I know, I know. You’re thinking “Why on Earth would I want to start thinking about gifts? I’m still recovering from Christmas”. But for most of us, gift giving is something that we need to keep in mind all year round. We all have family, close friends, husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends who have birthdays, Valentine’s days and other gift-giving celebrations. Some of us might even be lucky enough to have bosses and colleagues with whom we have enough of an emotional connection to give gifts on special days like their birthdays, office parties or to commemorate a special achievement at work.
But even in an age where we have an abundance of choice, many of us can struggle with gift giving, especially for those people who seem to have absolutely everything. With that in mind, it might be nice to try and crystalize our notion of a perfect gift and try and ascertain what it might look like. While your mileage may vary depending on the recipient, here are some things that help make the perfect gift…
It’s relevant
We all know how it feels to be given a gift that could just as easily be given to just about anybody. And it… doesn’t make us feel great. A good gift should be based on what you think the recipient will like based on everything you know about them. This is why personalization can go a long way towards making a gift more relevant to the recipient… especially if it harkens back to shared memory or inside joke you share with them.
It’s useful
Okay, so there are limits here. A ball-peen hammer or a tape measure can be useful but they don’t make particularly great gifts. However, when something helps to make someone’s life easier or more convenient, it has the potential to be a more meaningful gift for the recipient. For example, something as low-tech as a beautifully made diary or personal organizer can make a great gift for the busy and over-stressed executive in your life.
It’s unique
Nobody wants the recipient of a carefully chosen gift to see it sitting on a shelf at their local Walmart with several dozen identical copies. A unique gift, however, is infinitely more personal and meaningful. Try and look for one of a kind items from a boutique store or a handmade jewelry designer if possible. The effect on their intended recipient will make all the difference!
It says “I love you”!
As a wise woman once said “it’s not about the money, money, money… forget about the price tag”. Some of the most meaningful presents ever received were not bought for a fortune but made with love and care. Don’t get hung up on worrying about the monetary value of a gift. What’s far more meaningful and important is how eloquently it tells the recipient that you love them, care about them or were thinking about them when you bought it.
Keep the above in mind, and you’ll never go far wrong in gift giving for 2020 and beyond.
