I must admit that I have received more than a few compliments on my
prowess in the arena of gift giving. Sure, I have given a few
unfortunate gifts in my day, but for the most part, I am proud to say
that I can usually finds gifts for loved ones that are unique,
memorable, and personal. While I know that not everyone understands the
importance of a well-conceived gift, here are a few tips for those of
us who want the things we bestow on people to be loved and cherished.
Consider what makes your loved one special.
The best
advice I can give when it comes to finding the perfect gift is to
really think about the person you are buying for. Often people fall
into the misconception that if they like or want something, everyone
else must also want that item. That is exactly how I end up with all
sorts of tools that my father buys me and then "borrows." To best
determine what someone else might adore, think of him or her using that
item.
Interests are always a good place to start. There is nothing more
inappropriate than buying a gardening set for your friend who kills
every plant she touches, including the cactus she tried to grow last
year. However, thinking of hobbies and interests are not enough. Just
because your mother is a wine connoisseur does not mean she needs
another set of wine glass charms to go with the other six sets you
already got her. Expand your thinking about hobbies and consider a
couple of hand-blown wine glasses, or a wine taster's journal where she
can keep track of what she has tried and what she thought of it. If you
are going to think of interests, think of new and exciting gifts that
complement those hobbies without being too standard or predictable.
Style is another good measure of what makes a gift memorable. This is
also an area where a bit of creative thinking goes a long way. Imagine
your loved one with the gift you are considering for them. Does it
"look like" them? If you are considering a clock, think of how it would
look in their living room. If you are thinking about jewelry, imagine
them wearing it when they meet you for dinner. Decide on what makes
sense for someone based on whether it seems to fit their personality
and style.
Go with handmade gifts.
Mass-produced items from big box shops might seem like an easy way to
find something appropriate, but those gifts tend to end up in the trash
sooner than later and lack a sense of personality. There are so many
reasons that handmade and artist-made gifts are a better option. A handmade gift,
whether it is an amazing vase from a local potter or a set of handmade
cufflinks that you found online, is a gift that creates memories.
Handmade gifts show that you cared enough to look for a unique item
that was really reflective of your loved one. In addition, handmade
gifts tend to be around for a long time and can become heirlooms that
are reminders of your connection.
Find a balance between wants and needs.
A gift that is useful and beautiful can encompass the best of both
worlds. For example, a beautiful handcrafted serving dish might be just
the thing for your friend who loves to entertain. Finding items that
serve a function in addition to having a style that suits the recipient
is a great way to channel your knowledge about someone into a gift that
shows you know them and thought about their wants and desires. Choosing
an item that reflects a person in both form and function is a surefire
way to give a fabulous gift.
Finding just the right gift for someone and knowing that gift will
bring joy into a loved one's life can be a thrilling experience.
Watching the recipient's face light up as they unwrap their gift is a
wonderful moment, and that's the true point of gift-giving: to share
moments of love and affection. When it comes to gifts, it really is the
thought that counts, and being thoughtful in your gift selections can
make a world of difference.
Jamie Hollier believes in the importance of handmade and artist made
goods. She has been involved in the arts community since she could
barely walk beside her mother at art shows and museums. She is a
metalsmith, library science student, and owner of a great store for handmade goods and handmade gifts called Rancho Del Arte, a company that represents some stellar artists and craftspeople that Jamie also thinks are stellar people. |
