When your birthday arrives, it often happens that you don't know which gift to choose. You don't know what answer to give to your grandmother who calls you to ask what you want? You can create a list of gift ideas based on your interests. If you can't decide which gift you would like most, this article can give you some helpful tips!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Gift Ideas
Step 1. Think about your hobbies
Write down the list of things you like to do for fun, then list the items you would use for those activities. Choose your favorite gifts and add them to your wish list. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- If you like to paint or draw, you may need new pencils, brushes or paints. If you are using oil paints, you may need linseed oil or white spirit. Be creative!
- If you like to show your passion for your favorite team, don't limit yourself to t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats with your team crest. Get a gift of tickets to go to the stadium to see a game. It will be a beautiful experience.
- If you love music, think about your favorite artists. Did any albums come out that you haven't purchased yet? Or maybe some posters or t-shirts?
- If you are passionate about manga and comics, find out if any volumes of your favorite series have been released. If you're into anime, look for action figures you don't yet own.
- Click here to find the most suitable item for you.
Step 2. Try to remember something fun you did in the past
Have you seen a musical that you liked a lot? Maybe that show is no longer in theaters when your birthday arrives, but there may be another one you like. Visit the theater website to find out about upcoming shows that may interest you. Tickets to an opera, a comedy or a musical are great gifts that you will remember for a long time.
If you don't like theater, think about other activities you find interesting. Maybe you had a lot of fun at the stadium, at a concert or at an amusement park. Click here to discover gift ideas involving live experiences
Step 3. Think about your needs
In some cases, figuring out what you need is easier than deciding what you want. Reflect on the past few months, then ask yourself if there is something you really needed but didn't have. Here are some ideas you might want to keep in mind:
- If you cook frequently, maybe some of your pots and other cooking utensils need to be replaced or supplemented. Ask for a new set of pots or a blender. If your kitchen is in perfect condition, get a gift of exotic spices. If you have a green thumb, the right gift for you could be a kit to grow seedlings yourself, such as pots, soil and some herbs often used in cooking, such as basil, thyme and mint.
- If you play a sport or play an instrument, your equipment may need to be changed. These are items that can be expensive, and your birthday is a great time to have them as a gift.
- If your birthday is winter, check if your heavy clothes still fit on you. If they are tight on you, ask for a new vest or scarf.
Step 4. Look for inspiration in stores, on the internet and by reading catalogs
Do you love shopping in a particular store? Visit his website and check for new articles since your last visit. In some cases, strolling past a shop window, flipping through a magazine or browsing online will find the best ideas.
If you have a weekend off, try going to the local mall. Make sure you take note of anything that catches your eye
Part 2 of 4: Choose a Concrete Item as a Gift
Step 1. If you are an artist, consider kits and materials for drawing, painting or making other works of art
You are probably interested in more than one area, such as drawing, painting and crochet, and would like to have everything you need to carry out your projects. With so much choice, you wouldn't know what to ask for. To avoid getting confused, you can get yourself a kit, which usually contains everything you need to make a project or two. It is also an easier gift to buy; your friends or relatives won't have to worry about finding the right tool or forgetting something important. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- If you enjoy making beaded jewelry, perhaps the ideal gift for you is a kit for this hobby. Inside you will find everything you need to create a necklace, a pair of earrings and a bracelet. You will have plastic thread, beads and clasps available. You may also be interested in polymer clay, so you can make your own beads.
- If you are into DIY, you can get a kit to make soap or candles as a gift. Alternatively, ask for supplies for a simple DIY project, such as paints, glass jars, burlap, twine, and brushes.
- If you love to draw, you can ask for a set of pencils or charcoals, a pad of paper and a book that teaches you how to represent subjects. You will find similar publications on almost any subject, from people to plants, trees and animals. Some even focus on specific animals, such as birds, cats, dogs, or horses. If you like fantastic creatures, there are books on how to draw mermaids, fairies, elves, dragons and even Japanese anime.
- If you like to paint, you can get a painting kit as a gift. You can buy them in wooden or metal cases in many fine art shops; you can find them with acrylic paints, oil paints or watercolors. Some even include books on how to paint a subject, paint paper or canvas.
- If you have the hobby of crocheting or knitting, you don't have to limit yourself to asking for cotton thread: you can get a gift of more expensive thread, of different fibers. There are also many books with outlines to follow that you may like.
