Purchasing gifts has never been more difficult, not only because we have so much choice, but also because many people already have much of what they need, especially if they are of a certain age and do not require much. This category could include grandparents and a successful boss. However, regardless of who they are, there is always something you can give them that they will cherish.
To get you started on your quest for the ideal gift, check out this comprehensive page of gift-giving advice. It includes excellent suggestions for determining the ideal gift for a particular person, as well as suggestions for what not to buy! Around the world, gift-giving takes on a variety of different meanings, and we examine several of these traditions to ensure that you get it right when gifting family, friends, and business colleagues, as well as a whole lot more! DIY gifts, money-saving gift ideas, and, of course, gifting rules!
Consider the following when purchasing gifts:
- Who is the recipient of the gift?
- What is the occasion for the gift?
- How much money do you have set aside for gift purchases?
- What is the deadline for gift-giving?
- What are the gift recipients' interests, hobbies, and passions?
- These are the primary factors to consider when purchasing gifts. Purchasing a thoughtful gift requires an understanding of the aforementioned so that you can budget for and source a gift that you know the recipient will enjoy.
1. The Recipient of the Gift
The type of gift will vary according to the relationship between you and the gift recipient, as well as the gift recipient's own cultural background. For instance, you would not purchase the same gift for your spouse as you would for your boss or neighbor. Additionally, if you're gifting a Chinese friend or business partner, there are certain gifts that are considered unlucky. (Scroll down for gift-giving etiquette rules from around the world).
2. Occasions for Gift Giving
The occasion is critical, as your gift will frequently be 'occasion-related,' such as a wedding, anniversary, or baptism. Birthday gifts can be more interest-based, which is why having a firm grasp on their age, interests, and hobbies is critical. You may discover that additional research is necessary.
3. The Budget for Gifts
There are numerous resources online (scroll down for our money-saving gift-buying tips) for gifts you can purchase or make yourself that are both affordable and thoughtful. If you have a moderate to large budget, you will have more options, but you do not want to spend a fortune on something the gift recipient will dislike or enjoy.
4. Gifts that leave an unfavorable impression.
There are times when spending more than a specified amount is inappropriate. For example, spending a large sum of money on a gift for your employer or a friend's partner may indicate romantic interest or ulterior motives. It's a fine line to walk between spending 'enough' and not spending too much.
5. The Reciprocal Gift-Giving Law
If you're gifting someone who has limited funds to spend on a reciprocal gift, you should be aware that an excessively generous gift (depending on their relationship to you) may make them feel uneasy or force them to spend an equal amount, putting them in debt. Perhaps you could arrange to 'trade' favors rather than purchasing gifts.
6. The deadline for gift-giving
It is critical to keep the gift giving deadline in mind, even more so if you are purchasing a gift that requires customization or has personalized details, as the manufacturing process may take longer. You should also factor in time for delivery and, if necessary, return and redelivery if the item is defective or incorrect. Plan at least six weeks in advance for significant gift-giving occasions.
7. Preferences and Dislikes of the Gift Recipient
Gifts that are decorative
If your gift is decorative, it is critical to consider how it will fit into the recipient's home or office's existing scheme. If the gift is too flashy for the decor, too modern or vintage for the recipient's tastes, it may end up hidden in a cupboard. If you lack this knowledge, stay away from decorative gifts. If you do, a coordinated item that blends in discreetly is preferable for the majority.
Gifts with a theme of interest
There are several questions you can ask the gift recipient or those who are familiar with them to ascertain their special interests. If you are close to them and are familiar with them, you probably already have a good idea of what they might enjoy.
Suggestions for gift ideas with a theme.
Books
Determine which author is their preferred. Is there a book on their wish list that they are particularly fond of? Is there a first edition that they might consider collecting? You can personalize it further by inscribing it or obtaining an autograph.
Music
Which genres of music do they enjoy, which bands, composers, and artists are their favorites? Conduct an examination of recent publications.
Art
Do they have a favorite artistic style or do they appreciate wall art? Consider a poster, print, original painting, or word art in a style that you know complements their decor and personal style.
Fashion
Which designers, high-street stores, and online retailers are their favorites? A gift card or a thoughtfully chosen gift from one would be greatly appreciated.
Collectables
Are any funds collected? Are you able to add to their collection by purchasing a desired collectible or book on their subject of interest?
Activities
Do they enjoy the theatre, the movies, recreational activities, and sports? Consider purchasing event tickets or gift certificates for an experience day. Male and female spa days are extremely popular. Everybody deserves to unwind and be pampered on occasion. If that is prohibitively expensive, how about a spa gift basket?
8. Make Your Own Presents
If you're crafty, the library and YouTube tutorial videos on how to make homemade gifts are both excellent resources.
