Gift-giving: it’s that time again where we prove how well we know our dear ones, or at least how convincingly we can pretend to. There’s a science behind why we love giving gifts and showering our friends and family with sh-tuff. However, even if you love not just buying presents, but also wrapping them, you might still struggle to pick the perfect gift from time to time. Let’s face it, we all want to avoid that awkward smile that says, “Thanks, I’ll never use this.” So, how do you nail the perfect gift every time and avoid the gift-giving anxiety spiral?
Normally I would say, “Why are you asking ME, I overthink everything!!!”
But that would hardly be helpful. So instead, I’ve actually got some pointers that might just make you the hero of holidays and birthdays.
Handmade with Love (and Maybe a Little Frustration)
There’s something about a handmade gift that says, “I cared enough to glue my fingers together for you.” Yes, I have done this. Many times. Whether you’re knitting something warm or crafting a piece that’s bound to be the centerpiece of their living room, it’s the effort and thought that count. And let’s be honest, it’s also a great excuse to show off your crafting skills.
Now, everyone wants an A for effort, but be sure to stick to your strengths. No one wants a handknit scarf or blanket a la Megan, trust me. I am still very much a beginning knitter – my first attempt became a blankie for my son’s stuffies, since I had no clue I couldn’t make a full-size blanket with straight needles! If you’re more creative with paper crafts or paints, or even flower crafts, try creating something in those arenas. For me, you know I’m probably going to make something with my Cricut, kind of like the gift basket and tumbler I made for a friend!
Gifts That Stick Around
Looking for something that lasts longer than most people’s New Year’s resolutions? Aim for gifts that are not just material things but memories to hold onto. It doesn’t have to break the bank—it just needs to be thoughtful. A piece that captures a cherished memory or celebrates a milestone can often mean more than the priciest gifts.
That’s not to say you can’t go a bit pricier if the budget fits. This could be something like an expensive piece of jewelry to commemorate a special occasion, or keep it budget-friendly but blinged out with a custom-crafted diamond painting kit that showcases a moment in their lives. Picking something long-lasting and unique is a great way to show your friends how much you care about them, and if you can find something no one else has, it will go down well
It’s the Thought That Counts
Ever think about gifting something that brings back a flood of memories? That’s gold, and it really can be SUPER SIMPLE. It could be a record of a band you both used to obsess over or a special edition of a book you both love.
NO, CHANDLER – you don’t have to go quite that far. But you could do any number of thoughtful memory-inspired gifts, purchased or crafted! Think more like inside jokes on a coffee mug, or you could recreate a shared experience. Think back to a memorable day you spent together, like a picnic in the park, a beach day, or a movie night, and assemble a gift kit that helps recreate that experience. For a picnic, include a cozy blanket, gourmet snacks, and a bottle of wine – pick their favorite, like a sweet red wine that they can really enjoy – or craft soda, along with a disposable camera to capture new memories. For a movie night, bundle up their favorite films, gourmet popcorn, and themed goodies. Add a personal note that says, “Remember when we…” and share your hopes for creating new memories together. It’s like saying, “Remember those good old days? Let’s keep making more memories.”
“I Found This Awesome Thing!”
When you come across something that makes your life easier, it’s natural to want to share the love. It could be anything from a kitchen gadget that doesn’t end up collecting dust to a techy thing that simplifies daily chores. It’s sharing a piece of your life, and it’s practical.
“Thanks, it has pockets!” – most women, when their dress has pockets. Because you gotta spread that joy. But in all seriousness, if there is something you absolutely love/adore/can’t survive without, don’t you think it would make a killer gift for someone else?
When in Doubt, Ask
Sometimes, you might be completely stuck for ideas. You feel like your friend has everything they could want and don’t want to just buy something for the sake of it. Instead, just ask them what they want. This is an especially good idea if they have a hobby since they already know the best gear. Rather than guessing, ask them about any running gear they might need, for example, and save them the hassle of buying it themselves.
It might seem less exciting, but asking what they want or need is the most direct route to gift-giving success. It’s the REAL art of gift-giving, actually. It shows you care about getting it right, and sometimes, it’s exactly what they wished for. Took me YEARS to convince my well-meaning brother that a gift card really can make me smile on Christmas morning. Plus, it eliminates the guesswork and the re-gifting cycle.
Mastering the Gift Game
So there you have it, your very own guide to picking out gifts that won’t end up hidden away in a closet. It’s all about showing you care, whether through a labor of love, a lasting memory, or just by paying attention to their hints. Go forth and be the gift-giving guru you were always meant to be.
