Blog & Social

 

The psychology behind gift-giving is not simple, as it takes into account human emotions, personal and financial circumstances and sometimes, an objective we are hoping to achieve.

Gifts have been given since prehistoric times to forge alliances and help keep our friends and family alive and healthy. Though reasons differ slightly in our modern everyday lives, we still partake in gifting semi-regularly – in celebration, to mark religious events, to show appreciation and sometimes, simply, as a surprise action that gives us a dopamine hit.

 

Whether you’re already preparing for Christmas in July, have an upcoming birthday or ceremony to attend, or just see something that reminds you strongly of a loved one, here are some tips for earning a gold star in gifting and really picking out that perfect present – no matter who you’re gift giving to.

Tips for gifting the perfect present!

Choosing the perfect present for a loved one can be a delightful experience with a bit of thoughtfulness and consideration. Here are some tips to guide you:

Consider Their Interests: Reflect on what they enjoy doing in their free time or any hobbies they have. If they love cooking, a new cookbook or kitchen gadget might be perfect. If they enjoy reading, a bestselling book or a subscription to a book club could be great. Depending on your relationship with this individual, you may need to enlist some help from someone closer to them to help you score brownie points for getting them something they will definitely use.

 

Pay Attention to Their Needs: Listen for any hints of items they really need or have been meaning to buy. It could be something practical like a new bag for work or a cozy blanket for their couch. Under some circumstances, even though it’s a lot less fun, a gift card for something very specific might be the best and most thoughtful way you can meet their direct needs.

Personalize the Gift: Adding a personal touch can make a recipient feel extra special. Consider customizing the gift with their name, a meaningful quote, or something that reminds them of an experience the two of you shared. Most people use a coffee (or tea) cup but getting them something very unique to them will show a lot of care and effort being made on the side of the gift giver.

Think About Experiences: Sometimes the perfect present isn’t a tangible thing but experiences. Many folks are also choosing to stay home rather than go out in efforts to save money but can justify going out to do something fun if it’s a gift. Consider gifting them tickets to a concert, a cooking class, a helicopter tour, a live comedy show, the list goes on…

Quality Over Quantity: Instead of buying many small gifts, focus on one or two high-quality items that you know they'll appreciate and use for a long time. It’s not how many gifts they unwrap, rather the effort put into each of the gifts they do unwrap. And the saying “it’s the thought that counts” goes an awful long way when they’re unboxing the perfect present.

Consider Their Lifestyle: How do they live? Consider the part of the city or town they reside, the type of housing they have, and their work-life balance or weekly schedule. If they lead a minimalist lifestyle, or are always on the go with gym classes, they might prefer experiences or consumables rather than a physical present you can check on every time you visit.

Ask for Suggestions: If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask them directly or subtly for gift ideas. You can also enlist the help of other members of your family or friend group. They might appreciate being involved in the process and ensuring they receive something they truly want, rather than something they’ll have to fake excitement for when they open, and immediately throw out after.

Don't Forget Sentimentality: Gifts that hold sentimental value can be incredibly meaningful. Sentimentality will trump the monetary value of a gift almost every single time. Consider giving something that represents your relationship with them or triggers a happy nostalgic memory.

Don't Stress Over Perfection: Remember that it's the thought that counts the most. Even if the gift doesn’t feel like the perfect present, your loved one will likely appreciate the gesture and the thoughtful consideration you put into it. And if you put effort and care into the presentation by wrapping or bagging it nicely, it enhances the unwrapping experience.

In the end, the art of gifting lies not only in the gift itself but in the thoughtfulness behind it. By considering their interests, needs, and lifestyle, and perhaps adding a personal touch, you can create a gift that truly resonates with your loved one. Whether it's a tangible item or a cherished experience, the joy of gift-giving comes from knowing you've made someone feel special and appreciated.