Giving someone something they truly love is the intention behind most gifts. Unfortunately, sometimes we miss the mark. We confuse what we want with what the recipient wants and end up giving a box full of disappointment. Most people are too gracious to admit they don’t like our presents, but the lack of enthusiasm behind their thanks or watching them never use the gift shows us we didn’t get it right.
It really is the thought that counts. Here is a list of one-word thoughts to put behind your gifts. Use the thought to help you determine what to get the people on your list. Of course you have to keep in mind their particular taste and interests, but if you get the thought right, you’re practically guaranteed to get the gift right.
For single people: touch
A gift certificate for a massage, manicure, facial or (for men) a shave is a great present for someone who doesn’t have a partner to give them a back rub at night. Touch is a biological need that is frequently neglected. If you want something that can be wrapped, think tactile: aromatherapy creams, a soft throw, a massage tool or chair.
For mothers: luxury
Mothers rarely splurge on themselves. Luxury can be a very high-end bag, but it could also be a gift card to her favorite coffee shop. Think of something that will pamper her that she wouldn’t buy for herself.
For men: entertainment
If you want to score a home-run with your man, give him something fun. They usually ask for electronics, which can be tricky because they’re so expensive. If this is your significant other, just buy them exactly what they want. If your budget is less than their wish list, look for tickets to a game or comedy show, DVDs, tools, accessories or equipment related to their hobby. Try to give something the little boy inside of him will love.
For babies and toddlers: development
Choose gifts that are designed to encourage whatever the next six months of development will bring. You can find a list in many parenting books. In general, basic toys that can be used in several different ways (like blocks) and toys to encourage pretend are great choices. Resist the temptation to buy out of the child’s age bracket; it could be unsafe.
For children: imagination
Books, art supplies, science kits, musical instruments, costumes, anything to engage the child and let his or her imagination run wild is exactly what he or she needs and wants.
For groups of children: activity
If you want to give a gift to a family of kids, it can be hard because of the age differences. Try to think of an activity they can do together. Here are a few suggestions to get you thinking: a movie party (DVD, Jiffy Pop, premium root beer and candy), a cupcake party (cake mix, cool sprinkles, cupcake papers, cupcake stand) a band in a box (musical instruments for all) or tickets to an activity like ice-skating or the zoo.
For grandmothers: delight
Grandmothers are one of the most important people in our lives, but they already have everything they need. Choose something that she will love upon sight and will be able to show off to her friends. Photo gifts, homemade projects or something funny or precious, depending on her personality.
For teenagers: connection
When someone you love is going through puberty, the easy route is to just step back, but please don’t. They are actually at an achingly beautiful stage of life, wavering between childhood and the brave new world of adulthood. Giving them a present that will allow you connect with them on their level is really a gift for both of you. Here are a few ideas: tickets to a monster truck show or a play, makeover at a department store, a ski day, trip to the store so they can pick out clothes or shoes they like, lunch at a restaurant of their choice (maybe a new cuisine for them to try).
For couples: consumption
Chose something that can be consumed together: tickets to a show, a nice bottle of wine, a basket of goodies. Gifts for the home tend to be more about 1 person in the couple than the other.
For everyone: book
A book is a wonderful gift. It’s my go-to present for kids. Most independent book stores have a newsletter written by employess with recommendations. If you hate shopping, hit a bookstore for a couple of hours and be done. Of course it goes without saying that the diet and self-help sections are completely off limits. If you don’t know children’s literature, buy a book in the recommended age bracket that has a Newberry or Caldecott medal on it or something you remember from childhood.
For (almost) no one: gift cards
If you really don’t want to chose something, just give cash. Gift cards have been adding a lot of hidden fees, so the store or bank you purchase it from will take a bite out of whatever amount you were trying to give. The one exception is if you know a particular person loves a particular store and this particular person will not spend the money you give them on themselves (probably a mom), then force the gift by purchasing a gift card. Other than that, a gift card is just as impersonal as cash and it ends up costing more.
Good luck and Merry Christmas!
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