Receiving a thoughtful, considered gift from a close friend, a token you’ll treasure for years to come, is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
But it can also be said that gifting something wonderful to someone you love, an item you know will bring them great joy, can be just as special.
From wholesome, hand-crafted gifts from the heart, to a pricey tech purchase they’ve been saving every penny for, a fashion pick for the it-girl who swears she never has anything to wear, or luxury skincare to make them glow – putting genuine thought and effort into giving your loved ones presents they actually want is truly an art form.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be an excellent gift giver – the best gift giver in your friend group, even – stay with us as we take you through our tips for choosing thoughtful gifts that make your nearest and dearest remember who gifted them.
Step 1: Observe and Learn – What Do Your Loved Ones Love?
Unless you’re completely unobservant, you’ve likely already picked up that the people closest to you each have their own niche interests. So, what are your loved ones into?
Maybe your closest cousin is a ‘fashion girly’: always modelling the latest trends, she’s got her finger on the pulse when it comes to knowing what it-girls just like her should be wearing. Outdated, frumpish outfits? Don’t know her. Viral ’fits and fashion moments? She’s all over it.
Or perhaps, the tech head in your life has a penchant for the latest video games. Forever glued to their gaming consoles, yelling into their high-tech headphones at other online users, or doing whatever it is gamers like to do in their spare time, this special someone has a passion for all things technology.
Let’s not forget the sentimental types, the family members for whom an impersonal, generic item grabbed from the dollar store at the last minute simply won’t do. These guys value personal gestures, gifts from the heart, a present that demonstrates you’ve chosen it just for them.
Of course, these are just some examples of what your loved ones may be into. Perhaps you have a quirky friend, or a wine connoisseur in your circle, or someone who just loves bath bombs. The key is in paying attention and identifying what unique items will have those closest to you genuinely grateful to receive them.
Step 2: Research and Acquire – Gift Match-Making 101
Now that you’ve identified what it is your loved ones love, the next step is to acquire the perfect gift, something that shows them you truly understand who they are.
Whether you’re dropping some serious coin on a designer purse for your fashion-loving cousin, pre-ordering that latest tech update, or perusing quirky giftware sold online via wholesale gift suppliers,here are our tips;
For the ‘fashion girly’
If you’re wondering what to get the fashion lover in your life, the choice is easy: fashion. Think trendy tops, funky footwear, or even the latest sunnies.
But be careful: if it’s on-trend, she may already have it. Next time you’re over at her place, try to sneak a peek at her wardrobe. Doing this will also help you check out her colour scheme and see what sort of pieces she already likes.
For the tech head
Unless you’re game to line up with the other tech heads outside the front of the gaming store, it might be wise to pre-order the trending tech your gamer friend has been eyeing.
Have a look at upcoming release dates, and if you can, try to place your order ahead of time to make sure you can get your hands on exactly what they’re after.
For the sentimental type
If you’re searching for something for the sentimental person in your circle, they’ll need something far more thoughtful than a rushed, generic gift picked up in a hurry.
Consider crafting them a handmade soap or candle, perhaps, or a scrapbook of mementos you’ve put together for them. A photo album containing colourful print-outs of memories from years gone by also goes down a treat.
Step 3: Presenting the Gift – Do they Love it?
You’ve done the background research and chosen what you think is the perfect gift.
Admittedly, though, putting in all that extra work can cause extra anxiety when watching expectantly for the look of gratitude on their face as they rip apart the wrapping paper.
The good news? If you’re not sure they’ll love it, many retailers will offer a gift receipt with pricing details hidden, so your fashion-loving cousin or gamer friend can exchange your pick for something else if they so desire.
