The season of giving is quick approaching and it may be difficult to find a fitting gift for each of the people on your list. Whether you need a gift for your best friend or a parent or sibling, its nice to spend your money on something you know they will enjoy and use. While the gesture of giving is meaningful, the process itself can often be challenging. How do we choose the perfect gift? How do we ensure it reflects the recipients personality, needs, or desires? Eric Bisignani who is a self proclaimed “great gift giver” and Ava Beckwith who loves giving has tips for finding those special gifts.
The first step to being a great gift giver is paying attention. A truly thoughtful gift is often not about spending a lot of money or choosing the latest trend, but rather reflecting the recipient’s needs, interests, and wants. One way to gather valuable insights is to listen closely to their conversations. People frequently drop hints, mentioning things they want, need, or dream of without even realizing it. These seemingly small observations can guide you toward a gift they’ll truly love. Ava Beckwith uses this strategy often, “If I go shopping with them I just see the stuff that they look at but don’t end up buying or I get them things that match their interests,” she said.
Personalized gifts are often more meaningful because they reflect a deeper connection. Think about the recipient’s personality and preferences. Perhaps they would appreciate a customized experience, like a private cooking class or tickets to an event they’ve been wanting to attend. “The best gift I’ve given was a Chris Stapleton concert ticket to my Dad because he loves that artist,” said Ava, “He will always remember that experience.”
A handmade or customized gift, such as a knitted scarf or a custom made item, also carries a personal touch that shows you’ve put in extra time and effort. “One year I got my family a custom made monopoly game with properties being places we like to go as a family. The money even had our family photo printed on it,” said Eric.
The presentation of a gift can amplify the experience of receiving it. A beautifully wrapped gift, a thoughtful card, or even a well-placed note can make the recipient feel special before they even open it. A simple yet elegant wrapping can enhance the excitement and anticipation of opening the gift, turning it into an event. Writing a heartfelt note to accompany the gift is also an excellent way to express thoughts that the gift would be perfect for the recipient, or to share a sentiment about your relationship with them. This extra touch demonstrates how much you value the person and the occasion.
Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that are unexpected, unique, or a little unconventional. Eric said, “I get a lot of inspiration from TV shows like Shark Tank.” Unique items can be shown on tv that could possibly be a great gift that someone never knew they needed. For example, consider giving a subscription box that delivers a new experience every month, like a book club membership, a snack box, or makeup subscription. These types of gifts go beyond the one-time exchange and give the recipient something to look forward to more than once.
Another idea is to create a DIY gift basket that includes a selection of small items tailored to their preferences, such as a “relaxation kit” filled with bath products, a cozy blanket, and a good book. “I love getting my friends little baskets with their favorite things in it. You can never go wrong with that idea,” said Ava.
These tips can be used year-round for birthdays or other special events as well. Eric keeps his eyes peeled all year for things he may know his friends or family will love. “I usually buy everything about a month before Christmas, but if I see something I like for someone- even if it’s summer I might buy it and save it,” said Eric. The true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Jesus and the giving, service, love, and peace surrounding this holiday. Giving is important because it symbolizes the giving of gifts from the wise men to Jesus. People often lose the meaning of the season but it’s important to remember why gifts and why families and friends come together at this time of the year.