Choosing the Perfect Gift Doesn’t Have to Be  Difficult

Do you struggle with selecting the perfect gift for your family (sisters, brothers, parents), friends, spouse, and even your children?  Do you feel lost trying to come up with a gift idea for birthdays and Christmas (and the most difficult – birthdays in December because you need a unique birthday and Christmas gift). The good news is with a little practice and planning you can choose the perfect gift every time.

You want to give a useful and meaningful gift and that the gift recipient will remember and use.  These 5 tips will help you focus your gift giving and give gifts everyone will love.

5 Tips for Giving the Perfect Gift Every Time

Listen to what the person says they want

I don’t mean to directly ask them what they want (you could do that), but listen when you are having conversations.  Do they mention a favorite author or favorite book or favorite movie?  Do they have a favorite restaurant? Do they love Starbucks?

Every time your friends, children, spouse, sisters, brothers, parents mention one of their favorite things be sure to write down these ideas in your gift planner.  Even if you hear them mention an idea months before their birthday or Christmas write it down so you don’t forget.  It’s especially important to listen for the random comments like, “I love ….” or “I wish I had a …” These comments will give you the perfect start to your gift list.

Select gifts based on a favorite hobby

Does your mom love scrapbooking?  Maybe she would like a new scrapbook or supplies.  Does your Dad love outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping like my dad does?  Maybe he would like the newest camping equipment or fancy fishing gear to help catch more fish.

If your sister or brother loves to read, you could give them a collection of books by their favorite author or find some vintage books by their favorite writer they have not read from a collectible or used book store.

Take a few minutes to write down the gift recipient’s favorite hobbies.  Consider what on this list would make a great gift? Since it’s their favorite hobby, you know they will enjoy the gift.

Family heirlooms and meaningful family treasures

When my Grandmother was still living, I remember for my birthday one year she gave me a set of ceramic kittens that I could add to my china cabinet.  She told me they had been given to her by her good friend also named Rachel about 30 years ago.  She also gave me a special vase she received when her youngest daughter died that had a mother’s hand wrapped around her child’s hand when I adopted my first child.  These gifts are very special and mean so much, I think of her every time I look at them.

If your children are grown or if you have grandchildren, you could start a tradition of sharing family treasures.  Family treasures don’t have to expensive in value, they need to be rich in meaning.  If your gift has a special story or memory, be sure to write a note or tell the gift recipient why you choose to give them this gift and why it was special to you.

What family treasures and heirlooms could you start passing down in your family?

Give something your gift recipient would not buy for themselves

As moms, we know the needs of our family and children.  We usually know their special wish lists too.  We have special lists of items we would like for ourselves; something to make our life easier (like a Ninja Cooking System – makes planning and preparing dinner so much easier).  Or something to make them feel special like jewelry and a new purse.

We all have something special we would like but feel it’s too expensive or too extravagant so we don’t buy it for ourselves.  I will usually have one of these type items I would like around my birthday or Christmas.  My husband is very thoughtful to give these items to me for my birthday and Christmas.

Give something your gift recipient needs

Do you know of a specific need that you could give as a gift?  While some families are able to provide well for all their needs, many families are not able to provide for all their needs.  Have you noticed a particular need of someone in your family or your friends?  Could you give a gift that would meet that need (partially or completely)?

My dad, who can fix just about anything, generously will fix anything that breaks at our home and we are grateful he is willing to help us.  Do you have a special skill or talent that you can provide to others that will meet one of their needs?  Can you help fix leaky faucets?  Can you help with their children’s homework or tutoring?  These specials gifts of your time and talents mean so much to the gift recipient.

The next time you don’t know what to give as a gift.  Ask yourself these questions.  What has the person mentioned they would like? What is their favorite hobby? What family treasure could you give them?  What would they not purchase for themselves?  And what do they need?

As you consider these 5 ways to give gifts, you are sure to find the perfect meaningful gift every time.  Your gift recipient will be surprised and honored by your gift selection and how well you matched to their taste.  Don’t be surprised if you hear, “How did you know ….?”

Your turn…

How do you choose gifts?  What is your best tip for choosing the best perfect gift?