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5 Tips to Choose the Perfect Gift for Any Person and Any Occasion
Finding the right gift for a special occasion can be daunting, especially if you do not know the intended recipient very well. However, there are ways to improve your chances of selecting something the person will truly enjoy. Here are a few tips to launch your shopping expedition.
Consult Social Media
Websites like Pinterest and Instagram offer countless gift-giving ideas, from making your own homemade presents to buying the trendiest items on the market. If you know at least the person’s gender and approximate age for whom you are shopping, you can find an endless supply of ideas for loved ones like a wife or business colleagues and clients. Search a category, such as birthday gifts for her or coming-of-age gifts, and browse numerous options for consideration. You can also ask friends and relatives via Facebook and other social for suggestions.
Ask a Sales Associate
If you have a gift category in mind, ask a sales associate who works at that kind of store for ideas. Chances are that the associate knows what people are buying for friends, family, or work colleagues to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or retirement. For example, if you have a friend who loves crafting, stop by the craft store and ask for ideas. If you have a work colleague who loves reading, check out the local bookstore and see if they have any recommendations similar to the books you’ve seen your coworker reading around the office.
Fish for Hints
When you know the person for whom you are choosing a gift, casually ask the person or acquaintances about the individual’s likes and dislikes. Glance around a coworker’s office or friend’s house the next time you stop by to get ideas about décor and things of value. You may be able to get a sense of their style and match your gift to things already they already have, such as a clock, plants, or accent rugs. You could also ask about the best gifts the person has ever received to get ideas.
Check with Mutual Friends
By asking those who know the target recipient about his or her preferences, you can probably organize a short list of gift possibilities. Find out about things the person doesn’t like as well so that you don’t accidentally fall back on one of them if you can’t find the items you are looking for.
Compare With Others
When planning to buy someone a special event gift for a holiday or other occasion, think about people you know who received gifts for similar celebrations. For example, if last year’s Christmas party gift was a big hit and you are shopping for a similar person this year, you might consider choosing a gift from the same category unless you find out other details that would point in a different direction.
Gifts are a meaningful expression of affection and consideration. Give careful thought to the presents you buy others for personal or professional events. Try some of these tips if you’re having trouble coming up with ideas.
