Loves, it’s that time of year. We’re giving, we’re getting, we’re buying gifts. And most of us think that we’re great shoppers, but does that make us great gift givers? In other words, do we know how to gift? And how to find the best gifts for those that we love? I’ve been beginning to work on my Holiday Gift Guides and these questions have been on my mind. What makes a great gift? Do we know how to give one?
Probably yes, and probably no. Gift Giving isn’t as straight forward as other shopping: there’s more pressure, more temptation, and this time of year can flat out be overwhelming, which means we may be shopping fast. So, how do you gift in a thoughtful way, and find things that your loved ones will love? I’m here to help! I like to think that besides being a professional shopper, I’m great at giving gifts. However, there has been some trial and error in my gifting. Below are some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in how to gift; I hope that you find this helpful!
Stay Appropriate
I don’t just mean with gag gifts (which I think are difficult to pull off), but with price and big-ness. I think we’ve all been on both the giving or recieving side of a gift that was just too much. Either too expensive or too big for the relationship (think that one guy who you went out with twice and he gave you a ring for Christmas–that’s what I’m talking about). Here’s the thing- I get wanting to go big. I love to shop, I love finding things that I know people will love, I love giving gifts. So when I find something “perfect”, it can be easy to get caught up and forget that it may be “too much”. The solution? Have a conversation. Yes, it might be awkward, but will save you having a much more awkward conversation later on. Not sure if you’re exchanging gifts? Ask. And set a budget if needed, set expectations. That gives you a place to start, and makes it easier to control yourself!
Really Listen
People have a way of telling us things without being direct. The people in your life have probably told you what you want–even if they haven’t given you a wish list. The trick is to really respect it. Your mom doesn’t want anything over $40? Stay within $40. Your sister keeps saying how tired she is? Give her a spa day. Gifts don’t have to be big, the most meaningful gifts are ones where we let the other person know that we hear them. So don’t be afraid to really listen to what your loved ones want–and give it to them.
Events are great gifts
If you love a shopper like me, the risk you take is that we will buy ourselves what we want. An alternative? Give events–plan nights out, buy concert or ballet tickets, plan trips. All are not only great ideas, it gives the shopper in your life a place to wear her clothes. But this isn’t limited to shoppers. As we get older exchanging gifts with every friend can be too much, but a dinner/coffee/drink together is always a lovely treat! My suggestion? Plan it for the new year, when everyone has a bit more wiggle room in their schedule!
Gift Cards Aren’t Bad
You can get a gift card to just about anywhere now–the movies, dinner, coffee,as well as “cash” gift cards. I know that some look down on gift cards as they aren’t “thoughtful”, but I think they can be. Know someone who loves movies but doesn’t get to go? A movie gift card is perfect (and if you get a babysitter if they’re a parent, even better!). Know someone who is saving for a big purchase? A donation to that cause can be incredibly thoughtful. I think it goes back to the listening thing! In appropriate places, gift cards can give someone what they really want!
Other gift giving tips? I found these articles from LifeHack, HuffingtonPost, and Real Men Style to be a great help!
Our gift guides start in earnest in the coming weeks, although you can see our gift guides from last year on the side bar.
I’d love to know–what are your tips for gift giving? And what would you like to see in a gift guide?
XO RA
