You know the moment you unwrap a gift, and you see that it isn’t just a plain t-shirt, but rather it is a t-shirt that you had seen months ago. One that you mentioned in passing a few times how cool it was. Not a hint, and not asking for it. But the gift giver had remembered and got it. Or, when you have children, and you open a card that they have used their very best handwriting in and decorated with doodles and stickers. 

Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash

There is something so deeply enjoyable about getting a gift that wasn’t the last minute gift-set, or more body spray. The idea that someone had really considered you and what you like is irreplaceable. You can’t put a price on that. So how do you replicate that feeling and ensure that your friends and family get to enjoy the same thing? Here are a few ways that you can make the gift-giving process personal and individual. 

Use What You Know

The art of gift-giving is about using what you know for who you love. And it doesn’t matter if it is a corkscrew or a bag of lavender bath bombs. What matters is that you thought about what the person needs and wants. Really thinking about what you should get on a deeper level. For example, if your friend or a family member has always wanted to be a writer, but never had the courage to start – get them a book or a note pad with guided writing prompts. Perhaps they are a budding photographer, try to unearth some rare photography books and maybe even the means to start shooting. 

Gift givers have a tendency to give what they want, rather than what the recipient one. It comes from a place of love but isn’t always what is best for the recipient. 

Handmade 

Not everyone loves crafting – and that is fair, it can sometimes be a lot of work and not turn out all that great. However, if you have young kids, one of the coolest things you can do is get them involved in creating gifts, making cards, and making the wrapping paper. One of the sweetest gifts, even more for people you don’t see often, is creating a card with photos on like those from MyPostcard Postcard App. You can make so many things very simply with kids, like handmade soaps, jewellery, photo frames, or you can get fancy with monogramming handkerchiefs and other items that can be kept for years. 

Experiences Are Cool Too

Sometimes even the best gift will get popped in a drawer never to see the light of day again. Because pretty often we have too much stuff, so giving the gift of an experience is a big deal. There are so many options, like concert tickets, movie tickets, museum and art gallery memberships, race car driving, high-tea at a 5-star hotel, and so on. This means that rather than have the excitement of the gift on the big day, they have something to look forward to. 

Memories last longer than socks. 

Donations

If you are struggling to find a gift for the person who has everything, perhaps you can give a gift in their name instead. Rather than buy more for people who already have more than enough, you can consider what charities they have given to previously, or what issues are close to their heart and that support. According to Harvard, people get a warm, happy feeling from making a donation, and happier people also donate. These things combined make a happiness loop. You can be responsible for someone being happy over the space of a year with a monthly donation to their favorite charity. 

Growth

Many people are on a personal growth path. They want to do more, be better, launch a business, or a blog. Things that will bring them long term happiness, and maybe even change their lives. Have they got a cool business idea? Find them some guidance in the form of books, mobile apps and webinars. Add them all into a box with a new coffee cup and wish them on their way. If they have been saying they want to do yoga forever – get them a mat and a gift certificate for a few sessions. 

And as mentioned above, if they want to try photography out, arrange a day out somewhere that is just heaving with inspiration. Facilitating growth is a really cool thing to give. 

Cheques 

Time is something that we value very highly, and if you aren’t spending enough of it with the people you love – then they probably feel the same. So, create a personalised cheque book with things that they can cash in at any time. Think about things like:

• Coffee on a Sunday morning of their choice
• A fancy cooked meal
• A cinema date
• A walk in the woods
• Creating a playlist for them to cheer them up
• A night on the Xbox/Ps4/Movies

The key element that makes it work is that it is time with you. And, they can be used at any time until the book is used up. It is a nice excuse for both you and the giftee to kick back and relax. 

Cool Gifts To Consider

• A custom map or poster of where your friend or family member was born or met their significant others
• Framing photos of your together
• Engraved watch or other jewellery
• Frame their favourite quote
• Their favourite song turned into a sound wave

When it comes to giving great gifts, you can give something excellent and memorable without breaking the bank. When they say, it is the thought that counts, that is true. The more thought you put into a gift, the more you will narrow down all of the options and get something perfect for your recipient. A lot of focus is given to buying the most extravagant when what really matters in years from now is how it made them feel and that they still love it.