How to find the perfect gift
Take note of who the gift is for and what brings them joy.
To get your creative, great gift-giving juices flowing, start by answering these questions…
Who is the gift for? What do you know about them?
Where are they in their lives? Any big changes or milestones coming up?
How do they spend their time? Have they mentioned any new interests or activities?
Is there anything they need or have hinted at?
Is there something you love that you’d like to share with them?
If money was no object what would you give them? Now brain-storm the simpler, less-expensive, or do-it-yourself version of that gift.
TIP: Do a little investigative work and keep a list of the preferences and sizes of the people you are closest to so you’ll always be prepared with gift ideas. File away shoe sizes, the colours they wear, favourite flowers, where they like to shop, restaurants they want to try etc… Take good notes when they hint.
A personal touch always pleases
These 5 categories of gifts are sure to please…
1. Memories – Collecting memories into a custom photo album or family tree makes for a personal gift that people will look back on time and time again.
2. Problem Solvers – Tools of all types make for great gifts. Reflect on a person’s interests or current life situation and choose something that can assist their endeavours such as a beautiful chef’s knife for an aspiring cook or a tool kit to someone setting up a new home.
3. Charity – Most people have more “things” than they need so instead of another trinket give a gift that keeps giving. Make a donation in a person’s name to a cause close to their heart. Some of my favourites are Kiva, Rethink Breast Cancer and the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
4. Humour – Knowing what someone will think is funny shows you really know them. Create a custom t-shirt with a message they will chuckle at or give a perfectly cheeky card.
5. Experiences – The memories from experiential gifts outlast most store bought gifts. It doesn’t have to be extravagant like a Nile boat cruise, inexpensive, thoughtful activities around your own city such as a scavenger hunt are sure to please.