People say, “It’s the thought that counts.” But when was the last time that worked on your brother, sister, or cousin? If you don’t want someone else in the family to usurp your title of ‘best uncle or aunt’ or ‘favourite child,’ improve your gift-giving skills. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s only a matter of time before that family roll call under the tree at six am on Christmas day. Here are common mistakes to avoid so you can do better.
Over Your Budget
Giving the best present doesn’t mean going over what you can comfortably afford. Stick to the price range that works for you. Consider personalised gifts. A framed photo, mug, wedding album, watch, or apron customised by
Quantity Over Quality
You see people on social media giving a tall pile of gifts. But it’s also better to give one thoughtful gift that suits a friend or family member. Plenty of online sites offer personalised gifts, so you have plenty to choose from and can pick an item for every name on your shopping list.
Unique and New Gifts
Many think that finding a unique gift is the best approach. But giving a friend or loved one the same thing every year—a book they love or a title from their favourite author—doesn’t lose its shine. So, don’t stress too much over finding a unique gift. Some people appreciate the same things and have the same tastes, and as long as you pick personalised gifts that match those tastes, you’re in the clear.
Skips Useful Items
Too many times, people skip vouchers or gift cards. But they’re a better bet if you’re unsure what to get. Let the other person decide. A voucher or card means they can pick whatever they like. That’s the level of thoughtfulness you want people to remember when they see your gift.
Buying for You
Who hasn’t done that? Most of us start with resolve and good intentions. But then you find items that hit the mark for you and think they do the same for your friends—only to realise later that that isn’t the case. A little self-awareness will help prevent you from falling into the same trap whenever you shop. Remind yourself you’re not shopping for you but for the names on your list.
Extra Expense
Give gifts that don’t require the other person to do anything else. For instance, if you’re buying them concert tickets, consider providing a means of transportation, too. Otherwise, the tickets will only force them to spend money on how to get to the venue. That lacks thoughtfulness or consideration.
Without Thought or Meaning
Do you have a long list of names to shop for this year? Sometimes, that shopping list can be a mile long because you’ve got acquaintances, work colleagues, teammates, supervisors, bosses, and everyone else around you—even the barista who often smiles at you when they hand you your morning coffee or the butcher at the shop who sets aside cuts of meat for you over the weekends. That doesn’t mean just choosing a random present is enough. Something useful—like food—or small items, like candles, mugs, calendar adverts, and more, can work. Make them perfect by adding a little personal touch. You can customise these items with their names. That tells them you took that extra time, expense, and effort for them.
No Creativity
Why not do a themed gift-giving party? That could be easier, depending on the theme. It can be a fabulous idea for a small group of friends. What about your favourite animals? People who love cats will receive feline-inspired items. What about favourite shows, films, or characters? Someone who loves a character with a red mug will get a kick out of getting a mug with that character’s name on it. That kind of creativity can make even simple things a thousand times better. So, the thought counts more than most of us think.
Forgetting the Occasion
What are you giving presents for? Are you shopping for the holidays? Or it is a birthday gift? Or your first-anniversary gift? Be clear about what you’re getting it for. That way, you’ll know what to pick for the occasion.
Too Much Fanfare
Giving gifts is all about the other person, not about you. But too many gift-givers focus on presents with so much fanfare. They post the surprise online. They get balloons and popping confetti. But all the meaning of the gesture has been lost in the fanfare. If the big reveal is more important to you than seeing the person enjoy the gift, that’s a warning sign. It might help to rethink your gift-giving process. Is the gift practical? Does it meet their needs? Some give gag gifts—like a notebook with a naughty line or description—but they can still use a notebook. If your gift is about just getting attention—a Swiss cheese fondue fountain—for someone who can’t even eat dairy products, that’s a big fail.
