Finding a nice gift can be nerve-wracking. To please the recipient, you will need to think about it in advance, but also understand their personality and tastes.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Gift Ideas for a Person You Know Well
Step 1. Compile a list of the recipient's interests and preferences
To personalize the gift, reflect on the tastes of the person who will receive it. Try to remember which products or experiences they like (maybe they told you directly or you noticed).
- For example, maybe your friend likes video games, cinema and Thai cuisine. You can also consider his character: is he introverted (so he prefers to experience with small groups of people or in two) or outgoing (he wants to acquire new skills and meet people)?
- You should also consider his age. A 45-year-old adult will prefer a different gift than a 16-year-old boy.
- Try to think about his hobbies. If this person enjoys gardening, you could give them an indoor plant.
Step 2. Consider the relationship you have with this person
If you have a very close bond, whether it's platonic or romantic, you might want to choose a more personal gift. If it is simply an acquaintance, the gift could instead be something useful or affordable.
- An attentive or sentimental gift would be fine for a romantic partner. It could be a gift experience or even an experience in itself, like a candlelit dinner in a luxury restaurant.
- A close friend might appreciate a symbol of your friendship. For example, if you made friends through the Harry Potter saga, you might consider a gift based on that theme.
- If it is a simple acquaintance, a gift certificate is fine. He can use it to buy what he prefers.
Step 3. Try to figure out what items they might need
Think about which products might come in handy in daily life or consider a big purchase that he has long ago made. You can gift him a new appliance he has his eye on or a new backpack for the start of school.
- Look for gifts that are practical, but also a pleasure for the recipient: maybe they can't afford a certain object or doesn't have time to go and buy it.
- Avoid overstretching his budget, or he might feel insulted - the gift should be a surprise, don't shock him.
Step 4. If you can, peek at his online wishlists
Many e-commerce sites, such as eBay and Etsy, allow users to create wishlists with the items they prefer. If you can get into the recipient's account, you can take a cue.
- Only peek at his account if you are in a close relationship and don't think he might get angry, as your goal is absolutely noble.
- If he doesn't have any lists, pay attention to the things he says. For example, if she just says how much she would like to have a certain item, take it as a suggestion.
Step 5. Try to give him an object with sentimental value, such as a beautiful photograph that portrays you and that the recipient likes
Frame it: it will be a tender and loving gift that you can keep on display.
You can also select different items of sentimental value, as a souvenir from the first vacation you took together, and put them in a nice container. This will create a memory box that you can fill as you wish and give it away. It will contain a collection of memories shared by both
Step 6. Give him an experience, which can often have a bigger impact than a simple object
You could choose a couple's massage, a skydiving lesson or a dinner at his favorite restaurant. Consider experiences that surprise and excite the recipient, so that a good memory will remain.
If he's on a long journey, you can also give him an audiobook as a gift. It will be a practical gift that will allow him to pass the time learning something new or listening to a compelling story; in short, he will be able to have a precious experience
Step 7. In addition to giving him a tangible gift, offer him your time
If the recipient is experiencing stress issues, is overworked, or is having a hard time, offer them your time. You can look after his garden for a week or keep the kids for a day so he can spend time for himself.
This gift is also perfect for those with physical or mental disabilities, as you can offer to cook for them, assist them through the night or run an errand for them
Step 8. Make a homemade gift
Sometimes these are the best gifts, as they are often filled with affection and well thought out. Plus, the recipient will realize you've put in the time and effort, so they'll appreciate it even more. Take the time to make something they like, like bath products, cookies, or candles. You can decide to make a single object or several, and then arrange them in a basket.
- You can also create an item for the home, such as a cabinet, a painting or a decorative object for the garden. Consider the recipient's sense of style and preferences.
- If you enjoy cooking, you could make chocolate chip cookies or offer to make dinner.
Part 2 of 3: Gift Ideas for an Acquaintance
Step 1. Create a gift for the hosts
If you've been invited to a dinner or other event, bring something to the hosts, like a bottle of wine. If they don't drink or you prefer to give a unique gift, you can opt for DIY. For example, prepare a mixture of spices and seasonings in a cute jar; the recipient can use it to season chicken or fish. You can also make a cake or other dessert, then wrap it in wax paper.
- You can bring other homemade items, such as a candle or bath products.
- If you don't know the recipient well, opt for an edible gift, which always makes a good impression.
Step 2. Buy a practical gift for a teacher or leader
If you are looking for a gift suitable for someone in a position of authority, such as a professor or an employer, choose something practical, such as a gift basket containing stationery (with all the essentials for the next school year) or tea and coffee (if the recipient likes to drink something hot). You can also make a cup cover.
Step 3. Choose a practical but well thought-out item if you need to give your boss a gift, especially if you want to impress
For instance:
- A beautiful succulent plant or a glass terrarium to liven up his office.
- If he likes cocktails, give him a seven-piece set or a sophisticated bottle opener.
- If you know he has a sense of humor, you could buy him a cute desk calendar for the New Year.
Step 4. Take a colleague out for dinner
If you want to give a work colleague a gift, you could offer them a lunch or dinner when they leave the office. So you can take a break and switch off, while still maintaining a certain professionalism.
If you need to give gifts to several colleagues, you could buy a bottle of wine for each of them or create gift baskets. Try to give everyone the same gift, so as to avoid creating favoritism
Step 5. Ask a person close to the gift recipient for advice
If you are not sure what to buy from an acquaintance, you can contact a friend or relative. Talk to that colleague who knows the boss well. If you have to go to dinner, call another friend who has been invited and exchange ideas to find the perfect gift.
Discuss this in advance to avoid buying the same thing
Part 3 of 3: Giving the Gift
Step 1. Customize the package
Watching the recipient unwrap it is priceless and an integral part of this whole experience. Try to personalize the gift card: choose it in his favorite color or with a print of his liking. To give it an extra touch, use bows or ribbons.
- You can also give it a creative touch by using a box or gift bag and stuff it with tissue paper.
- To have a laugh with the recipient and complicate the opening of the gift, you could wrap it with masking tape. It won't be easy to discard, but remind them that it will be worth it.
Step 2. Write a nice note to accompany the gift:
it is considered a nice touch, which will help you express everything you feel. Cute cards often brighten the recipient's day and excite him even more.
If you are giving an experience in the form of a gift card or certificate, put it in the same envelope as the note
Step 3. Give the gift in a creative and unusual way
Invite the recipient on a treasure hunt or put a message in their favorite book so they can decode it to find the gift.
- You can also leave the gift in an unexpected place and surprise the recipient.
- If you offer him the gift in a creative way, you will excite him even more and the experience will be much more beautiful.