Step 2. Think about accessories for your electronic devices
Computers, phones and tablets need to be updated constantly, and those that are considered the novelty of the year can become obsolete in a matter of months. Accessories, on the other hand, like cases and headphones, don't age as quickly as other devices and are gifts that last much longer. Here are some ideas:
- If you have a phone or tablet, ask for a protective case. You can customize it with your name, a drawing or an image.
- Headphones, speakers, and other inexpensive items can enhance a device you already own.
- You may also appreciate a more vintage gift, like a turntable to listen to your vinyl collection with.
Step 3. If you like fashion, think about jewelry and accessories
Not all jewelry is expensive: on the websites that host the catalogs of independent artisans (such as Etsy) and at local fairs you can find a lot of hand-made works of art. Browse your jewelry collection and see if you need any specific accessories to complete an outfit, such as a brooch, bracelet or necklace. If jewelry isn't your thing, you could always ask for a special hat or bag. Here are other ideas for you:
- When you ask for a jewel, you can get a set as a gift: a necklace with earrings in combination.
- If you already have a lot of jewelry but don't know where to put it, you can ask for a jewelry box.
- If you are a man, there are still such gifts that are suitable for you, such as tie clips, cufflinks or even a new watch.
- Belts and wallets can be perfect gifts. If you get them to buy leather, you may be able to customize them; some types of leather, in fact, can be printed with drawings or writings.
Step 4. If you like to pamper yourself, consider makeup and bath or beauty products
Just be sure to write in the list which scents and colors you like the most, because they are subjective preferences. Like jewelry, makeup doesn't take up much space and you can use it almost every day. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Many perfumeries offer gift boxes that include a cosmetic bag, eyeshadow, lipstick and blush.
- In stores that sell cosmetics and bath products, you will often find gift baskets that include lotions and soaps. Some of them even contain bath salts or similar products.
- If you love using expensive moisturizers or perfumes, your birthday is a great time to ask for this type of gift.
Step 5. Ask for sporting goods to show your passion for your favorite team
Most teams have online stores, so start looking there. If your favorite team plays in your city on a date close to your birthday, you may want to ask for tickets to that match. Here are other ideas:
- Ask for a shirt, hat or sweatshirt in your team colors.
- If you want to show your cheer at work, look for clothing items that are appropriate for a professional setting, such as a tie, socks, cufflinks, or scarf.
- If you like to have friends over to watch games, you can ask for a glass bowl with your team crest. This item can add a personal touch to your parties.
- You can also get a gift of sports equipment, such as shorts, spiked shoes, rackets or balls.
Step 6. If you love to read, expand your horizons
If a new book by your favorite author or genre has just come out, it's the perfect gift for you. Search the Internet for the best-selling books to find the best titles in the various genres, then tell who is buying the gift about your personal tastes. He may even be the one to recommend a book he has read. Here are other ideas:
- Ask for an e-reader; this device allows you to always carry all your favorite books with you.
- If you already own an e-reader, ask for a special case. You can also choose a voucher with which to purchase various books.
- If you have a favorite book, look for a canvas case or poster on which the cover is designed. You may find T-shirts, mugs, or even mouse pads, printed with the reproduction of the cover.
- If there's a quote you like a lot, search the internet for posters, mugs, or other items that you can find it printed on.
Step 7. If you are a child or if you still feel young, ask for toys and games
If you already own some action figures from a series, ask for the ones you are missing to complete the collection. If you like games, put board or card games on your wish list, such as Uno, Cluedo or Monopoly.
- If you are no longer a child, you may prefer strategy games like Risk or society games like Cards Against Humanity.
- If you like modeling, get a kit as a gift. Some are very simple and only require you to snap pieces together - you won't need glue or paint. Others are suitable for the more experienced, and to complete them it is necessary to glue the parts and paint them. You can find kits to build cars, airplanes, ships, helicopters and motorcycles. If you are a science fiction fan, you can get a kit to build one of the spaceships from Star Wars or Star Trek.
Step 8. Give in to your geeky side
If you like a TV show, book series, or video game, you can ask for merchandising items inspired by them. For example, you may want a Harry Potter wand, a figure of one of the protagonists of the Lord of the Rings, or a shirt from your favorite video game. You could even complete your DVD or book collection. Here are other ideas:
- Video game fans might appreciate a Minecraft-inspired backpack or pajamas with the Legend of Zelda Hyrule crest.
- If you like to dress up as your favorite heroes, you can ask for a wig or accessory to complement your latest costume. Alternatively, write a gift certificate on your wish list to purchase fabric or materials to make a costume.
- Ask for a poster or action figure of your favorite character, comic book, movie, or video game.
