Have you ever felt like some people are just better gift givers? It’s not your imagination! When it comes to birthdays, Christmases and all manner of gift giving occasions, some people have gift giving down to an art. However, if you’ve ever struggled to find thoughtful or unique gifts for him or her, our ultimate gift giving guide will help!
Even though some of us may politely request ‘no gifts’ on special days or occasions, gift giving is a longstanding tradition in many cultures. Plus, it also makes us feel good. Studies have shown that acts of generosity, including gift giving, make us feel happier. Similar to after a good workout — or even falling in love! — our brain releases endorphins when we spend money on others or see that look of joy on a person’s face when they open a gift from us. It’s no wonder then that as many as 85% of Australia say they get more happiness from giving gifts than receiving them.
However, that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy receiving gifts. In fact, for many of us, it’s an important way that we show and receive affection in our relationships. This is because gift giving is one of the five love languages — the others being affirmation, quality time, physical touch and acts of service. For someone who shows their love through gift giving, it really is the thought that counts. The gift is a gesture of affection and care that shows that someone has been thinking about you when you’re not around and wants to make you smile.
As a result, that birthday gift for him or her can then become an important touchstone for that memory and feeling. While the gift may not or need to be expensive, it essentially becomes priceless because of the sentimental and emotional value we give to it.
As 68% of people feel gift giving is one of their love languages, it makes sense that gifts play an important role in many of our lives, and that some of us are better at it than others. It’s also a valuable reminder that while we may not care about gifts, there may be people in our lives who place great emphasis on them but not for material reasons. So, how do you become a gift giving genius to show the people in your life just how much you care?
If giving gifts doesn’t come naturally to you, it can help to think about gifts more abstractly. You’re not just giving a gift because of a special occasion, you’re giving a gift because you love and care about the person. So, how will you show them?
While we may joke about socks and undies as a bad gift, chances are you may actually quite enjoy receiving them, especially if they’re your favourites. Gifts that someone can use every day show that you care about the recipient and their experiences. For instance, if they regularly catch public transport, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones may be perfect for them to enjoy their commute, or even some comfortable walking shoes.
It may seem dull or mundane, but think about the things that you have considered buying for yourself but decided instead you can keep getting by as is. From holey jocks and socks to that beaten-up phone case, we may be able to make do, but something to make the days a little bit easier or more comfortable is always appreciated.
Chances are your friend or family member has even mentioned in passing exactly what they’re looking for! For example, they may have told you a hilarious story of running late for work and getting caught in the rain, only to have ended up in that big meeting dripping wet. What they might need then is a mini umbrella, so they’ll never get caught out again. Alternatively, they may have mentioned wanting to do something different with their hair, so a gift voucher to a top-rated salon can show you’re invested in them feeling good about themselves.
Next time you’re spending time with them, actively listen and observe for anything they may be wanting or needing, then you can surprise them with the perfect thing! Top gift givers do this all the time, even making notes months out from the next birthday or Christmas so that they can get their friends and family the perfect gift.
In recent years, there has been a cultural shift from physical gifts to more intangible ones. From donations to charity to unique experiences, these are all examples of gifts that do good and keep giving. It’s an important part of gift giving for many Australians, with 81% of us thinking about how long a gift will last when we choose it, as well as wanting to give gifts that last longer than those we have given in the past.
Is there something your friend or family member has always wanted to try? You could give them a skydiving experience or organise a behind-the-scenes tour of a zoo. What about a skill they’ve been wanting to learn? Cooking classes and art classes are always popular as attendees can get insights from experienced professionals and have all the necessary equipment provided.
Alternatively, is there a cause that’s close to their heart? You could arrange a donation to a relevant charity on the recipient’s behalf, including information about how that money will be used. If you want to take it a step further, organise for you and the recipient to go and help out for a day, like taking dogs in rescue shelters for walks or helping make meals for the homeless.
The important thing with these gifts is to think about what aligns best with the recipient’s values, beliefs and interests. This shows them that you understand them and are invested in their interests and values. It’s even better if you can go with them to help form even more fantastic memories together.
Sometimes the best gifts are those that make us smile and laugh. A boost to our serotonin levels can be just what we need. Think about what would make the recipient laugh. It can help to consider what has given them a giggle in the past, like their favourite sitcom, to pin down their sense of humour. You can then peruse wholesale gift suppliers and more to find just the ticket to tickle their funny bone.
A unique gift for her or him doesn’t need to be a one-of-a-kind, bespoke piece. In fact, it could be something easily available but only you would see exactly how it connects with the recipient. Find inspiration for this sort of gift by thinking about your relationship with the person. Do you have any close, shared memories that a gift could be a reminder of, like trips away, days out or even in-jokes? You could even include a small note about your memory related to the gift as an extra thoughtful touch.
Just like with any skill, it takes practice to become a great gift giver, but the tips above will help fasttrack you. Plus, if you always keep in mind that it’s not the gift but the thought that counts, you can’t go wrong.
As a wholesale homewares and gifts store, you can bet we have all sorts of caring, considerate and even quirky gifts in our catalogue. From eco-friendly items to unique umbrellas, we have gifts for sale that will delight your loved ones and show them exactly how much you care.
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