5 Tips to Selecting Meaningful Gifts

Do you find yourself scratching your head when it comes to gift giving? Well you are not alone. More often than not gift giving can feel like you’re making an attempt at mind reading especially if you are having to appeal to a group of different people in different walks of life. Gifting can beg to answer so many questions like.

- Will they like it and or use it?
- What is the appropriate amount of money to spend on this event and or occasion?
- How well does this gift show that I know them or care for them? 

I am here to answer all of these questions here in this very blog post. Because truthfully giving meaningful gifts is actually a bit of mindreading. If you want my secret weapons and tips on how to become a gifting mind reader you’re in the right place, let’s dive right in!!

1) Don’t gift for yourself

I know this one sounds a bit obvious but more often than not this tip is overlooked. Most often people give gifts they’d like to have which makes total sense right? You thought it was cool so why won’t they! Well giving gifts you’d like while a super sweet gesture can fall flat or register as just okay because they fit you not the person(s) you’re giving to. 

When looking for meaningful gifts for others it is important to always keep their needs and or preferences as priority one instead of your own. I know it's tempting to window shop but at the end of the day the best gifts are those that go that extra mile to show you were thinking about THEM.

2) Gifts don’t have to come with ribbons and bows 

Sometimes the best gifts are time well spent with those you love. Memories can often be some of the most special and important gifts we receive. For example a marriage proposal, a surprise picnic, planning and going on a hike or walk with your significant other or best friend. Some people actually prefer the gift of time. When selecting an activity, just think of what they like to do! Are they foodies? Do they like beer or wine? Do they enjoy a stroll in nature? Do they like getting pedicures and or manicures? Bottom line is to focus on what you can do to spend quality time with them doing something that they enjoy and creating memories to show you care about them.

3) Gifts don’t have to be expensive to mean a lot 

I am a firm believer in this one! Although expensive gifts definitely can be fun to give and are fun to get, it truly just depends on the person you’re giving to. One of the best gifts I have ever given my fiancé was a little tiny $10 passport from Letterfolk (shown below) where he could chronicle all of his memories going to sporting events. It’s really all about whether the person receiving the gift is going to like it. If you go out of your way to put time and thought into whatever you get them it’s going to be a hit.

Image Credit Letterfolk

Image Credit Letterfolk

4) Don’t be afraid to ask about what they’d prefer (but in a sneaky way)

If you’re gifting for the person who has it all, sometimes it can pay to ask. The question is how do you ask what they want without making it obvious? Well there are a couple of ways to do that. One would be to call them up (or text) to see what they’re into lately. Have they picked up a new hobby? Did they find something that recently inspired them? Do they want to travel or go to more restaurants? Not only will the giftee be flattered that you took the time to have a nice conversation with them but when you remember the details of what they’re interested in that will also show that you were paying attention to them and actually care about what they want. This way you get to the bottom of figuring out what they want without being like “what do you want” it's a bit sneaky but highly effective.

5) Cards and hand picked touches always go the extra mile 

I am someone who honestly obsesses over the finishes for my gifts. I know that may sound a bit weird because you’d think what’s inside the box matters most but what’s on the outside and surrounding what you’re gifting also matters to. Just like when you eat at a fancy restaurant the presentation can be just as much of an experience as eating the food. When selecting cards, wrapping, or bows it’s also important to keep the person you’re gifting to in mind. When they unwrap your gift and see a cool wrapping paper, card, or ribbon that shows you really thought about what they were going to enjoy. Those tiny details shows you made the extra effort and that extra effort is the icing on the gifting cake!

In the end it really is the thought and effort that counts

People will always remember gifts that made them feel seen and appreciated. At the end of the day good gifts really center around what makes your relationship special with the person you are giving to.

At Gift Muse when taking on custom clients we really focus our attention to making it about our clients story and adding special touches that will make their gifts ones to remember. We hope these tips here inspire you to take your gifting to the next level and love on the people in your life that make it worthwhile! If what you see here excites you and you want to reach out to us for one of your custom projects you can schedule a FREE Custom Gift Consultation with us by using this link below!

Cheers from your Gift Muse,
Katelyn

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