- If you love reading manga, ask for the latest chapter of the series you follow. If you prefer anime, ask for the DVD of the last season of the story you are passionate about; in some cases, you will even find movies based on your favorite series.
- You can get a book that contains drawings and concept art of your favorite video game, comic, manga or anime.
Step 9. Ask for a handmade item
Often, they are more personal and original gifts than those bought in stores. Who will have to give you the gift will feel flattered that you consider his talent worthy of a present. This choice ensures you receive a unique and special gift, different from all the others. Here are some things you can ask:
- If you know someone who loves to knit, ask them if they are willing to make you a scarf or hat.
- If one of your relatives knows how to sew, ask if he can give you a bag made with his own hands.
- If one of your friends loves making soaps and candles, ask them for a complete set.
Step 10. Ask for a shopping voucher to redeem at your favorite store
In some cases, an item you really like may be out of stock. A shopping voucher allows you to save some money and spend it at the time you see fit.
Some people don't like the idea of giving away a shopping voucher. In this case, ask if they are willing to accompany you to buy the item you want when it becomes available again
Part 3 of 4: Choosing an Experience as a Gift
Step 1. If you love to travel, ask for a vacation package
If the price isn't an issue, you can ask for a trip to a location you've never visited. If, on the other hand, you have to consider the budget, you can put on your wish list a day spent together with the person who has to give you the gift. You can go out to eat or visit one of the city's museums. Here are other ideas:
- Visit a foreign country you've always wanted to see. If you don't know where to go, you can always close your eyes and choose a random spot on the globe.
- Go on a cruise. Cruises allow you to go ashore often and visit new places; you won't always be forced to stay on board.
- Go to a park. A simple trip to the neighborhood park can be an unforgettable experience, but if you like to think big, visit a national park.
- Go camping. Keep in mind that it's not a good idea to go camping alone, so take a friend or two with you.
Step 2. If you love strong emotions, ask for an intense experience as a gift
Like travel, these activities also require some planning; in many cases you will also need specific equipment. However, it is possible to combine them with a trip. For example, during your time on a tropical island you might want to try scuba diving. If you decide to go camping, you can visit a cave or follow an alpine route. Here are other ideas you can consider:
- Bungee jumping.
- Guided tour in a cave.
- Hiking.
- Horse ride.
- Kayak.
- Rock climbing.
- Snorkeling.
Step 3. For your birthday, treat yourself to a day at a spa
Many spas offer special treatments, such as luxury pedicures complete with soothing salts, oils, and massages. If you don't like pedicures, you might like massages or face masks. Make sure you make your appointment in advance, as some of the more popular spas are booked for weeks or months.
Step 4. Try learning a new skill on your birthday
Many companies sell gift certificates for learning an art, such as dance, martial arts, painting, or woodworking. You can also ask a relative to teach you everything they know about a subject. Your grandmother might be thrilled by the idea of teaching you how to make a cake or how to cook your favorite dish. The best part of the gift is that you can eat what you have created! Here are other ideas:
- If you enjoy making beaded jewelry, decorating cakes, painting, crocheting or knitting, visit a shop that sells materials to make these types of projects. Many of these exercises also offer courses.
- Some public bodies also offer sewing, music or clay-making courses.
Step 5. Ask for a visit to a museum
It is a perfect gift for anyone who loves art or history. Many museums follow a theme and focus on a particular historical period (e.g. Ancient Egypt or the Middle Ages) or a specific artistic movement (such as French Impressionism or Oriental art). Think about what your interests are and look for a museum that showcases the works you are passionate about.
If history and art aren't your thing, maybe you are interested in a sports or music museum. You might also like a visit to a wax museum or one that focuses on technology and innovation
Step 6. If you love animals, visit an aquarium or zoo
In most cases, you will only have to pay for the entrance ticket and you can stay inside the complex for as long as you like. In some zoos you will have the opportunity to get very close to the animals for an additional fee. If you are interested in this type of experience, visit the website of the local zoo or aquarium and do your research.
Step 7. If you love music or theater, ask for a ticket to a concert
In some cases, the memory of an event can last longer than any concrete object. In many theaters and concert halls you will also find shops selling souvenirs, where you can buy posters, CDs and T-shirts that will help you remember this wonderful experience.
- Find out if your favorite singer is playing near your city around your birthday and ask for a ticket to their concert. You can make the experience even more memorable by asking for a VIP pass, which gives you the chance to meet your idols and get autographed posters or CDs.
