Among all the things you can do to show a loved one that you care about them, gift-giving is definitely on the list – and it’s not something you have to wait until Christmas to do.
But gift giving isn’t as straightforward as many of us seem to make it. Depending on who it’s for and the occasion they’re celebrating, there are ways to approach gift-giving to make sure that your gifts are both meaningful and well-received.
So, what is the ‘5 gift rule’ for gift giving? Let’s explore.
- Something They’ll Want
Follow this gift-giving rule when you plan on treating someone by giving them something they’ve always wished for.
If your best friend is a tech enthusiast, for instance, keep an eye out for any newly-released, top-of-the-range gadgets they’d be interested in. Maybe your special somebody has a sweet tooth and wouldn’t mind being surprised with a chocolate gift hamper when you next visit them at their house.
Fulfilling a wish or desire that your friend may be hinting at and genuinely admiring will ensure the gift is well appreciated – they’ll see you’ve made the effort to notice the things that pique their interests.
- Something They’ll Need
Although not typically as indulgent as a typical ‘want gift’, the types of gifts people need, like brand new school bags for the kids, or a household item such as an electric heater for winter, are examples of practical things that can be great items for gift giving. Better yet, these gifts will most likely be more useful for a long time.
Making considerations for what your loved one might need is a good start to ensure the gift itself is both valuable and meaningful. Items in the ‘needs’ category can include equipment, tools and other practical objects. In these cases, it’s a good idea to be considerate about the features and benefits of the items, including attributes such as the cost to use over time, durability, or size.
- Something They’ll Wear
The ‘wear’ category is where you can take your flair for creativity and style to the next level.
Any gift that will transform one’s wardrobe is a gift worth looking forward to. Consider gifting eye-catching clothing or accessories you can grab at a boutique vintage shop, for example. Or perhaps, something quirky or quaint, like kooky patterned socks, or a shirt with a meaningful quote on it. How about a new pair of hiking shoes for that special somebody who happens to be an outdoors-y sort of person? Unique items that make an outfit stand out make great options for gift-giving.
- Something They’ll Read
Gift giving can also help stimulate the mind, especially when it’s something to read.
Help ignite your loved one’s imagination with a gripping crime-story novel, or maybe a brightly illustrated storybook or comic. Consider the genres and themes the receiver usually enjoys to help you tailor your gift to their interests – perhaps, conventional cookbooks filled with unique recipes, or even a paid subscription to one of their favourite magazines.
- Something They’ll Experience
Who said gifts had to be tangible objects? An experience can be a gift as well.
Water rafting, zip lining, or even something less daunting, such as tickets to attend a music festival, can all be valuable presents that offer an immersive experience to the receiver. Non-physical experience gifts are also a great way to bring joy to a person’s life by letting them do something fun. Allowing someone the opportunity to do something rather than receive a physical object is an imaginative, creative idea for an unconventional, considered present.
Although the special occasion itself may only last for a short time, the long-lasting memories the gift receiver will make and revisit whenever they think of you are invaluable. Never underestimate the impact of experiences – they can make unforgettable gifts.
~
Gift-giving is fun, meaningful and helps us show others how much we love and care for them.
By following the tips we’ve provided today, you can enhance your gift-giving skills with the 5 gift-giving rules. Doing this will ensure that whatever you choose to gift your loved one will be valued and deeply appreciated.
