Your friend’s birthday is right around the corner, and you’ve spent days stressing about the perfect gift. What do they want? What do they need?
Shopping for the perfect present can be an intimidating task. But giving gifts even be more fun than receiving them. And nothing beats the feeling of watching your loved one open a gift that they love.
If a big celebration is right around the corner and you don’t know how to find the right gift, don’t despair. Here are five tips you can use to find the right gift for anyone and everyone.
1. Make a List
Even if you’re finding a gift for a close family member or friend, you might not be able to think of something for them right away.
Take the time to write out a list of the things they love and what defines who they are. Once you have a list of words and phrases, start brainstorming any items you can think of that fall under that list.
This strategy will help you find a gift that combines several of their interests. You’ll also hit on some ideas that you would never have come up with otherwise.
2. Give the Gift of Nostalgia
Is your friend a child of the 80s or 90s? Look for a retro gift that will help them call back to their childhood or high school days.
You can also give a more personal nostalgic gift. For example, if you know someone who recently graduated, you can give them a graduation gift, like a college mug or a frame for their diploma.
3. Be Practical
If you’re still not sure what to get your loved one, you can’t fail with a practical gift. Consider getting a subscription, gift card, or just money.
Some people are hard to please, and others just like to have the freedom to pick their own gift. Just find something thoughtful that you think they might like.
For example, a pre-teen might love a gift card to Claire’s, while a new mom might enjoy a subscription service for baby products.
Just because you’re getting something simple like a gift card or a check doesn’t mean that that gift-giving experience should be any less fun. Send them their item along with a birthday ecard to complete the present.
4. Go Back to the Necessities
For some people, you might not feel comfortable picking a personal gift. Instead, think about their hobbies, their career, and their daily habits.
Getting a gift for someone who’s busy and career-focused? Look for tools that will help them organize their work or manage their time.
What about a college student? Put together a survival pack for students with snacks, school supplies, and other accessories.
5. Make It Tasty
When in doubt, go for food. Something tasty will be a universal pleaser—no matter who you’re gifting for.
Don’t get the most basic thing you can find at a grocery store. Look for something exciting and new that you know they will love.
Are they a fan of spicy food? Look for an exotic hot sauce with an interesting flavor. Do they have a sweet tooth? Try a gourmet box of chocolates.
Finding the Perfect Present for Anyone on Your List
Finding the perfect present for your loved one might feel like a stressful experience, but it shouldn’t have to be.
The experience of giving a gift is just as good—if not better—than the gift itself. No matter what you get, your loved one will appreciate the time, energy, and thought you put in to get there.
Looking for more interesting tips and tricks to improve your life? Check out our blog for more!