- If you love classical music, you may be interested in attending a symphony concert.
- If you like singing and dancing, maybe a musical is the show for you. If you prefer acting, try attending a play.
Step 8. Ask for a ticket to a comic or anime convention
Consider that if the convention was in another city and you were forced to sleep a night away from home, you would need a hotel (many offer discounted prices during this type of event).
- If you don't like anime and comics, you might be interested in a medieval fair. They are usually organized on weekends, and you can find one close enough to home that you don't have to sleep a night out. These are exceptional experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in history and fantasy.
- Find out if one of your favorite authors or illustrators organizes an autograph session or a reading of one of their works in your area. These events give you the chance to meet someone you adore and come home with an autograph.
Step 9. Celebrate your birthday by going to eat at your favorite restaurant
Not all experiences have to be active - enjoying an excellent meal with your family can be unforgettable. Choose a restaurant you love or have always wanted to try.
Step 10. Ask for a donation in your name
In some cases, giving can make us feel more fulfilled than receiving. Think about the causes that are most important to you and find organizations that support them. Here are some ideas:
- Animals and nature.
- Homeless.
- Aid for the victims of a natural disaster.
- Instruction.
Part 4 of 4: Narrowing Your Wish List
Step 1. List the pros and cons of each gift
If you can't decide between a few items, write a list of the pros and cons of each. Think about all the positives and negatives, then choose the one that has the most advantages and fewer disadvantages. For example, a vest won't be an exciting gift, but you could wear it with many different outfits and it will keep you warm during the winter.
Step 2. Think about what is most important to you
Maybe it's school, work, sport or something else. If your priority is playing football, new shoes are more useful than a video game, with which you may not even have time to play, between training and matches.
Step 3. Think ahead
In some cases, what you want today may not be as useful to you tomorrow. If you can't decide between two gifts, try imagining your life without them in a couple of months. Choose the one that you will continue to use and that will still attract your interest, instead of the one that will remain new for a short time.
You can also try to imagine what would happen if you didn't get one of those gifts. Choose the scenario in which you will feel least disappointed
Step 4. Consider the budget of the gift giver
Not everyone can spend a lot on a gift. If you want something expensive, before giving your wish list to a person, try asking them what their budget is. If you ask for something they can't afford, they may feel embarrassed. Here are some possibilities:
- If you're too shy to ask a straight question about budget, put expensive items and other low-priced items on your wish list. In this way, everyone can buy you something, regardless of their financial availability.
- Ask for a group gift. This allows all of your friends and relatives to participate and to be able to buy you an expensive item together.
- Ask for a gift for two holidays. For example, if you are turning winter, you can combine a birthday present with a Christmas present.
- Offer to pay for part of the gift out of your own pocket. By combining your money with someone else's, you could end up buying that very expensive item you want so much.
Step 5. Let another person decide for you
If you can't choose between two or three items, let the gift giver find the answer. Give him your list and ask him to choose a gift. Some people prefer to be able to decide what to buy.
Step 6. Think about what you want and not what is expected of you
If you try to meet the expectations of others, you will end up feeling stressed, and you may not even get what you really wanted.
If the gift that would make you truly happy is a day at the beach, let your family know. You don't have to choose an expensive gift for your birthday, just because all your friends are doing it
Advice
- Make sure you create a wish list. As ideas come up, write them down on a piece of paper, or create the list on the internet. Many online stores offer this possibility; you can add the items you want to the list, then send the link to your friends and relatives.
- When looking for a gift on the internet, use the keywords "best _" or "strongest _ below (price)". Also look for shopping tips on the forums dedicated to your passion.
- You can follow these steps for any gift, including the Christmas gift.
- Consider watercolor pencils, encaustic paint wax, or fabric as gifts. Research all the materials on the market.
- When you go to a store, make a note of all the items you want but can't buy at the moment. It will be useful if you are really undecided!
- Never write too long a list; by limiting the number of choices, you will be more likely to get what you really want.
Warnings
- Don't wait until the last minute. The longer you wait, the less time your friends and family will have to find the right gift for you. In some cases, the item you want will no longer be available at the time of your decision. Try to make your wish list known in advance. In this way, whoever has to give you the gift will have plenty of time to go and buy it.
- If you've made your list well in advance, re-read it as your birthday approaches. What you wanted a few months ago may not interest you anymore.
- If you want something, especially if it's an expensive item, don't pressure other people to buy it. It may be out of their budget, or they may have already given you a gift. Try to be realistic when choosing your ideal gift.
