The best gifts are ones that the recipient really wanted. To find out what the recipient wants, just ask! Asking doesn’t have to mean wholly eliminating the “surprise” factor. If the recipient wants a candle, they won’t know which one they got until they open it—color, scent, style, etc. Plus, you can always “upgrade” to a fancier or more expensive candle, one the recipient probably wouldn’t have splurged on. Finally, you can ask people who are close to the recipient for suggestions. That way, the recipient gets what they want, but it’s still a total surprise.
2. Know the recipient.
To get just the right gift, find out as much about your recipient as you can. Ask some questions. You don’t have to send over a questionnaire (although it’s not a bad idea, and some people do this). Find out their favorite and least favorite colors, their favorite stores and restaurants, and their hobbies. Also, keep the recipient’s personality and lifestyle in mind. Your hippie aunt probably doesn’t want Rush Limbaugh’s latest book, and your 90-year-old grandma might not enjoy tickets to a Metallica concert.
3. Get organized.
Write down special occasions and holidays on a calendar, and review the calendar at the beginning of each month. True, better late than never, as they say, but no one likes to feel like their special day was forgotten. Jot down a list of gift ideas before you go shopping. You’ll save time, and you’re less likely to just throw anything in the cart out after three hours of wandering the store like a zombie. Along with the gift ideas, keep some information about the recipient handy—Sarah hates green, Johnny loves trains, etc.
4. Buy in advance.
Don’t worry. I’m not suggesting you become “that person,” the one whose Christmas gifts are bought and wrapped in August. Instead, if you see something a friend or loved one would like, snap it up, even if their birthday is five months away. When their birthday does roll around, what are the chances you’ll stumble across another perfect gift? Buy it, tuck it away, and you’ll be glad you did.
5. Practical really is okay.
For certain people and under the right circumstances, a practical gift is appropriate and greatly appreciated. Obviously, no vacuum cleaners on Valentine’s Day. However, newlyweds might genuinely appreciate kitchen gadgets as gifts. Someone who just bought a new house would probably like a set of gardening tools, especially if they used to live in an apartment. It all depends on the recipient and what’s going on in his or her life. But remember, no one wants to find socks and underwear in their stocking.
6. Be a super sleuth.
No, that doesn’t mean snooping in their medicine cabinet. Besides, what gift-giving ideas could you really get from rash cream or denture cleaner? Instead, pay close attention when you’re out and about with the recipient. What items seems to catch their eye? What do they pick up and admire? Also, take note of what you see in their home. How is their home decorated? What colors do they seem to like? Do you see any clues as to hobbies?
7. Give a little something extra.
Add a special, personal touch to your gift. For example, if you give someone a photo album, include a few of the recipient’s favorite pictures or a gift certificate for 10 free prints. Even giving a gift that’s beautifully wrapped says you went the extra mile. One fun suggestion is to use something like the recipient’s favorite candy bar in place of a bow.
Phillip Fuller, owner of http://simplybestgifts.com , recognizes that what you give says a lot about who you are. Stop wracking your brain to find the perfect gift - we're devoted to providing the personal service you need. Visit today to find just the right gift for any occassion.
(c) Phillip Fuller You have permission to reprint this article as long as the resource box remains intact
Disclaimer: The information presented and opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of ArticlePros.com and/or its partners.
