We’ve all been there in the run up to Christmas. The question of gifts is brought up in conversation and before you can even finish the question, close family members insist they’ve ‘got everything’. Your best friend has ‘absolutely no idea!’ and your partner expects you to know them well enough to need not ask. So, we guess it’s woolly socks and chocolates for a second year running? Well, believe it or not, it doesn’t have to be!
When it comes to giving the perfect gift at Christmas it really is the thought that counts (or the lengths you go to investigate…) It’s an opportunity to show how much you care; the more effort that you put in, the more the recipient values it.
So, to give you a helping hand, here’s V8’s guide to giving the gifts they really want this Christmas!
1. Presents don’t have to be Physical Items
Consider giving experiences, especially shared ones. Not only do they create memories, but they show that you want to spend time with friends or loved ones. Whether it’s a concert, relaxing spa break or a family cooking lesson, there are plenty of excellent gifts available all year round.
2. Go Shopping Together
Going shopping together is an obvious but effective way to seek out what your friends, family or loved ones really want this Christmas. Keep an eye out for hints – you’d be surprised how many drop when you least expect it. Pay attention to what they stop and look at. It’s a good way to find out what they might like, and then you can sneak back later and buy it. To be even smarter, take a sly photo of a gift idea or text yourself the details to help you remember!
3. Have a Brainstorming Session
Brainstorm everything – and we mean everything – that you know about the person, their interests, hobbies and personality. Ask yourself questions such as ‘What films have they enjoyed recently?’, ‘What are their favourite TV shows?’ or ‘Do they enjoy outdoor activities?’ You need to empathise with them and understand how they think. Make a list and find interesting ways to inter-relate these elements, and you get closer to giving them a gift they didn’t even know they wanted.
4. Get Personal
Personalised gifts are presents that are truly unique. As they’re tailor-made it guarantees that no-one else will have one exactly the same. Think jewellery, picture frames, phone cases, mugs and more – the recipient will be sure to love their personal gift. Websites such as Etsy are perfect for completely unique, personalised gifts. Remember, it doesn’t have to just be a name, personalised messages can incredibly heart-warming too.
5. Be a Digital Detective
Have a peek at their online activities! Check up on their Pinterest boards or see who they’re following Instagram to get an idea of their interests or desired items. If they’re really organised, it’s worth checking to see if they have an Amazon wish list. This can potentially give you some instant gift ideas, and it may be that they’ve been on there so long they’ve long forgotten about them (bonus points!) Make sure they haven’t already bought the items on the list!
6. Factor in Favourite Foods
Still struggling? You should consider their favourite foods! You could create a hamper containing a selection of their favourite foods, recipe books, snacks and drinks. Both aesthetically pleasing and tasty for the recipient, it’s guaranteed to be a winner when the wrapping paper comes off.
7. Utilise Nostalgia
Never underestimate the power of nostalgia. Nostalgic presents are gifts that say ‘I put a lot of thought into this .’ Gifts including personalised playlists, scrapbooks and photos from a memorable time or event will really tug on the heartstrings of the recipient. They may not be the most expensive of presents but they are sure to be treasured long into the future.
8. Finally…
Ask them! This is one of the most reliable ways to find the best Christmas present. Yet too few of us use it reliably. One of the best ways is to ‘ask without asking’. To successfully use this technique, you could ask them to guess what you’ve got them. Clever right? This way you can purchase whatever it is they answer with!
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