Gift giving is a wonderful tradition. Not only is it a special treat to receive a gift, but it is also rewarding to give a gift which you know is going to make that other person happy. However, buying presents can also be very difficult, especially if you are buying for someone you don’t know very well, or if you are buying for a special occasion. People will often say that they don’t mind what they get for a gift, or even that they don’t want one at all, but there is a sense of pressure which comes with buying a gift, as you don’t want to disappoint. If you are struggling to find the right present for a special occasion, here are a few tips which you might find useful.
Consider the occasion
You’ll want your gift to be suited to the occasion you are buying for: is it a birthday, buying a Christmas present, or are you commemorating an occasion such as an anniversary? These are the first factors which will influence the gift you are buying. For example, a wedding anniversary gift will need to be something suited towards a couple, and which is an apt marker of such an important occasion. Some events, such as an anniversary party, could also provide a theme for your present, such as silver for a 25th wedding anniversary.
Reflect on the Person
Age, gender and your relationship with the person that your buying for, are all factors which will influence what you decide to buy for your gift. If you know a person well, then you are more likely to know what sort of presents they are likely to want or need. Consider what their interests are: do they like art or sports? What is their personality like: are they more introverted or outgoing? An outgoing person is more likely to enjoy a gift such as a voucher for an experience, whereas an introvert might like something more-low key.
If you don’t know the person well, it may be a good idea to ask someone who knows them better about what sort of gift they would enjoy. Some people prefer sentimental gifts, whereas others prefer practical gifts which they will get a lot of use out of. A great example of a sentimental gift for someone you are close to would be a keepsake box or a scrapbook filled with personal memories. If you are looking for something more specific to the person, then consider what is important to them. For instance, www.medalsofamerica.com is a great site to collate a collection of military medals and other memorabilia, something which would be a really touching gift for a veteran.
Set a Budget
Make sure to set an appropriate budget for your gift. If you’re trying to find something special, it’s easy to get swept up in expensive gifts and go way over what you are comfortable spending. Therefore, make sure you decide on your spending limit beforehand. While special occasions may require a slightly greater budget than ordinary birthdays, a great alternative to buying a unique present is to create a handmade gift. This then means you can tailor make the gift for the person you are buying for, meaning that it is special and that it will be something they will treasure, while still staying within budget.
