The Rules of Gift Giving
Finding the best gifts to give to your friends or family can be challenging, but there are a couple of rules that might help you along the way. Naturally, you should keep in mind that each person is different, and what might seem like a general rule could be an exception in your case. So let’s take a look at some of the rules of gift giving.
Gift Experiences Over Material Things
One of the first gift giving rules is to always prioritize experiences over material things. People are more likely to remember unique or beautiful experiences than a random object they might not even need.
Now, this doesn’t mean that a person will never enjoy a few trinkets. There are those who would rather have a nice “regular” gift than a new experience. However, these people are in the minority. Usually, people would rather have an experience that will last them a lifetime. You can find some events they will enjoy. This can be anything from some sports event to their favorite band’s concert.
Since most people love music, you won’t have a challenging time finding a concert near you that they will enjoy. Of course, you can always plan a trip together instead of a gift exchange. This way, you will have an experience together that both of you will remember for years to come.
Gift Cards Are Not Bad
There are many people who will tell you the exact opposite. Gift cards are considered a bad gift due to the fact that they aren’t personal. But those who believe so fail to understand that gift cards are always useful. When you buy an item, a person receiving it may or may not like it. If they dislike the gift you have bought, you’ve just wasted money. They will never use it, and it might even stay in the original wrapping.
However, when you get a gift certificate, they can have whatever they like. Each of us is different, and we all have our own preferences. It is often difficult for others to read our minds and discover exactly what we want and need.
While you can get something they can return and replace if need be, you can skip many steps by allowing them to choose in the first place. This way, they will get a chance to get a personalized gift themselves and buy the thing they truly desire.
Think Like the Receiver
If you still want to stick to regular gift ideas, that’s perfectly fine. You don’t need to buy a gift card if you find it too simple and you want to find a gift they will love. To do this, you will need to put yourself in their shoes. Try thinking like the gift receiver. Since you are looking to get them something special, you are probably close, and you won’t have trouble thinking like them (at least to a degree).
So ask yourself what they like and would buy themselves. While this might seem obvious to you, people don’t always think this way. Sometimes, gifts can be used to tell a joke or try and change someone’s opinion.
Many people love doing the simplest thing, and that’s asking the receiver what they want or need. This way, they will get something useful and beautiful that the receiver will adore. Of course, it removes the element of surprise, but it makes everything so much easier.
Focus on the Happiness of Others
The final rule of gift giving is to focus on the happiness of others. Instead of buying something for yourself, you can use that money to get a great gift for your friend or family member. The best thing about it is that it is a win-win situation. Numerous studies show that getting a nice gift feels great for both the giver and receiver.
Of course, it is important to look after yourself, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t spoil the people you love. You will notice that their happiness is contagious, and you’ll feel even better than when you buy something for yourself.
Naturally, you shouldn’t buy them stuff so you can feel better, and you should keep in mind the primary reasons behind the gift. In the end, it is the thought that counts, and even if you get something that’s not as perfect as you’d hoped, your friends will be happy that you care.
Getting someone something nice doesn’t have to involve tons of money, and even the smallest sign of attention will show them that you care and that you were thinking about them. That is, undoubtedly, the best gift of all.