Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Gift in 5 Tips
Each year, a lot of my friends ask for my opinion on how to choose the perfect gift. I’m going to be honest: it is as simple as it is complicated to answer. In this blog post, I’ll guide you on how to make the best choice to ensure your present will be received with a big smile anytime of the year. From the little girl to the old man, I know what they want, and you’ll be able to do the same from now on.
Spoiler alert: You are not gifting socks this year.
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What’s your budget ?
I’m a very organized girl, and budget is a key part of my organization. For me, it should be your top priority when wanting (or having) to offer a present. I highly doubt anyone would love to receive the perfect gift if it means you’re starving for half the month!
The good news is that finding the right gift doesn’t always mean spending a fortune. If these people are truly important in your life, they won’t care whether you’re spending $5 or $50. The key is finding something that fits the recipient’s interests and needs.
You’re in luck, because I have a full category on this blog with gift suggestions for any budget.
As an example, if you’re short on a budget, personalized gifts are the way to go. I love creating small gift baskets or combination gifts like a book paired with a small bag of tea, or a candle with a bath bomb. The best gifts are those where you can tell the person took the time to understand you before buying.
What are your Receiver’s interests ?
I always laugh when people gossip about that family member who received body care for Christmas. Personally, I would love to receive body care – even deodorant – as gifts. Why? Because I love to take care of myself and try new beauty products. It would be the cherry on top if they were luxurious or on my wish list.
That’s why it’s important to do a little research on your recipient. What do they like? What are their hobbies? How is their home decorated? Do they mention wanting something for their home? Do they have a wish list (Pinterest girlies, I’ve got your back)?
Whatever their age, if you take a little time to get to know the people around you, you’ll easily be able to find the perfect gift that they need or want.
Is the perfect gift for a special occasion ?
Now, let’s say you don’t know the recipient, but it’s that time of year when your office decides to do Secret Santa again. I remember being in a workplace where I received socks. I had never spoken to my little Santa’s helper before, but you know what? I liked them because they had a Christmas design and were cozy to wear in my cold Parisian apartment during the winter months.
I agree with you – it wasn’t the most thoughtful gift ever, especially since I put so much effort into finding out about my recipient. Let’s be honest, she was lucky I wore them then because for most people it would probably stay forever in the back their drawer.
So, what should you do in that situation? I promise there are many options:
- Try to learn more about the person.
- If you can’t, “generic” gifts do exist: go for a gift card, an experience gift (e.g., movie tickets), a box of delicious treats, or something as simple as a notebook or an occasion-themed item for their desk.
Always add a note to your gift, it adds some love to it.
Do you like DIY and Personalized Gifts ?
Speaking of special occasions, you can also go for DIY or personalized gifts. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll need to plan ahead, but since you’ve planned it, that makes it even more special. It’s such an honor when someone thinks about what they’ll gift you, plans it, creates it, and finally presents it. For me, it’s the ultimate gift of love: time and effort.
I won’t stretch this out too long – I think it’s pretty self-explanatory. But if you’re looking for ideas, I have a section on the blog dedicated to DIY gifts.
Does It align their lifestyle ?
I hate embarrassing my loved ones with useless presents. I think the perfect gift should be practical for the recipient. Do you remember that scene in Bridget Jones where Mark Darcy, an elegant man, is forced to wear a hideous Christmas sweater because it was a gift from his mom? We all know he hated wearing it, but since it was a gift from his mom, he had no choice. This is the kind of wrong gift I’m talking about.
Another example is when someone gives you a decoration that clashes with your interior design. Useless gifts are unthoughtful because not only it’s a shame you spend your hard-earned money on presents that are just a waste but you also didn’t make anyone happy.
If you’re looking for a gift for someone as picky as I am, you’re on the right page.
However, whatever you decide to give, the most important question for finding the perfect gift is: Will the recipient love it? And if you don’t like it either, what’s the point?
I hope this article helps you find the perfect gift for the person you’re shopping for. Don’t worry, this blog is full of ideas for everyone – even the difficult ones!
You can check out all my gift ideas here.
Here are my top recommended gifts here.