Keep a running list of gift ideas.
One of the best things you can do to up your gift giving game is keep a running list year-round of gift ideas that come to mind. Once you start keeping a running list, you'll be surprised at how quickly it fills up. Then when it's time to do your gift shopping, chances are you'll already have a great set of ideas to draw from.
Don't be afraid to purchase gifts “out-of-season.”
If you happen to stumble upon the perfect gift for a friend or family member months away from their birthday or a holiday, that doesn't mean you've hit bad luck; it simply means that you have the opportunity to save time later by getting the gift right now. Then, hide the gift away somewhere safe until it's time to pull it out for gift giving. The only exception to this is when you think the gift is something they might need to return or exchange; in this case, you should be sure to purchase the gift so that the return or exchange time window is still open when the recipient receives the gift.
Pay attention to interests.
This is much easier said than done, but pay attention to those things your friend or family member expresses interest in throughout the year. If you’re out shopping with your mother three months before her birthday, for example, and she tries on a pair of shoes she absolutely loves, only to decide that she shouldn't make the splurge, you might consider returning to that exact store within the next three months to get those shoes for her. Or, if your brother excitedly shows you his beloved vintage bike that he repaired to new condition, you might consider finding a copy of the catalog that the exact bike was in on EBay. Pay attention to the things your friend or family member expresses interest in throughout the year, and you're sure to gather some thoughtful ideas.
Pay attention to need.
It also helps to pay attention to those things that you notice your friend or family member needs. If you and a friend often go camping, for example, and you notice that he or she has a sleeping bag but no sleeping pad, you might get him or her a much needed sleeping pad as a gift. Or if you notice that your dad has developed an interest in photography but has no lens filters, lens filters could be the perfect gift.
Do some research.
With all of these tips, it's important to note that some research might be required. If you know your son is passionate about listening to music and could use some over-ear headphones, for example, you'll probably want to ask around and get some recommendations as to which headphones are best. Or if you have a friend who bakes and want to get him or her something incredibly useful, it's a good idea to talk to someone else who also happens to be an avid baker. Don't be afraid to ask around and do some reading as you seek to understand your loved one’s interests better.
Ask a close friend or family member.
Can't think of what to get your sister? Try asking her husband or one of her best friends. Sometimes others will have multiple gift ideas for a person when you are lacking.
Go in on gifts with others.
Gift giving is usually more about quality than it is about quantity. So if you and your friends can only think of one big gift to get one of your friends, consider going in on the gift together to make the cost reasonable for everyone. A higher priced gift need not be ruled out when there are multiple people who are willing to pitch in.
When in doubt, keep it simple.
When it comes to gift giving, don't overthink it. Keep it simple, and remember that you don't have to spend a great deal of money on your gift. You might even consider forgoing shopping altogether and instead putting together something homemade, such as a batch of baked goods or a canvas print of a favorite photo. Something thoughtful will pretty much always trump something expensive.
Let's discuss: How do you decide on the perfect gift?
Such great tips here. I actually have a gift closet where I put things that I find either on sale or at a great price.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea too! I do that sometimes too.
DeleteI love buying out of season and especially watch to see if someone needs something they don't want to buy themselves. I am getting a cutting board for my very handsome single brother. Might sound a bit strange but we were over cooking dinner at his home and he was asked where his cutting board was. He replied, I don't need on if I don't cook. Everyone needs a cutting board. Great tips.
ReplyDeleteBuying out of season is a great way to get gifts, usually works out cheaper too.
DeleteIt's hard for me last minute so like you said, I go off season. It's just a matter of seeing something someone will love and buying it then! The challenge is waiting until their birthday/Christmas/etc. I'm bad at waiting!
ReplyDeleteI do keep a Pinterest board and a Google chrome bookmark devoted to general and specific gift ideas!
Oh I'm bad at waiting myself and I love buying gifts. I have a habit of buying gifts that I think the other person would love or things that I love :)
DeleteThese are great ideas and suggestions, and I completely agree with purchasing out of the season. It has come in handy for me many times.
ReplyDeleteOh that's really the best time to buy.
DeleteI love this post. I like to think I am a great gift giver. I try to think about all the things the person likes and then I try to choose something very unique.
ReplyDeleteAwww, that's sweet. I love also making my own gifts because it's a lot more special.
DeleteI adore the idea that you can learn to be a good gift giver! I definitely practice buying out of season, or just when I see something I think would be good-- it helps keep me less stressed at the last minute, and also saves money since you can usually find a better price when you aren't in a crunch!
