Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, holiday, or any special occasion, we all want to select a gift that will leave a lasting impression. But let’s admit it, gift selection is not always an easy task, and there are days when selecting a gift drives us crazy.
Fortunately, with the right guidance and strategies, we can avoid that stress and make gift-giving a rewarding and exciting experience.
In this article, we list down tips that can help you prepare the perfect gift for your friend, loved one, or acquaintance. Say goodbye to stressful gift selection and start wrapping the perfect gift with this guide!
Set your budget and stick to it
The first thing you have to consider when choosing a gift is your budget. This will save you so much time, as you will naturally not look for items that exceed your budget.
Without a budget, there may be a tendency to feel pressured to spend more than you can afford or to match the spending of others. This can lead to stress, guilt, and financial strain.
While it’s tempting to go all out, especially when the giftee is a special person to you, be mindful of your budget and choose a gift that is within your means. Besides, a well-chosen gift is not solely determined by the money you spend.
Understand the recipient
You can buy the most expensive thing in the market, and it will still not be considered a perfect gift if it doesn’t align with the giftee’s needs and preferences.
After all, the essence of gifting doesn’t rely on the gift’s price tag but on its meaning and the feelings it gives to the recipient.
Hence, it’s important to truly understand the recipient. The art of gifting starts with a deep understanding of the recipient’s preferences, interests, and needs.
Understanding their personality, lifestyle, and any specific needs or desires they may have will guide you in finding a gift that resonates with them. It will also help you avoid gifts that they may dislike or those that can trigger phobias and health issues.
Consider their experiences
Another thing you can consider is experiences they’ve had that they truly enjoyed or events that they’re looking forward to. This will help you choose a gift that they’d actually like.
If they have a trip coming up, consider getting something that they can use for the trip. If they have attended an artist’s concert before and won’t stop talking about it, merchandise from the artist or an actual ticket for their concert can be an excellent gift.
Gifts based on their past experiences or future adventures can help give them a lasting impression and evoke certain emotions that they associate with those experiences.
Remember to listen to and observe the recipient
Sometimes, the recipient has wants and desires that you may not think of because they’re not related to their hobbies and experiences.
They may want something that they saw from someone or somewhere, a thing that’s completely different from what they usually like.
That’s why paying attention to conversations and casual remarks made by the recipient is important. They may drop hints about things they want or need during these conversations.
It’s also important to observe their reactions to certain items or activities when you’re together. These subtle reactions and clues can provide valuable insights into what they want.
Noticing the little things about them also makes the gift extra special. It will show the recipient how much attention you’re paying to them and how special they are to you.
Ask for suggestions and advice
There’s no shame in asking for suggestions and advice when looking for the perfect gift. It shows that you actually care about making the recipient happy and would go the extra mile just to give them something that they would like.
This tip is especially important if you’re not particularly close to the recipient.
Understanding their personality, considering their hobbies, and knowing their experiences can be hard if you don’t have a strong connection with them, so it’s important to ask someone who knows them.
Close friends and family members are often the people to reach out to, as they know the recipient to a degree that no one else does. They can provide you with valuable insights and ideas that can help you choose the perfect gift.
Do a little bit of stalking
Even after asking for suggestions and advice, choosing a gift can still be hard. When the advice you received doesn’t help much, then it’s time to stalk.
The word “stalking” may sound creepy, but the “stalking” we’re talking about here is not the bad kind that you see on crime documentaries, we promise!
You just have to go through their social media accounts and look for the things that they like. With the amount of digital footprint everyone leaves, getting an idea of what gift would possibly make them happy won’t be that hard.
Some people also make wishlists which you can use as a guide when choosing a gift.
Consider practicality and usefulness
A useful item that aligns with the recipient’s needs or interests is a foolproof gift anyone will highly appreciate. This is because they have a long-lasting impact on the recipient’s daily life and make their life easier and more efficient.
Some tend to avoid practical items that help with day-to-day lives, as they’re not considered to be as flashy as other gifts.
But you have to remember that gifting isn’t about wrapping the flashiest item out there; it’s about making the other party feel special.
With a practical and useful gift, you can show the recipient that you care about their well-being and that you pay attention to what they need.
Practical gifts also have a versatility that allows them to be well-received by different people, regardless of the occasion.
Go for experience gifts
Material items may lose novelty over time, but the memories that experience gifts will give them will last for a lifetime.
Whether they take a photo of the experience or not, no one will be able to erase those memories from them and take away the joy they felt at the moment.
Additionally, experience gifts can be highly personalized and tailored to the recipient’s interests, preferences, and desires. They offer the opportunity to create a unique and customized experience that specifically caters to the giftee.
That said, it’s still important to consider what experiences, events, or trips they may want. No matter how fun you think the event is, it’s not a perfect gift if it doesn’t match their preferences.
You should also consider if they actually want an experience gift, as some may still prefer material ones.
Personalize the gift
Some people may find gifts that they just bought from the store inferior to handmade and personalized ones. This is because personalized and handmade ones demonstrate that you’re willing to put effort into a gift if it makes them happy.
If the gift you chose has some room for personalization, consider customizing it with their name, initials, or anything related to them. You may also write a note or letter, which can add to the gift’s sentimental value.
Personalized gifts are also one-of-a-kind, as they’re only made for the person you gifted them to, making them extra special. They can also act as symbols of the relationship you have with the giftee.
Consider the occasion
The occasion is another factor you have to consider if you want to get the perfect gift. Different occasions have different themes, significance, and expectations, so it’s always best to make sure that the gift is relevant and appropriate for the occasion.
For example, a housewarming gift might focus on items for the new home, while a baby shower gift might be centered around the baby’s and parents’ needs. Considering the occasion ensures that the gift serves a purpose and is useful in the specific context.
Additionally, considering the occasion also helps you choose a gift that can complement other gifts that may be given. You can try to guess what kinds of gifts will be given and choose one that will enhance that gift’s functionality.
Get creative with the presentation
Instead of just wrapping the gift in a simple wrapping paper or just handing it in a paper bag, get creative with it. You can use fabric gift wrap, puzzle gift box, or even make the gifting experience a treasure hunt!
Creative gift presentation adds an element of surprise and excitement for the recipient. It elevates the gift-giving experience by introducing unexpected and imaginative elements.
Moreover, it can enhance the perceived value of the gift. When a gift is presented in an imaginative and exciting way, it can make the recipient feel that the gift is more special and valuable compared to when it’s presented in a traditional way.
