By Emma Dylan
Buying a gift for a loved one can be one of two things: a piece of cake or a complete headache. Sometimes your loved one will drop hints when it is coming up to their birthday or another occasion such as an anniversary or Christmas. But then other times you will ask them outright what they want, and they will reply with a frustrating ‘nothing’ or, even worse, ‘you choose’.
The best thing about gift giving is seeing the look of pleasure and appreciation on a loved one’s face, so a simple voucher or envelope stuffed with cash may seem like a cop out (although for some, these are dream gifts). Thankfully, there are some things you can do to ensure you pick the perfect gift.
Think About Their Hobbies or Interests
When trying to think of the perfect gift for someone you love, it makes sense to think about what they like to do in their spare time. People who have hobbies are usually easier to buy for, but even those who don’t might like to spend their free time doing different activities such as going for walks or to the gym. If so, look for a gift that they can use, such as trendy gym gear or a smart watch that will track their steps.
Consider the Gift of Time
Gifts do not always have to be material gifts. For example, if you are buying for a new parent, why not gift your time instead. You could offer to babysit so that your loved one can go out for a meal or to the spa. Or maybe you could take the baby out for the day so that the new mom or dad can simply have some free time at home.
Listen for Clues
While not necessarily dropping hints, a loved one might talk about things in which they are interested. Maybe they are keen to become more eco-friendly or have spoken about the plight of the honeybee, for instance. By listening carefully to what the person is saying, you can get some really good clues that will help when gift buying. You might want to buy a gift that will benefit the planet as well as your loved one. A bee necklace from projecthoneybees.com, for example, is a charming gift from which proceeds from the sale will go towards bee conservation. Or you could buy the individual a hamper of organic produce from a local supplier. This will benefit the environment and will no doubt be greatly received.
Gift an Experience
Sometimes an experience is the perfect gift for someone you love. So why not book a meal at that new restaurant in town everyone is raving about. Or plan a weekend away together where you can go to see a show or take in some popular sights. You could even book a spa day together where you can have some relaxing time getting pampered.
Conclusion
It can be hard to choose the right gift for a loved one, but sometimes it just involves thinking outside the box. The best way to land on the perfect gift is to take some time to listen to what your loved one is saying or consider their interests. Remember, what you might think of as the ideal gift may not be the same for the other person. Something that you need or want may be something they could easily live without. Listen for clues to find out what their interests are, and you may be on to a winner.
