Some people are great at gift giving while others are just, well not so good. What is it that makes a gift special? How come some people understand what it takes to find the perfect gift? What is their secret?
Today’s blog covers what makes a gift special and how to figure out what to buy a friend, co-worker and a child (both a young child and a teen). Finding a good gift doesn’t have to be difficult or break the bank. It should be meaningful to the recipient. The best gifts show that you care and are thinking about them.
First – Listen and Observe
So how do you know what people care about? You need to listen and observe. Take some time to really focus on the person you want to buy for. Listen to what they spend their time talking about. Notice if they talk about a movie they saw, a book they read or a snack they love to eat. Ask a few questions as they fit into conversation. “What is your favorite color?” you may ask. “Why do you like blue so much?” Maybe they say it reminds them of the bluebird they saw as a kid. Or they mention it is vast like the sky. OR it just simply looks good on them as it brings out their eye color.
Second – Formulate Ideas
Next, take that information and formulate some ideas. If they mentioned a bird as a child, they like to reminisce about past times. The bird itself is a reminder into their past. If you are a long time friend, or someone who is really close to them like a sibling or spouse, the gift may be appropriate. However if you are co-workers or acquaintances then save that for someone else to give.
Event
Think of something special you 2 did and try to come up with a gift that fits that. Maybe you saw a movie together and had coffee after at a special coffee shop. A gift card to that same shop would be nice. OR if the movie was spectacular, maybe something from the movie would be a fun gift.
Wearable
If they say it brings out their eye color then they like to wear blue. Buy a scarf, earrings or a shirt in blue. Sometimes clothing is difficult because of sizing so a hat or purse could fulfill this without worrying about sizing. Just make sure you buy a purse for someone who actually uses purses. If the person isn’t into those things, why would you buy one now?
Decoration
If they said it is vast like the sky, find something that represents the sky. Maybe you give a framed photo with a vast sky and the 2 of you. Or you find an inspirational sign with a vast sky in the background.
Kids Gifts
Young children tend to be so easy to buy for but remember that today’s kids have more toys than previous generations. In fact, many families complain of all the clutter and excess. A toy should be something they play with not something sitting in the toy graveyard. The toys that kids return to are the ones that require attention, imagination, and creativity. So think creatively and think of things that take time to use. How about a lego set, a craft kit or a scavenger hunt with a prize at the end? Think of things they haven’t done before like an origami book with a pad of origami paper. Things they can do on their own is not only fun for the child, but a blessing for the parent as well. Make sure it is age appropriate. Kids do not like things that are too easy or too difficult. The origami book will have all levels so it is something they can grow into.
Teen Gifts
Teens are picky and really tough to buy for. I work at a pre-teen and teen store so I get a lot of people in that are asking about gifts for that age group. What do they like to do? What are their hobbies? Are they into video games, beauty, nails, art or decorating their room?
Theme
I always try to do a theme so that I focus my shopping effort. Movie night, gamer time or even just their favorite color (all things purple) will help you focus and make the gift fun to look at. It really is about the presentation. If it looks cool, they will think it is cool.
Gift Basket
You can always make a small gift basket with things that represent them. With lots of small gifts something will be a favorite. Call it a cozy basket or a movie basket and go wild! Get a basket of their favorite color then add some candy and snacks, a fuzzy pair of socks, sweats or leggings, a T-shirt, a gift card to a fun store and an ornament for the tree. I think room decor and clothing can be really hard unless you know the kid well. A T-shirt can be fine if it is funny and represents the kid. If nothing else, they can wear it to sleep in.
Coworkers and Bosses
Buying for someone you don’t know very well is even more challenging. Let’s say you are buying for a co-worker or boss that you don’t know on a personal level. You can still be observant and a good listener for a couple days. While in meetings, notice what colors they wear. If you are in their workspace take notice of photos or signs they have displayed. Ask about those. “Oh, I see you have a dog.” Get them to talk about themselves enough that you can at least formulate 1 good idea. If their office is sparse then they will not appreciate more “stuff”. This is when you opt to give something they can consume. How about a gift card for the place you all like to go to for lunch? Maybe they like wine, or beer made locally.
Third – Past Reactions
The third step is to think about what you have given them in the past. How did they react? I usually give my mom flowers for her birthday and she is always so excited. One year I got her a restaurant gift card to her favorite restaurant and her enthusiasm wasn’t nearly as much. So, I am back to flowers. I know she loves them and I can order them and not have to package and send something that may not make it on time. Sometimes I send a separate card so she gets 2 things. I write something that I remember or appreciate about her in the card to make it more special.
Appreciated, Understood and Loved
I hope these ideas got you thinking about how to make your gift recipient feel special. After all that is what gift giving is all about. The gift should show them you know them on some level. I had a friend whom I thought was close, who always bought me a coffee gift card. I loved coffee, she got that right. But the coffee shop she purchased from was one I did not care for. The few times we went there I had told her I didn’t care for their coffee. In fact after a few times I started suggesting other coffee shops because I didn’t like that one. It took a few years but she finally got it. At least she half got it! Gifts are fun to give, but make sure they show the recipient that they are appreciated, understood and loved!
