Considering that it's nearly December and people will be scrambling for gifts for their loved ones soon, I decided to share a little take on things to think about when getting these precious gifts.
1. KNOW the person you're buying the gift for
I cannot stress this enough. There are plenty of gifts people buy for others without giving it much thought, because they think they can get away with it since it's such a standard gift. Such as:
- Clothes
- Jewelry
- Books
- Games
However, even with simple gifts such as the ones mentioned above, you need to thoroughly think things through. Do you know the person's size in clothes? Do you know their style? Their favorite color? What types of books and games they usually go for? Whether they prefer silver over gold? Dainty over bold? You can't just grab the first thing you see and think they'll automatically like it just because it's a nice sweater, or necklace, or game. You need to make sure it's their favorite color, their size, their style, the next book/game in their favorite series, etc. That way, even if it's a "standard" gift, you prove to them that you've given it a lot of thought and that you found something that really suits them. That you didn't just grab the first thing you saw because you couldn't be bothered with figuring things out.
2. Don't throw yourself into unknown territory
For instance, my boyfriend is really the outdoorsy type. As for myself, not really. I mean, I like being outdoors and all, but he's more of the outdoorsy freak-type with lots of gadgets, clothes, and equpiment. At first I thought maybe buying him some outdoorsy gear would be smart, but I quickly realized I had no idea what he wants and/or needs in this regard.
Most people who have a hobby like that are very picky when it comes to what they want, and what they need/don't need. They know exactly which brand they prefer, which uses their equipment should have, and usually, they already have everything they need. They've carefully picked out every item that fits their hobby. Therefore, even if it's sweet of you to acknowledge this hobby, your gift might be completely useless to them. If you don't know for sure that they want something in particular, it's better to stay away from subjects/hobbies you don't know a whole lot about yourself.
3. Plan ahead
Not only will it save you from running around the stores like a headless chicken the day before Christmas, but it also might save you some money. Buying things online can be cheaper, for instance, but you need to make sure that the package arrives on time. Also, if you plan ahead, that means that you can divide the shopping over a few days when you have some extra time. It will reduce the amount of stress because you don't have to get everything done at once, it won't be as crowded as on the day before Christmas, and you don't have to drag heavy shopping bags full of gifts around if you only buy a few here and there.
4. Don't be afraid of asking what they want
It might not be as romantic or thoughtful, but if you're completely helpless when it comes to being creative with your gifts, consider just asking them if there's something specific they want. This way you're ensuring that, at the very least, they'll find the gift useful and it won't be something that they'll throw away or exchange. That's always something.
If you're going to ask them, then you should also do that a somewhat long time before Christmas. If you're lucky, they might just forget they ever told you what they wanted, and will be pleasantly surprised by your gift.
5. Consider a handmade or customized gift
Obviously complicated handmade gifts are for the more crafty person, but even if you don't consider yourself to be very good at sewing, knitting or painting, there are tons of easy DIY gift ideas you can find online that require minimum effort and creative skills, but still look fabulous. Customized gifts also show you gave it that extra thought, like engraving or printing something special onto the gift (jewelry, something made out of wood or leather, a t-shirt etc). Baking/cooking their favorite food is also a nice gift.
6. DON'T get them these gifts unless they've specifically asked for them or you know for sure that they want them:
- Anything regarding losing weight or dieting, like books, a gym membership or a scale. It will just come across as insensitive unless they've been actively talking about really wanting to make a change, or getting that gym membership.
- Gifts regarding hygiene: deodorant, foot cream, wax, air fresheners, a nose hair plucker etc... unless it's a nice spa-looking package, don't bother if they didn't ask for it.
- Standard socks and underwear. Sure, maybe they really need it, but can you spell BORING? Unless it's really sexy underwear or something with a funny print, again don't bother.
- Novelty gifts. Unless they have the sense of humor of a five year old, they will probably just find the gift to be unnecessary, a waste of money, and maybe even a little bit rude.
- Something that you want. Don't buy someone a gift that's only useful to yourself. Like if you're a clean freak, don't buy your partner laundry detergent just because you'll find it useful personally.
- Any cleaning products for that matter tend to not make very good gifts in general.
- Cologne/perfume. This is such a personal gift and it's better to just not get them that unless you know for sure what scent is their favorite, or if they've asked you to get it.
- Gift cards. I've gotten gift cards so many times to stores I never even visit, or rarely buy stuff from. It feels like wasted money. Like if you're going to give someone money, you might as well just give it in cash so that they'll have the liberty of choosing whatever store they want.
Most Helpful Opinions