in it and even do it better! Whatever their interest, hobby or job may be, getting them a gift that embraces it will also showcase to them that you care about it too. Is the person on your list an artist? Consider canvases, paint, pencils, markers, digital pen tips or maybe even artist socks that are as unique and alluring as the art and artist themselves. Is the person on your list a major movie buff? Consider a snack box subscription and a streaming service subscription for the ultimate combo, a candy basket, a popcorn seasoning set or even tangible movie tickets!
Look at What They Need
Don’t let the stigma behind practical gifts steer you away! If you have a friend on your list who’s been having a hard time or just moved into a new home, consider a gift basket filled with the living essentials they may need like toiletries, kitchen supplies, relaxation supplies or even some treats to pick them up! If you have a child that just moved away for school, consider cool stationery, school and scheduling supplies that they may need or would love!
Look at How They Relax
While relaxing is supposed to be a calming endeavor, relaxing gifts can be incredibly exciting — and often needed! Although different people relax and unwind in different ways, snack box subscriptions or cafe memberships to embrace their favorite indulgences (with hopes that they share!), streaming service subscriptions, home-spa supplies or real-spa certificates, all tend to be great ideas no matter who you’re buying for.
Look at What They’re Drawn To
Looking directly at what they’re drawn to is a foolproof way to find your special someone that special gift. If you ever go shopping with them, pay special attention to the items they seem to gravitate towards. When you’re with them, note their style preferences. If you go to their house often, make sure to take in their tastes while they surround you. If they’ve talked about wanting a certain item or if you’ve seen them go for it in one way or another, it’s a great opportunity for you to nail something that you know they’ll love, along with showing them that you pay attention!
Know Where Their Heart is
Does the friend or family member on your list have passion or activism oozing from their heart for a certain charity or cause? Consider making a donation to this charity on their behalf/ in their name or purchasing an item that you know puts the proceeds toward this cause. By speaking to their heart, you’re sure to gain a spot within it!
The Tried-and-True Treasure: Time
If you still haven’t found a PERFECT option that you’re completely confident in – don’t worry, there’s still one more gift that’s sure to do the trick. Your time! More often than not in today’s world, we don’t spend as much time with our loved ones as we wish we could, so your time can make for a great gift when it comes to everyone involved — even yourself!
Feature photo source: bbernard/Shutterstock.com
