I love to shop. Period. I would love to spend my working hours as a personal shopper. I’m serious. I could do it ALL DAY LONG! I have actually had several people over the years recruit me for gift giving in the family as well as in my professional job. One of the things I have learned is that gift giving is a bit of an art. Really knowing who you are buying for is important. It takes a willingness to notice and to listen to them.
Gifts for Friends and Family
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE being surprised with gifts that took thoughtfulness and effort. A year ago, my step-daughters sent me a piece of wall art for my home that had one of my favorite quotes on it. It was a quote I had once posted on my Instargram account. Granted, not every gift is going to make you cry. But that one sure did. In all honesty, it was the thoughtfulness behind the gift that meant the most.
Taking the time to know more about the person you are shopping for helps direct your attention to their interests, their hobbies, their passions. It also expresses your appreciation of who they are. Sure, they can create lists and hand them over, but what fun is there in that?
How to Investigate
Find out what social media platforms they spend time on. If they are on Pinterest, check out their boards. I guarantee you they have boards with some of their passions, likes and interests. Here you’ll be able to see if they lean toward a particular style, hobby, or pastime. You’ll notice if they are artistic, tech-y, athletic, or creative. Each of these areas comes with so many gift giving options.
What about their Facebook? What kind of “like” trends have you noticed? Are they keen on a particular genre of movies? Books? Are they always posting things about their dog? Or about politics? 😉 Maybe they like to share DIY videos. If you’re crafty, they may just love to get a handmade gift from you. If you’re not crafty… buy them the supplies to do their own DIY project!
Another place to learn more about them is their Instagram. Do they post a lot about a particular activity they enjoy? Are they always hiking? Traveling? Eating out? Maybe they would love a photography class or a photo session with a professional photographer. Maybe you’ve noticed they are phenomenal photographers and could use some new equipment, like a zoom lens for their smartphone.
White Elephant and Office Parties
Sometimes we have to buy gifts for office parties, Secret Santa or White Elephant Games. There is a trick to nailing these gifts and making them memorable as well! We’ve all been there… we’re told we can spend no more than $20 and to come to the holiday party with our gifts wrapped.
Sometimes you have a general idea of the person or persons for whom you’re buying. Other times it’s a co-worker that you don’t know that well. Sure, you can run to the store and buy the typical hot chocolate mix with a mug to add to the collection of a gazillion mugs they already have from previous office parties OR you could get creative and get the most prized gift of the exchange.
Check out what is trending on Amazon. There are some of the most random gifts that would be so fun to have! Like a disco dance strobe light for $12! I mean, every office needs a dance party every now and then, right!? You laugh, but I have seen several Snapchat posts of impromptu office parties!! Or what about a dual USB travel charger? Who isn’t always looking for a charger? Essential Oil Defusers under $25 are also a huge hit!
Finally, another way to get an awesome gift for a gift exchange is to hit the online Black Friday Sales or Cyber Monday Sales. You will typically get half off or more of your purchase. You’re getting a really nice gift for what will most likely be your spending limit. You don’t need to know who it’s for, you just know it’s an awesome gift that’s trending! #Millennials I’ve gotten some killer gifts for under $25 at these sales. How about a smoothie blender that’s 50% off, a mini espresso machine that’s 50% off, or a Starbucks insulated tumbler set from a previous holiday sale? They were so cool I had a hard time giving them up!
Secrets to Gift Buying
- Be willing to invest some time noticing and listening to your friends and family.
- Start early to help you enjoy the process. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll most likely buy whatever just to get it done; and that defeats the meaning behind the giving. (Remind me to tell you of the orange tape dispenser my mom got my dad one year.)
- Pay attention to the social media outlets they use.
- Utilize online shopping and sales to see what’s trending and get those deals.
Happy Gift Giving! May you light up someone’s Christmas this year with thoughtfulness and joy!
