There are people in my life who always give gifts that are thoughtful, always unique, and always precise. I’ve learned a few lessons from these friends and family about how to be a truly great gift giver, and I’d like to share them with you today. These gift-giving ideas apply to everything from holidays to birthdays and all the little celebrations in between. Share meaningful gifts with your loved ones.
5 Ways to Be a Really Good Gift Giver
1. Listen all year long or start now!
People tell us what they like, and giving thoughtful gifts starts with: listening At that moment. With everyone in my life, I’ve listened to what they have to say and tuned in to what turns them on. I’m on the lookout for gift ideas all year long, so I’m not in a rush when the holidays (or birthdays) come around.
Have they started a new hobby? Ask them how they are doing and get some inspiration from it. Are they making a big transition into retirement or moving across the country? Hear how to help, celebrate and honor milestones. The best gifts are those that show that you notice the little things someone loves or pursues.
2. Gather your gift ideas in one place.
Don’t expect yourself to remember the ideas you get while listening. Find ways to collect and organize information. I mainly use the iPhone Notes app. Joe and I have a shared note listing the birthdays of people in our lives. Under each name, I’ll write down my thoughts about their favorite gifts and items. I also save a few ideas verbally in a voice memo app, which is an easy way to get them out of my head in the moment and revisit them later.
3. Ask for a list.
If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to ask the other person for a short list of what exactly they want. Some people shy away from being this direct or think that giving gifts takes away the magic. I think it’s a perfectly reasonable way to ensure you’re giving a gift you’ll use and enjoy. Asking for a list makes the gift-giving experience just as enjoyable as coming up with gift ideas on your own. This leads me to my next point…
4. Gifts don’t have to be surprising.
Don’t worry about coming up with the “perfect” gift idea. No need to surprise them with something unexpected! Choosing a gift from their wish list is a great way to please them. and Get what they really want. I received a specific pair of shoes as a gift from Joe for his birthday, and his reaction was like complete surprise. He was so excited!! It reminded me that true surprise is sometimes overrated.
5. Don’t overcompensate.
Beware the temptation to overcompensate, especially when you are not sure what the gift recipient wants. When giving gifts, we often end up spending too much and making everyone uncomfortable. Reminds me of an episode of office Michael gave us a video iPod in a group exchange when our spending limit was $20.
Often, sentimental gifts mean more than expensive items. For Joe’s birthday this year, I recorded a video about why I love him, and so did the kids. It was a unique way to capture this moment and it didn’t cost anything. If overcompensation is your pattern, I hope the ideas in this post help you avoid it!
For more gift-giving inspiration, this month on Wit & Delight, I’m sharing a holiday gift guide! Until then, check out last year’s gift guide for some gift ideas.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning tennis and will learn to play tennis for the rest of her life. Test the boundaries of her creative abilities. Follow her on Instagram. @witanddelight_.
