The gift-giving season is fast approaching, and with it comes the nagging thought: “What do I buy for all of the impossible-to-shop-for people on my list?” While there are plenty of gift guides out there (including our own), sometimes you need a more personal touch — the kind that comes from observing a recipient’s interests,…
Want to be the best gift-giver of all time — at least among your friends and family? Follow these simple steps for sourcing the perfect present.
1. Pay Attention
The secret to giving the best gifts is to buy your friends and family things they actually want. One way to figure this out is to actively listen for clues. Whether it’s a conversation about their love of cooking and how they’re looking for a way to organize their recipes (in that case, this Rifle Paper Co. Recipe Box is a great gift idea), or you see an item that reminds you of their new pickleball obsession (you can’t go wrong with a fun Recess Pickleball Paddle), listening for clues throughout the year can give you a good idea of what to buy your loved ones for special occasions, such as their birthday or the holidays.
2. Keep a Running List
As you collect these clues, it helps to create a list in the notes app on your phone and add your gift ideas for different recipients. Jot down the ideas as they occur to you throughout the year, even if there isn’t a gift-giving occasion on the immediate horizon. That way, when you do have to shop for them, you’re not scrambling to recall something they mentioned six months earlier; you can just consult your list. You can also find the recipient in your phone’s contacts and record any ideas in the notes section there. Equipped with a running list, you’ll have a personalized gift guide for each recipient right at your fingertips. Plus, you can take advantage of sales throughout the year, from Presidents’ Day weekend to Cyber Monday.
If you want to take things up a notch, consider downloading the Giftful app, which allows you to build individual gift lists and save links to products for easy shopping. You can make the lists private or share them with other friends and family who might need some ideas, too.
3. Consider These Three Categories
In a 2022 Vox article, Erica Cerulo, co-founder of 831 Stories and creator of the A Thing or Two podcast and newsletter, shared this sage piece of advice: A gift should be something completely new to the recipient, an upgraded essential, or an item that shows you really know them. For example, a thoughtful gift for a pancake lover could be a batter dispenser for perfect portions. Someone saving for a home might appreciate a colorful wool blanket to replace a worn comforter. Or a see-through telephone found on eBay could transport a nostalgic ’90s kid back to simpler times. If you’re ever struggling to come up with a suitable gift idea, sticking to one of these three categories can be a real time-saver.
4. Weigh Quality vs. Quantity
If you keep a running list, you’ll likely end up with lots of different ideas in a range of price points. Consider whether you want quality or quantity to help you narrow down your decisions. (And remember that a meaningful gift doesn’t have to be expensive; it just has to feel personal.) When it comes time to shop, you’ll know how to budget strategically and have a plan for which gifts to splurge on and which to save for next year.
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17th Dec 24
