I love to spoil the people I care about. As an adult, I have discovered a bit of a passion for gift-giving. Growing up, my mom was really good at balancing things we wanted + surprises for birthdays and Christmas. However, I have come to learn that some people struggle with figuring out what to give others.
If that’s you, this is your lucky day! One of the most satisfying things is giving a gift you know the recipient will like, and watching them get excited about it. But how exactly do you do that?
keep running lists – this is my most valuable tip of all, and if you only take away one point, this should be it. On my phone, I have gift lists for my kids, my husband, my parents, and in-laws (as we are required to provide them with gifts occasionally). I’ve actually had Todd’s list in my Notes app since we were dating! This allows you to put all your ideas for someone in one place—that way you aren’t put in the position of needing to get something, but not remembering what ideas you’d had for them. As a fun bonus, you can add to their list without them noticing!
listen to what people say – this is a great way to ensure you get something the recipient really wants. And doing that often results in the biggest reactions. Also, you don’t have to play as much of a guessing game about what they may like. To provide some examples: the first Christmas Todd and I had as a married couple, he got me a grey leather jacket. I had wanted one for years, but never put it on any wishlists. Apparently, I had pointed out several jackets like it when out with Todd, and he remembered, and surprised me! I also got him discontinued lego sets, because he missed getting fun presents, and castle sets were nostalgic for him. More recently, I got gifts for my birth team almost entirely by remembering things they mentioned they wanted to try. If you’re looking to be confident in your choices, just listen to what people say they want to get, or try, or miss.
use pinterest boards – though you don’t need to pin everything you want to get someone, if you’re doing any browsing online, pin anything that you think might work, and you can always go through the hard again later. Nowadays, you can also create sub boards for, say, priority items. I find it’s a great tool—especially for Christmas—to see the spread of things you’re planning to get, to make sure you’ve got a good balance.
consumables and experiences – whether you’re not looking to spend a ton, or you’re shopping for someone who doesn’t have many things they want, consumables are a good option. Universal gifts could be: high-end chocolate, or some nice bath & body products. You could even go a bit more unique, and look for, say a fancy salt set for a someone who loves to cook. My mother-in-law gave us a nice set of bowls, wooden spoons, and some delicious pasta sauces last year; we loved it! It’s simple but you won’t be giving them something they don’t need that just takes up space. Plus, they might just find a new favourite (my trainer gifted me a charcoal mask that I l o v e d). A voucher for an experience (maybe something they can bring a loved one to; or something they can do with you) can also be a way to provide something more meaningful that just more things. Think about what they like doing, as well as cool things going on locally.
play off their interests – what does your recipient talk a lot about? Do they have any hobbies? I’m always going on about cats, and I’ve really started accumulating plants. So, for me, something cute and cat related, or a gift card to a nursery would be appropriate gifts. Todd has always loved airplanes. In recent years, he’s been gifted a small model plane; and more recently, an airplane print blanket for our son from his mom. If they have pets, have an artist do a piece for them; or put their pet’s face on some socks. Heck, maybe even just get something for the pet!
shop in the right spots – my gift giving leveled up after I realized where to look when I wasn’t sure what to get. Personally, I have had great success Etsy (just browse some of their gift list ideas), Uncommon Goods, the home section of Urban Outfitters, Modcloth, and even home shops like Pottery Barn (all branches, don’t limit yourself) and West Elm. For children, if you have an idea of what you’re looking for, google it, and then take a look around at the other items that shop carries—you just might find something wonderful.
lend a hand – maybe someone on your list is in a hard place, or just entering adulthood. No matter the reason, a gift card for netflix, amazon, or target are basically always useful.
go in with a buddy – have the perfect gift idea, but it’s out of your price range? See if you can split the cost! A few years ago, I knew getting my husband a sword would blow his mind, but it was out of our budget. So, I asked both of our mothers if they wanted to go in together for it, and they did. If there’s something you absolutely know the recipient would love, there’s no shame in multiple people working together to make it happen. That way, instead of several smaller things they may or may not want, they get something extra special.
when in doubt, share – what do you get the person who can get whatever they want? Or is just a bit to hard for you to shop for? Shame the things you like with them! My dad is someone who doesn’t have a lot of wants, and can basically just get the things he does want. So, in recent years, I’ve purchased albums I’ve enjoyed, as well as books. He’s really liked them both, and it’s fun to give something meaningful to someone you love, and have them enjoy it, too.
As the holiday season approaches, I hope these tips help you confidently treat those on your list!
