I am an excellent gift- giver. It’s my giving love language. (My receiving love language is “acts of service”, in case you’re curious.) I reckon I’ve cracked the code of buying presents, so with Christmas looming, I’m going to share my secrets so you can also claim the title of “best gift-giver” this year.
For starters, don’t just buy something because it looks nice in the shop. A lovely vase, a scented candle or a fun cushion cover are all perfectly fine items, but do they actually reflect the person you’re giving them to? Often they’re just filler gifts.
Think beyond the sales table
Instead, look at the person. What do they really need? What are their unique hobbies or interests? What sparks joy in their life? The best gifts show that you’ve actually thought about them, not
just grabbed something from the sale table.
I have a formula, especially for those people who are impossible to buy for. First, personalise it. Everyone loves something with their name on it. But better yet, they love something with the face of a loved one on it. For Minou’s birthday, I gave him a onesie covered in photos of my face. It wasn’t flashy or expensive, but it was funny and unexpected, and he laughed his head off. (I also bought him a razor I’d seen him eyeing up online just to prove I can be observant, as well as ridiculous.)
Secondly, target the things they love most – their pets or their babies. If someone has a dog or cat, get something with their pet’s likeness on it. People usually love their pets more than they love the humans in their lives!
When in doubt, go luxury
If all else fails, buy a luxury version of something they use every day. Last year, I gave my best friend a very fancy, eco-friendly dishwashing brush. It cost about $50 and she uses it daily! Finally, get organised.
I write everyone’s names on a spreadsheet, then I scour websites like Funky Gifts, Rapt Online, Mighty Ape and Chuffed Gifts. When I see something cool, I match the gift to the person on
my list who suits it best.
Good luck out there. And remember if you’re really stuck, you can’t go wrong with a onesie – although they might not want my face all over it!
Got a topic you’re dying for Jay-Jay to tackle? Email [email protected].
