Whether it is for the holidays, a birthday, or just a special occasion, you probably know that there are people who are great gift-givers and those that aren’t. Somehow, those who have mastered the art of delivering the perfect present always find something the recipient is looking for and are able to give it in a way that brings maximum amounts of joy.
Wouldn’t you like to be one of those people whose friends and family look forward to seeing what you’ve gotten them this time? Look at these tips to become a great gift-giver.
Finding the Perfect Gift
The first step in your endeavor is learning how to decide what to get each person. The easiest way to accomplish this is to simply ask the person what they would like. While this may seem like cheating, it is actually very thoughtful to get a person exactly what they need. If someone is willing to ask for a specific gift, it is probably something that will be useful to them, and they will value it a lot. But what are you supposed to do when the gift is a surprise and you can’t ask?
In this case, it is up to you to be thoughtful and find a gift that each person wants or needs. Go through what you know about each recipient. What are their likes and dislikes? For example, if your nephew is really into Eastern culture, a snack subscription box filled with exotic treats would probably be well received.
If you can’t think of anything that the person doesn’t already have or if you just don’t know them well enough, don’t be afraid to fall back on the classic gift of cash or gift cards. While, again, this might seem like a cop-out, it is better to get someone a gift they can actually use than something that will just collect dust or end up in the trash. If you really can’t think of anything other than cash, it is likely that person won’t expect anything more from you. Once you’ve figured out the perfect gift to give, your next task is to determine the method.
Be Thoughtful in Your Technique
The method of giving a gift is often just as important as the gift itself. A well-thought-out present given nonchalantly might communicate that you didn’t really care or think about them when you were getting it. Make sure to avoid common mistakes while giving your gift.
Instead, practice giving presents in better ways, ways that people will enjoy and will have them looking forward to the next holiday. There are many ways that you can do this. For example, instead of leading off with the best gift, you can allow anticipation to build while you make the big reveal at the end.
Another tip is to make sure that your gift doesn’t completely overshadow everyone else. It would not be in good taste to bring a $100 item to a $5 gift exchange. In the end, remember that giving is not about you but about the other person, and you’ll probably be just fine.
Package the Gift Well
Finally, we cannot talk about swapping presents without talking about the packaging. The outside of the box or bag is the first thing that the recipient sees and is a powerful tool for making a lasting impression on them. There are many do’s and don’ts for gift packaging, but one of the best tips is to simply use a box no matter the gift. This will make your present much easier to wrap and decorate to look pretty, it also helps build suspense because the person won’t be able to easily guess what is inside.
Use these tips to impress your family, friends, and coworkers with your amazing gift-giving.