My husband Nick is an amazing gift giver. He puts a lot of thought and effort into the gifts he buys and receives many compliments about the gifts he gives to others. And he shared his secrets with me so that I can share them with you!
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Listen
The first step to buying the perfect gift is to listen.
Listen to those around you, especially close friends and family members that you buy gifts for every year. About three months before the gift giving occasion, start listening to the things that the person shows interest in. It is helpful when they will come out and say exactly what they want. More likely, someone will briefly mention a subject that they’re ‘in to’ at the moment. This could be an author, subject, news event, coffee, tea, wine, and so on. Be prepared to listen and be ready to jot down the gift idea when it comes to you.
Sometimes learning something surprising about someone can turn into a gift idea. For example, several weeks before my birthday Nick and I were working on updating our vision board. We were looking through our pictures of our Hawaiian honeymoon and reminiscing. I mentioned that I really enjoyed listening to the traditional Hawaiian music when we were there. This was the first time Nick became aware of that fact. He bought me Somewhere Over the Rainbow: The Best of Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Being successful with this tip means writing down what you hear. I often come up with great ideas for gifts for people and when I try to shop later all I can remember is that I had a great idea. I have to write it down, either on a piece of paper or in a note taking app on my phone, to make sure I use the idea later.
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Make It Unexpected
The second step is giving a gift that is out of the ordinary.
Unexpected gifts surprise and delight those receiving them. It is a special feeling to realize that someone has been paying attention to your thoughts and interests.
A gift reflecting someone’s interests shows them that they are special and that you took the time to really think about them as an individual. There is a reason for the saying, “It’s the thought that counts.” Often times the thought that went into the gift is more meaningful than the gift itself (though the gift is probably wonderful too). You are giving a physical gift as well as the emotional gift of letting someone know how important they are to you. That combination makes almost any gift perfect. Those are the gifts that are always remembered.
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What is your favorite gift giving tip?
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Oh, I am the worst gift giffer in the world. But also, I’m surrounded by people who need to have control, so they always tell me what they want, haha. Great tips though!! I should definitely keep these in mind.
Johanne, at least when they tell you what they want you know you’re getting them something they’ll love!
These are great tips! I believe listening and paying attention will help you the most because you will know what they like and don’t like.
Thank you Madison!
Love the gift advice!
Thank you Lena!
i love this!! and I absolutely agree 🙂 I love to give good gifts and sometimes it is hard to come up with what the person actually wants… both points are so important. I have found it means so much to someone when people actually listen 🙂
Katie I think so too! Sometimes the best gift is knowing that you’re being heard.
Great tips! Unexpected is he way yo go. I find it challenging though!
Erin, I agree, especially when there isn’t much time or when you don’t see the person often!
YES! unexpected gifts are the BEST; especially when you’ve been listening 🙂
They really show you put an effort into finding a great gift!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Emily.
Something a little unexpected is always good!
I agree Rebecca. I especially like when I know it came from the heart!
I love the unexpected gifts. With all of today’s ways to make lists, it’s so easy to buy what’s expected!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Me too Nicole! They’re really fun.
It can be a challenge to make it unexpected but I agree it’s the best part about receiving a gift. What a lit those people who want to control what they get- any tips?
Nadene, maybe you can ask them to give you a few categories. Then you can pick the specific items. For example, they could say they’d like a kitchen gadget. You could pick out one you think they’d love. Just make sure to get a gift receipt! Good luck!