How to Give a Great Gift
Do you ever feel like your gift giving has become too impersonal? We often times rely on gift cards and generic items out of convenience and a lack of time. A truly great gift can be given on a moments notice; all you need is a little creativity and a desire to make your gift stand out.
Giving a great gift is more about reflecting the recipient’s tastes and personality than the gift itself. As far as time, many of these basic gifts can be kept in a drawer at home and quickly personalized with a note or small trinket.
GIVING A GIFT CARD
I am personally a fan of the gift card, just make it a little more personal. Turning a gift card into a great gift takes a little imagination. A gift card to Starbucks is great for the coffee lover, but how much more fun is it receive it in your favorite color mug? Or with a chocolate covered spoon? How about gift certificates to a favorite clothing or shoe store? Just pick up a pair of socks or a bracelet or anything small while you are there. It gives them something to open and use now, plus the excitement of going to get more later on. Trust me, consider the personality of the recipient and the response to your gifts will be great.
GIFTS FOR THE PERSON WITH EVERYTHING
We all know one – the person with everything. It seems like every time you have an idea for a gift, you find out they already have it! These people require slightly more creativity and ingenuity than normal. A gift basket can often solve this problem; just remember that consumable items are best. A wine and cheese basket is great for those with a taste for finer things, and a “Movie Night” basket with popcorn, a Blockbuster gift card, some candy and soda goes over well for those with a sweet tooth. I have even given a backpack with trail mix, a first aid kit and a bandana to the avid outdoorsmen. Focus on interests; poker, animals, wine, crafts, cooking, reading … the possibilities are endless.
GET PERSONAL
As I have stated before, the great gift reflects the one receiving it. Listen and give from the heart. A gift of obligation is always easy to spot. You want the person you are gifting to know that you took the time to create a gift expressly for them. No matter how simple, a hand written note can add so much to the overall feeling of your gift. It always feels good to know that someone took time out for you!
On the flip side, try to remember that this gift is for the other person. Avoid buying a gift just because you would like to receive it. So many items are returned due to this simple instinct! Unless you have heard a specific request, don’t go out and buy someone a non stick frying pan just because you love yours! Even if your recipient is a lover of foods and cooking, you can’t predict that this is an item they want or need.
LAST MINUTE GIFTS
Invited to dinner and need a hostess gift? Did a co-worker give you a holiday gift unexpectedly? Be prepared with a few small items for these types of emergencies. When you see a nice candle on sale, pick it up. Buy some small planters and root some of your ivy into the new pots for a great hostess gift. Always keep some extra wine around, and don’t forget to pick up some generic cards that you can personalize for these sorts of occasions.
WRAP IT UP
Never under estimate the package your gift comes in. A beautiful ribbon can take a those pajamas you bought from good to great! New lotion? Give it in a toiletry bag. Give a camera in a photo storage box and that Home Depot gift card in a pot of flowers for the new home owner. You can do it – just wrap it in thoughtfulness. Your gift is sure to be remembered!
