How to Choose the Right Gift for Someone

Choosing gifts can be a challenge, especially for those you want to spoil and show how much you care. You don’t want to choose a gift and realize that the individual is just being polite when they thank you.

Fortunately, there are ways to help you choose the right gift and make sure this doesn’t happen. Help to turn yourself into a great gift buyer by considering the following points.

Pay attention to what they say

What can make choosing the right gift easier, is when family or friends mention what they want or need in general conversation. You may be window-shopping together when they point out items they would love to own.

Sometimes they will complain about items that are broken or that would make their lives easier. You may even want to do a little stalking and check out whether you can find any clues on their social media. Making a mental note of this can prepare you for buying a gift that will really be appreciated.

What do they enjoy?

This is the obvious place to start when thinking of a gift. If your friend has a hobby like watercolor painting or pottery, you can buy a gift related to this hobby. You could buy a camping enthusiast some innovative new camping equipment or someone who enjoys the theatre a ticket to a show.

If a person loves traveling, a gift like a travel diary may be an option.  When you think about what brings joy to a family member or friend, it can make buying a gift much easier and more pleasurable.

Remember shared experiences

Don’t be a victim of gift-giving anxiety. If you are overly confused, think about the great times you have shared with the recipients. Gifts that remind them of the happy times shared together, like holidays or special events, can be very touching.

You may want to arrange special holiday photos in an album or buy tickets to a festival you enjoyed together in the past. Thinking about your inside jokes and stories may also trigger gift ideas. It’s not so much about the money you spend as the creativity and care you invest.

Avoid the clichés

If you just give a stereotypical gift, the person will tend to think you don’t really care. A thoughtful gift will always have some meaning and significance. Perfume, bath gel, chocolates, flowers or gift cards are gifts that many people fall back on when they run out of ideas or don’t have time.

Try to avoid gifts like this unless you are positive the recipient will enjoy them. Sometimes the way you present such a gift and the card you write can turn it from a cliché into something more creative and special.

Ask for help

Ask for gift ideas for the person from others close to them if you’re running out of options. They may approach the challenge from a different perspective and help you think of something you would never have thought of on your own.

If you’re really stuck and no-one else has any helpful suggestions, think about asking the person to make a list for you of items from which to choose. It will still be a surprise as they don’t know which one you will choose and you will know you’re giving something they will genuinely appreciate.

Use the tips for choosing gifts mentioned above and you will help to put a smile on the face of the recipient and show that you care. Remember that even your card and the way you wrap your gift adds a personal touch.  Personalization often helps to make the perfect gift and is valued over affordability and practicality.