ReplyDeleteExactly. Buying last minute just seems to be so much more expensive.
DeleteSuch Great Tip I Love It I Try To Buy After Season That's When Everything Goes On Sale!
ReplyDeleteThat is so true. Everything is always cheaper after season.
DeleteI think these are great tips showing consideration of many things. My husband says I am a horrible gift giver, though I respectfully disagree with him.
ReplyDeleteOh my husband is the horrible one, I think I'm great!
DeleteThe common theme here is putting some thought and effort into it. When you don't take those steps it shows.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! You should take time and effort when you're gift giving.
DeleteI usually shop for gifts throughout the year. For xmas I start in July and finish it that month. With so many sales during the summer months I do stock up for birthdays and xmas. I make notes about what each person likes and I know there are some that just want a gift card to there favorite store.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes even start the beginning of the year for Christmas and continue throughout the year.
DeleteThese are such great tips! I agree with you it's definitely a skill! I love giving gifts, but it takes quite a bit of time and effort to find the perfect one :) Great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristine and it does take time and effort if you want it to be perfect.
DeleteI love shopping for gifts. It's important to think about both needs and interests when buying gifts for people. These are great tips to keep in mind.
ReplyDeleteI just love shopping for gifts and I like to think of myself as a good gift giver.
DeleteI'm the type of person who pays attention to the small things. So I always get the "oh my god you actually listened" comment when I give gifts. It's a great feeling.
ReplyDeleteOh I'm very much like that too. I always ask months in advance and I keep it in the back of my mind and surprise them with their gift.
DeleteGifts that come from the heart are always appreciated! All the crocheted items my grandmother made are now seen for the true love that she put into them!
ReplyDeleteOh that's awesome! I need to crochet some gifts myself. :)
DeleteGreat suggestions! I'm always writing things down that my hubby and daughter say they want! That way I know exactly what they want without having to ask.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea too and I'm sure they appreciate it.
DeleteLove this article! I always have the hardest time coming up with gifts (being a procrastinator doesn't help, either) and end up settling on a gift card or something really impersonal. I'm going to implement some of these ideas immediately. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure that being a procrastinator really doesn't help. My kids always want something expensive so I usually have to save so I definitely can't procrastinate.
DeleteMy husband is the best gift giver! Me on the other hand, I am not the best. I usually miss the mark. So these tips are great.
ReplyDeleteI am a way better gift giver than my husband :)
DeleteIt's good to step ahead and buy gift early. It's not good to buy gift at the last minute. By that time, it's so hard buying the right gift. You are right get the gift if I stumble upon it. If I wait the chances are it will be sold out. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGet it early and get it out of the way.
DeleteI usually pick a gift based upon my budget. I am not afraid to check out clearance stuff too.
ReplyDeleteOh I ALWAYS check out clearance, especially for the kids.
DeleteI absolutely love this post, I never thought about ways to be a good gift giver. This is the perfect topic as we near birthdays in my home and holiday season!
ReplyDeleteThank you Brandy but I'm sure you'll get some great gifts.
DeleteThese are great tips on gift given. I always find it hard to buy for others. Your post is so helpful.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I was able to help you Brandy. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI love finding the exact perfect gift for friends and family. Your tips are right on point. I keep a list in my planner for ideas.
ReplyDeleteFinding the perfect gift can be difficult at times especially if the person you're shopping for is very picky.
DeleteI have to actually start buying Christmas presents in May. If not, I will forget someone, or I won't be able to get what they want. So, I already have a stockpile of gifts for this year.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha that's a good way to start your shopping for Christmas. Do it early!
DeleteGreat tips! I'm always told I give good gifts but these tips can help me be an even better gift giver.
ReplyDeleteWell you can always get better for sure!
DeleteI am constantly listening to when family members say they want something or are in need of something specific. I make a mental note, and when the next gift-giving time comes around, I am prepared. The best gifts are those that really surprise a loved one…when you've listened to someone who has mumbled something to themselves and didn't think anyone heard them.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love those? I always pay attention and they think I wasn't listening.
DeleteLove this! I have always prided myself in being a great gift giver. People really appreciate it when they can tell you actually took the time to buy or make them a gift that is true to them. At least I do!
ReplyDeleteOh I am one of those persons. I appreciate it more when someone actually takes the time to shop for me instead of just grabbing something randomly.
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