Well, my friends, this can be SUCH a tricky one. I should start by saying that present buying is not for everyone and that is okay. Maybe you are someone who sticks to money and vouchers because a) you have little time to do much else or b) that is what keeps everyone the happiest!
The joy of giving.
However, if you enjoy buying presents, if you like to go out and find thoughtful gifts, read on.
I think where most people fall down when buying presents is firstly making assumptions on what people would like based on their own tastes. Easy to do and totally understandable but buying thoughtful presents takes a little more effort than that.
Secondly, and ironically, it’s then overthinking the purchase, doubting yourself and then procrastinating wildly and it then takes forever to work through your present list.
It’s all in the planning.
So, before you start buying anything, identify whom you are buying for and how much you want to spend. I would recommend writing this all down, maybe in a list format. Then against each person you can make notes as to whether this present has to be sent in the post or handed over in person (important consideration.)
Ideas for thoughtful gifts.
Obviously, everyone has different ideas about “thoughtful gifts” but below is a selection of ideas that might work for you;
- The bundle of books – this can be a pile of paperbacks purchased from a charity shop, that way you can buy a load and then wrap up with some ribbon.
- Theatre/gallery vouchers – these don’t have to be the full amount for tickets but can go towards a special day out.
- Photo books – great for a friend with whom you have a long history with.
- Personalised journals – buy a plain but beautiful notebook, add a photo of your own to the front and create a gratitude journal. You can even write on the first page; how grateful you are to have them in your life!
- Care package – fill a box with little things, a nice hand cream, a sparkly nail varnish, a little packet of sweets. Things that are personal to that person.
What would someone else appreciate?
Take time to really think about what this person would appreciate. It might be that they never treat themselves to lovely aromatherapy bath oil and just because it wouldn’t be a treat for you, don’t underestimate how much they’d enjoy this gift.
Don’t overthink it.
Don’t over think – just the fact you are thinking about someone and looking to buy/make them something thoughtful will be appreciated by the receiver.
If you start planning early, you’ll have time to buy the thoughtful gifts and enjoy the process of doing so.
