Over the years when buying gifts, I have done it without a process, and looking back, some of my friends/family must have thought what the heck!
Yes, there are times when a gift is so obvious, and you become beyond excited waiting for the moment to hand it over, hitting the ‘sweet spot’, seeing that wide smile/squeal of delight. It brings a rush of warmth of feeling to us the givers – just the best feeling ever!
However, with age, I have improved, I have learnt from receiving lovely presents to having those whacky ones, which left me a bit non-plussed. So here is some of my thinking, which I hope helps you think through ideas for your family and friends when present buying and I would love to hear any of your tips going forward as I am sure mine are not all there is to think about.
TOP TIP – What is your Budget?
Budgeting is important, it is so easy to get carried away and overspend. Be mindful that going over budget, might cause you/you and your family hardship once the initial pleasure of buying has settled down. Maybe it will overwhelm the receiver and force their hand, to up their budget when buying your pressie. Where do you stop? It is better to spend a little less and add a little something small to make up the value if you feel the need, than go way over budget.
TOP TIP – Listening:
Have you heard them liking something recently, maybe seeing something you own and commenting or mentioning something on their own wish list in passing to you.
Maybe they spoke and it sparked a thought in your head for a good present for them.
Capture those immediately, before you forget. Either a note on your little notepad, for the tech savvy, note it on your phone, or if you are out and about, take a photo of said item with a note of where you saw it, then save to favourites.
TOP TIP Interests:
Make a list, of their interests and within those interests, take time to think of anything you could buy for e.g.:
‘Stationery ‘– I am a stationery freak, I am not alone. Does your recipient like stationery, give me a beautiful note book, pen, pencil, set of quirky paper clips, cute desk ornament, stress relievers, doodle slate, coloured pens, and I am well made up
Are they – ‘Day trippers’ – do they go out and take their own food, great funky lunch containers, picnic blanket, wine chillers, individual cutlery set, books on suggested days out etc
Are they big ‘fashion lovers’ – what is new in fashion as an accessory
Are they ‘foodies’ – love cooking or eating or both, lots of cute items out there and this is where there are gadgets that could make their lives more fun and interesting. Maybe its buying some flavoured olive oil or baking kit, new tins etc.
Are they ‘campers’ – so many things could be good here
Gardner’s and so on…..
TOP TIP – Presentation is key!
This could be considered to be my last Top Tip, but I intend to share on each part in the series, as that is how important it is to me.
Beautiful thoughtful packaging adds a big – big statement to the gift.
Maybe a plain brown box, with lovely bright ribbons & bows in their favourite colour – maybe a handmade gift tags, lots of ideas on line.
Maybe quality gift wrap, showing their favourite pastime, e.g. horses, cats, football etc. – show that every element has been carefully thought about. (Often sale time, you can pick up beautiful boxes at a fraction of the cost).
Just because your gift might not have a big budget, you can make the recipient absolutely know that your gift from start to finish was purchased with care.
Make them feel as they should, that their special day is special to you too, show how much you care.
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