Giving someone a gift is an awesome way to show that you care and were thinking of them, and I personally think it’s quite gratifying to give someone a gift that they really appreciate. However, finding a good present is not always a walk in the park. It can even become stressful, especially if you’re shopping for multiple people at a time. Beyond the traditional method of browsing and seeing what catches your eye, here are some tips to help with gift-giving, no matter what the occasion!
1. Get the wheels turning
Personally, if I know that an important holiday or birthday is coming up, even if it’s months away, I start brainstorming potential gift ideas well in advance. Suppose my friend’s birthday is next month. When I’m talking with this friend, I’ll keep an ear out for hints and write down ideas as I think of them. Maybe there’s a necklace that she ogles in a store we pass by. Maybe she mentions a new album that she really likes, and you know she is building her vinyl collection. Maybe there’s something related to that inside joke that you guys have. I don’t have to devote a lot of energy to this, but this brainstorming process definitely helps when it comes to actually finding a gift. As well, you can indirectly probe for ideas in your regular conversations; they will probably never be the wiser, especially if it’s far in advance from the occasion, and your gift can be an awesome surprise!
2. Get them something they wouldn’t get themselves
Sometimes, great gifts are things that the receiver wouldn’t get for him/herself. This is a great opportunity to give someone something more luxurious than their regular everyday purchases. For example, a gift card to a spa or nice restaurant, concert tickets, bath and beauty products, or a high-end accessory.
Alternatively, your gift could be something that the receiver simply never thought of. If you find a product that you think could help improve the person in question’s life somehow, that could make a good gift! As an example, my dad has a lot of records and a “man cave” where he listens to them, and I asked him why he didn’t display album art on the walls. He said that it was because it was too much trouble to switch album covers in and out of a regular picture frame, and because the record itself wouldn’t have a sleeve while its cover was being displayed. I thought, “there must be a product to solve that,” and there was — so I gave him a special frame for records that opens from the front for easy access.
3. Get them something they would get themselves
A different approach to a gift could be a collection of practical things that you know the receiver uses and loves. This could include socks, his/her favourite razor, moisturizer or lip balm, coffee or refill cups for a machine – the possibilities are endless, and completely customizable! You could literally give everyone on your list this gift, and have each one be completely different. Plus, it can be arranged into a cute basket or box, and decorated to have a more “gift”y feeling.
4. Make a basket
Extending from the previous idea, a themed gift basket is another great option, and can easily be DIY-ed. For example, a movie-themed basket could include microwave popcorn and candy, one or two great movies on DVD (or a Netflix gift card), and/or a mug with some hot chocolate mix. An R&R-themed basket could include bath bombs, body scrub, aromatherapy products, a face mask, fuzzy socks, a good book, and/or herbal tea.
There are so many options for fully DIY-ed gifts as well, such as homemade exfoliant, baked goods, cookies-in-a-jar, or jewellery. Handmade gifts are often cost-effective, and can potentially be even nicer than store-bought products. Plus, for many, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag. Don’t underestimate the power of DIY!
5. The gift of giving back
For someone who cares about a particular cause or who just isn’t that into receiving material gifts, a charitable donation in their name is a great option. Do some research to find out where your money is going, and feel great about giving this gift!
Keep in mind that in and of itself, giving a gift is always a kind gesture. Whoever you are giving to will appreciate whatever the gift is — and if for some reason they don’t, well, you can always keep it for yourself instead…