There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to gift-giving. A fantastic and well-appreciated gift means a different thing to every person you may have on your list. With some people, you can ask them what they want, and they will tell you straight. Problem solved! But that removes all the intrigue and romance and can make the presentation a bit impersonal or unexciting. On the other hand, you may need to get a gift for that person who has everything, or the one that says they don’t want a gift. Here are some top tips for finding the ideal present for any type of person – friend, colleague, acquaintance, family, or lover.
Experiences are Popular Choices
Real-life experiences are popular choices across the board. If someone loves a certain series of books, buy them a ticket to the new musical based on those. Add in a voucher to a nearby restaurant and treat them to dinner and a show – a memory they will not easily forget. Do you have a friend who loves traveling – buy them a cooking class to learn how to make their favorite Thai food at home. If you live in separate cities, why not buy tickets, and meet each other halfway – spend the day exploring a new town. Capture the moment to make the gift even more meaningful by making a photo album of the experience.
Traditional and Treasured
Flowers touch the lives of everyone who gets them, regardless of the situation, and are, therefore, always a good choice. You can order flowers online and have them delivered that day. They are sentimental, beautiful, and heartfelt, for any occasion and are sure to put a smile on the recipient’s face.
Why not make a connection between the gift and a memory? Perhaps use a significant milestone or a shared memory to think of a present that can have a long-term influence.
Personalised Gifts
If you want to ensure that your gift is appreciated on a deeper and more meaningful level, you might consider personalising it in some way. There are a variety of personalised gift ideas that are popular over the holiday season and others that are available any time of the year. Most popular personalised gifts are those that have the person’s initials and even a date somewhere on the item. Birthstones are a great way to personalise a milestone birthday.
Another way to personalise a gift is to put your skills and talents into it: create an artwork, write a poem or song, knit a blanket or scarf, craft a useful object – there are endless possibilities to explore.
Solve a Problem
With gifting, it’s a good idea to think outside the box! Why not solve a specific problem your recipient might be having? A stressed individual may appreciate a night away with a massage and spa treatment. Sometimes it is more meaningful to give the gift of your time: offer to babysit or pet-sit so that your friends can enjoy a night on the town or a weekend away. Call for a handyman to visit their home and repair minor issues such as squeaky doors and leaking sinks. Give them a gift certificate for home-delivered meals or laundry service.
Charity Starts at Home
Perhaps you are still at a loss as to what to get? Why not find a cause that they are passionate about and donate to it? Donate to an animal rescue sanctuary, a women’s rights organisation, a centre dedicated to cancer research, or any other charity that may be close to their heart.
Spending time advance planning and some brainstorming can help you find that perfect gift that will be treasured for years to come.