The old adage “it is better to give than receive” is never truer than when seeing the smile on your family or friends’ face after giving them a great gift! Here are 5 simple gift-giving ideas to help you spoil your family and friends.
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5 Simple Gift Giving Ideas for Spoiling Your Family and Friends
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Six in ten Americans say they’re good gift-givers. Are you one of them?
If you’re like three-quarters of the American population, you’ll probably be buying someone a gift this year. Of those numbers, over one-third of U.S. citizens are planning to buy for five to eight people. And an astounding 19% are gift-giving to nine people or more.
That’s a lot of gifts! So when it comes time for a birthday or holiday, are you prepared? Do you know how to gift a personalized and meaningful present without breaking your bank?
One of my favorite gifts from my adult children was a night out — with them. We had dinner together and then we went to a live music concert. This may be a good present idea to spoil your own family and friends. Maybe they are into country music and you’re looking to buy tickets for Morgan Wallen to surprise them! You will have so much fun and create many great memories!
Check out these gift-giving ideas for essential tips to providing presents for your loved ones.
1. Gift Something Usable
Sometimes, a great gift doesn’t have to be an object to put on a shelf—especially if your friend or family member is a minimalist. Try to think of something practical they can use.
This can take the form of many things:
- Cooking their favorite meal
- Offering a create-your-own-hot-sauce box
- Coupons for babysitting, hanging a photo, or whatever personal service you can offer
- A bag of their preferred coffee
For gift-giving ideas, consider hobbies your family member or friend might enjoy or something that can be used daily. They’ll think of you every time they go to use it!
2. Tie the Gift Giving Ideas to Meaning, Not a Dollar Amount
Sometimes, the meaning of a gift gets misconstrued. It’s not about how much you spend—it’s about the meaning behind it. 90% of gift receivers claim they find personalization appealing.
That’s a considerable number. Take it to heart!
Whether it’s something affordable and homemade—a scrapbook, an embroidered piece, a drawing—or a quick indicator of your thinking of them—like these ecards for free—your loved one will know you care. And that’s what gift-giving is all about.
3. Listen
Rather than waiting until a week before Christmas or a birthday and saying, “What do you want for [insert holiday here]?”, try listening to what this person says weeks, or even months, in advance.
Chances are they’ll drop some hints, whether they mean to or not. “Wow, I love the new Fitbit! I wish I could afford it.” Or, “my favorite author is coming out with a new book next month.”
Write these things down and use them when it comes time.
And speaking of time . . .
4. Plan Ahead
When we wait until the last minute, gifts tend to be rushed, impersonal, or flat-out wrong for the intended giftee.
Don’t wait until the day of the party to start hunting for the perfect present. You’ll not only stress yourself out, but the gift receiver will likely feel how impersonal it is.
And if you must do something last-minute, try buying a gift card. This way they can spend it on something they really want rather than having to make a return at the store!
Another fun and memorable gift-giving idea is the gift of travel.
5. The Gift of Memories
You know those photos we take year after year on our smartphones? We used to put them into photo albums and picture frames. But as time has passed, so, too, has this time-honored tradition.
Why not bring it back?
If you’re still struggling to find the perfect gift, try printing some of the photos you’ve taken this year on your cell phone. If it’s your sister’s birthday, run through your camera roll (or Facebook photos) and find something meaningful and particular to her. Print it and frame it.
Voilà! Great gift-giving status achieved!
Gift-Giving Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult or Expensive
With a little time, effort, and observation, you, too, can provide an amazing gift for a loved one. It doesn’t have to be difficult; it doesn’t have to break the bank—it only has to be thoughtful. That makes all the difference.
If you enjoyed this gift-giving guide, you should also read: Gifts for Grandparents Who Have Everything and Personalized Gift Guide for Mothers & Grandmothers
