We all have that one friend who is just spectacular at giving gifts, don’t we? They always seem to know just what the recipient is into the most and just the right gift to appeal to their interests the most. In the meantime, we are flailing around with endless tabs open not sure what to buy and knowing there is a good chance we’ll get a polite thanks as opposed to the gushing the spectacular gift-giver gets.
Well, it really does not have to be that way! It is totally possible for any of us to get really good at giving gifts and below, you can find out how.
Ditch the Generic, Embrace the Specific
Generic gifts may take up a lot less of your time, but that is why they get a much frostier reception. So, if you want to get really good at giving gifts, first and foremost, you need to accept that you are going to have to put some real effort into the process. You are going to have to switch to gifts that resonate with the individuality of the recipient. You are going to need to choose gifts that really speak to them as a person, and this means taking the time to really listen to them and take note of who they are and what they value the most. Is your friend a coffee aficionado? Consider gifting a gourmet coffee selection or a beautiful French press. Dog lover? Consider taking them to a puppy petting cafe for their birthday. It should be all about them!
Create a Memorable Experience
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t physical items but experiences that will be remembered long after that perfume bottle is empty or that novelty jigsaw has been forgotten in the back of a drawer. Be it tickets to a coveted event, a cooking class, or a spa day, these gifts provide memories that last a lifetime, as well, of course, as experiences that are truly amazing in the moment, too.
The Handmade Haven
A handmade gift bears a stamp of your time, effort, and creativity. So, it can be a really great way of showing the recipient just how much you do actually care about them. It can be something as simple as a hand-painted mug or a home-cooked meal or something more elaborate like a quilt made from their favorite band t-shirts, for example, It does not matter as long as you put some thought and effort into it, and think about the kind of gift they would like to receive, not the kind you are most able to make!
Personalized Gifts
If you are not exactly a whizz with crafting glue, then personalized gifts could be a good alternative to show them how much you care without the hassle of glitter glue and clay! Items like customized jewelry, personalised number plates for car enthusiasts, or even bespoke fragrances should all be on the table if you want to get really good at giving gifts. They show a level of planning and consideration that is bound to impress all but the most difficult recipients, but again, it needs to be something they love that you personalize otherwise it will look just as low effort as a non-personalized gift that does not quite hit the mark.
Subscription Boxes: The Gifts That Keep on Giving
Consider gifting subscription boxes which are the perfect embodiment of a gift that keeps on giving, and therefore, a gift that is much more delightful to receive than the average present. This is also a good idea because there de subscription boxes for everything you can possibly think of from luxury perfume to pet toys, so whatever your friends and family are into, you can cover them with the right choice.
Gift a Skill or a Hobby
If your loved one has expressed interest in a particular hobby, why not give a gift that fosters that interest? It could be an online course in photography, painting supplies, or a musical instrument they’ve always wanted to learn. This is a smooth move because, as well as being a great gift to get in its own right, it shows your loved one that you have been listening to what they are telling you and you do know what their hopes and dreams are, and you are willing to help them to achieve them! Who could possibly not be impressed with that?
The Art of Presentation
A beautifully wrapped gift can elevate the gift-giving experience to the stratosphere, so even if it is not absolutely perfect, it will definitely be well received. So, whether you get it gift-wrapped at the store or create your own unique wrapping paper ith photos of your friends or images you have painted yourself, be sure to put some effort into how your gift looks before it is unwrapped.
The Element of Surprise
Who doesn’t love a delightful surprise? Sometimes, giving a gift when it’s least expected can magnify the joy it brings. It could be a ‘just because’ gift to brighten up a regular day, or it could be unexpected in that you go above and beyond to get them something really special. If you can find a way of springing a surprise during your gifting, then it will pretty much always go down well.
A Pre-Gift Ritual
Why not build up the excitement with a pre-gift ritual to really get them in the mood to enjoy your present? It could be a series of clues leading up to the gift or a heartfelt letter explaining why you chose that particular gift for them – as long as it makes them get hyped up and in the mood for gifting, then it will help to make the gift itself feel more special to them too.
Getting good at gifts is something that often takes time, and it certainly requires you to pay attention and really know the people in your life, but as you can see, it is not impossible, so what arr you waiting for?