“It’s the thought that counts” is often the excuse for someone buying or receiving a gift that is pretty much useless. However, buying a gift that evokes this type of reaction is something many people will want to avoid, which is why we’ve put together a list of gifts that are sure to be well-received at all times.
From that hand-knitted sweater from your gran to the perfume you thought your mother-in-law-to-be would love, we’ve all experienced the awkward art of exchanging gifts but thankfully you need not be the one cringing when someone opens a gift you’ve bought.
Memories and Photos
Providing someone with something that reminds them of a great time is a sure-fire winner. So, grab a gorgeous frame that you know they’ll love and place your favorite picture inside. Whether you’re buying this for a friend who you’ve recently been on holiday with or you’re framing a picture of your new baby for your grandma, there’s no way anyone can snub this gift of thoughtfulness!
Gifts of Knowledge
So long as your recipient likes to read or learn, a book is another must-have gift for them. You could choose to introduce them to a new author in their favorite genre or you could buy them a guide book for their next project. For example, if they’re going on holiday somewhere new next year, why not buy them a tourist guide for this area?
Another great idea for keen learners is online or offline courses in their favorite subject. So, if they’re trying to learn a language, why not buy them a tutorial course for this language? Or, if they’re trying to get themselves online, why not get them a course that teaches them how to build their own website?
A Personal Gift
Nothing is more thoughtful than a gift that has been personalized just for the recipient and is something they’d find difficult to throw away. Whether you get a piece of jewelry engraved or you have a wooden box carved with an important anniversary date, there are plenty of options available for you here.
However, it doesn’t just have to mean personalization in the sense that it needs engraving to make it personal. Choosing a gift that’s relevant to your recipient and provides them with something they need is also a way of giving them a personal gift. Say, for example, you’ve got a friend that’s just starting college or a new job; why not buy them something that not only means something but will be useful too? Buying them gorgeous and unique stationery that reflects their individual personality from places like shoptrulie.com will provide you with the ultimate gift. Just take some time to consider what they’d love and choose something that’s personal to them or your relationship.
A Gift of Experience
When you buy someone a gift it can often get put aside and forgotten, no matter how well it went down to start off with. However, if you buy them an experience this could be something that they remember forever (and it also provides you with next year’s gift in the form of a photo memory!).
Depending on your recipient you could take them to a local attraction, indulge them in a spa day or take them on a mini-break, the possibilities are endless! Choosing an experience they’ll love, you’ll be able to provide them with a gift that’s just a little bit different to what everyone else has bought them and is probably something they’ll appreciate far more, particularly if they already have everything they need.
Cash or Gift Cards
If your recipient is particularly difficult to buy for, a gift card or some cash may be a viable option. While you’re not buying them something specific, it gives them the chance to buy something that they want or need, meaning your gift won’t just go to waste. If they’ve got a favorite store or they love going to a certain restaurant, get them vouchers that they can spend here.
Trying to buy gifts that are thoughtful can often be a bit of a minefield but if you stick with ideas that are sure to go down well, you’ll avoid the awkward tension involved when your recipient opens their gift. Putting a little bit of thought into your present could make the world of difference and don’t forget, if you can’t find any suitable photos, or you don’t know what books or experiences they’d like, you’ve always got gift cards or cash to fall back onto!
George Rice loves shopping, so he created a career out of it and became a personal shopper! Now he gets the thrill of shopping without having to spend his own money – Win-Win! He writes about his tips and tricks for shopping and gifting around the web.
