It's better to give than receive, according to the Bible. But that depends on how much thought you've put into giving.
I've gotten pretty lazy over the years.
When I was younger, I put a great deal of consideration and energy into gift-giving. The brainstorming began well before the occasion; the Christmas lists started around the same time as the new school year.
When thinking about the recipient, I asked myself the following:
Do they have any hobbies?
What are their clothing preferences?
Do they enjoy books, movies, both, or not at all?
What is their favorite cologne or personal care item?
What do they usually spend their own money on?
Do they have any current needs?
If I required more inspiration, I'd flip through various catalogs. Remember those?
Can you imagine being a postal carrier when the J.C. Penney Christmas and Spring/Summer editions came out? No need to hit the gym after delivering those hefty tomes!
Then came the shopping, which involved leaving the house. Yes, we could do mail orders by phone or snail mail, but the latter could take three weeks. In those days, Amazon was a river in South America, and Prime was a type of number.
Once the purchase was made, the next step was the packaging. It was essential to choose the appropriate gift wrap and coordinating bow. If Mom hates cats, you don't wrap her gift in kitty paper.
Then came card shopping, which could easily take an hour. I love reading greeting cards, so just head to that section if you lose me in a retail shop. That's where you'll find me, usually giggling uncontrollably.
Nowadays, things are much different. For example, I generally give gift cards to a favorite store or restaurant that the person patronizes. It doesn't seem quite as effortless (i.e., lazy) as writing a check. It's then tucked into a greeting card that’s chosen within five minutes.
Bada-boom, all done.
So, why the drastic change in mindset? Is this a sign of aging, gift fatigue, or both?
Feeling guilty about my cavalier attitude, I decided to make some changes. After a bit of research and thought, I concluded the following:
1.) Forget the "Wow" factor.
When selecting gifts, you may want to achieve a big reveal moment. This occurs when the recipient expresses a dramatic reaction, usually because you spent too much money.
One long-ago Christmas, I came across a toy that so impressed me I just had to order it for my kids. It was unaffordable at $100 and last-minute, so I paid extra for expedited shipping. I was convinced they would be thrilled. Instead, their reaction to it was equal to the $20 presents under the tree. I overspent to "wow" myself.
The lesson here is to think practically, don't assume they'll like it just because you do, and stay within your budget.
2.) Don't surprise them.
In addition to the wow factor, you may also want to surprise your gift recipient. This often involves purchasing something totally unexpected, and that can backfire. Their only surprise might be your odd choice in gifts. It's safer to give something that was requested or that you know aligns with their personality and lifestyle. Add the element of surprise with an upgrade. If they enjoy Cabernet purchase a more expensive brand. Or an add-on gift, which pairs well with the main event. Like quality chocolates WITH the wine.
3.) A good idea goes a long way.
It's okay to give everyone the same present. Even if it’s Christmas, where they’ll be opening gifts at the same time. You don't have to buy something different for each person. A new, exciting idea is new and exciting for everybody (unless it’s completely outside their interests.) Plus, you can individualize the wrapping paper and bows to suit each recipient.
4.) There's no shame in regifting.
Waste not, want not, my grandma always said. Just because you don't like the gift doesn't mean someone else won't.
If you receive a bottle of Cabernet and hate Cabernet, I'll be thrilled to receive it. No questions asked. (BTW, do you notice a pattern here with the Cabernet example??)
Another good way to utilize a brand new item is for nonprofit fundraisers. I often donate theme baskets and use re-giftable things in them. For example, I received a corn popper, which I knew wouldn't use, so I created a "Movie Night" basket. With the addition of gourmet popping kernels, oil, seasoning, and a gift card for Netflix, it made a terrific donation, as well as a tax-deductible expense of $100!)
5.) Don't decide for them.
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones we give ourselves. So give your loved one the gift of choice via a gift card (or money) and let them decide. Just be sure the gift certificate/card is for a store or business they shop at.
It's also helpful to think in the short term. Gift cards can be forgotten if not used right away. So, think about the person's current needs and desires. For example, a college student needs textbooks; a crafter needs crafting supplies; a wine drinker needs wine.
A Journal of Consumer Research study found that while givers rate gifts on their desirability, recipients rate them on feasibility.
Givers focus more on sentiment and less on practicality. Receivers would instead prefer to get items they want or need.
We devote a considerable amount of time and money throughout the year to gift-giving. Hopefully, the tips above could make giving the perfect gift better...and easier!
It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it. ~Eileen Elias Freeman
I found the Uncommon Goods website a while back and just love it! They have unique and fun gifts in all categories. A lot of them are somewhat pricey, but there’s a Sale tab for the budget-conscious. Check it out at Uncommon Goods.
5 Smart Tips for Giving Awesome Gifts That People Appreciate