Trade Favors
If budgets are limited, consider distributing vouchers for 'trading favors.' You could offer to mow their lawn in exchange for them baking you a delicious cake. Whatever skill set you possess, you can use it to assist friends and family members without spending money on gifts.
Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts are always a good idea (and they don't have to be expensive; prices begin at less than $5!). Your recipient may appreciate a set of monogrammed hand towels, a photo watch, or a personalized water flask, among other items. Visit ZAZZLE to peruse their incredible selection of customized gifts. Guaranteed 100 percent refund.
9. What NOT to purchase as a present
When it comes to gift giving, there are no-nos, a set of simple guidelines to follow in order to avoid making costly gift-giving errors. The worst-case scenario is a Vegan receiving a'meat' hamper. Or alcohol in the case of a non-drinker who is in recovery from alcoholism. Consider the following list of things not to purchase as gifts:
Purchase alcohol as a gift only if you are certain the recipient will consume it and is aware of their preferences.
If you are unsure about veganism, vegetarianism, or food allergies, etc., do not purchase food as a gift.
Bear in mind that some individuals will only accept ethical, vegan gifts and will reject anything containing animal products.
Eco-conscious individuals may also have unwanted gifts on their wish list.
Each culture has its own set of rules regarding gift etiquette; scroll down to see the most important.
Purchase no gifts that could be construed as romantic for a boss, coworker, employee, or ex. This includes perfume/aftershave, jewelry, but not, of course, lingerie. If you would purchase it for your spouse (as a romantic gesture), DO NOT purchase it for a friend. Your spouse will be displeased, while the recipient will be perplexed.
After reading the preceding, you may be wondering what you can purchase! Not to worry; there are numerous safe gift options available. You may not know much about your gift recipient's interests and preferences, in which case a themed gift basket is a safe bet. These are truly irresistible. There are so many to choose from for every occasion and taste that they take the guesswork out of gift-giving.
Naturally, they look fantastic. They are an elegant gift that convey the same message about the sender. Additionally, they are no longer limited to food, wine, cheese, and chocolate. You can purchase gift baskets themed around sports, movies, spas, and gardens, to name a few, and gift cards with a general theme are always welcome. Put the gift card inside a small, nicely wrapped gift box to add a special touch. You can stuff the box with gift tissue paper and then add the card.
11. What NOT to BUY your BOSS as a gift
The relationship between the gift recipient and you is critical. For instance, you would not purchase the same gift for your boss as you would for your spouse. Certain gifts may be deemed inappropriate by some, but are highly desired by others. This is why proper gift etiquette is critical; you must get it right. A gift for a boss or coworker (assuming they are not family or close friends) would be impersonal, perhaps with a corporate edge.
It would be formal and not overly sentimental. You would not do so if
For instance, purchase perfume and red roses for a female boss or coworker. They would either have the wrong impression or the correct impression if you were attempting to convey to them your love. For bosses and coworkers, humorous work-related gifts or personalized office supplies make excellent gifts.
12. How to save money on gift purchases
Purchases for the following season should be made during the end-of-season sales.
Examine unwrapped gifts that appear in thrift and charity stores following Christmas.
Host a gift exchange party - regift
Gift Sales - Purchase items at the end of the season for the following season!
The stores I frequent (e.g. Zazzle) frequently have gift and accessory sales of up to 60% off, so it's definitely worth keeping an eye out for a sale on the gift item you're looking for, even if the event or holiday season is still a few months away. Personally, I always take advantage of gift sales.
For example, I purchase the majority of my Christmas gifts in the January sales, eleven months in advance! The savings on Christmas decorations and other seasonal items can be enormous, simply because they are now out of season. For instance, in the January sales, I purchase Christmas cards, crackers, and gift wrap for the following Christmas. Discounts of up to 80% are possible. Additionally, stocking filler-type gifts brought into stores specifically for the Christmas season are frequently heavily discounted, as the store does not stock such items during the rest of the year. Items such as beauty gift sets from your neighborhood pharmacy.
I do the same thing with seasonal clothing. I purchase them during the off-season when they are no longer in season. Certain styles are timeless, which allows me to remain fashionable.:) Significant savings can be realized by purchasing winter coats in the spring and summer beachwear and vacation-style clothing in the autumn. Being a savvy shopper will enable you to save a fortune!
Avoid purchasing perishable goods during sales. It is not a good idea to purchase perishable gifts such as food items that are past their expiration date, especially if you intend to keep them for several months longer. Chocolate that is past its expiration date or has a long shelf life may develop a white cocoa appearance. Although it does not appear to have an effect on taste, it does not look great.
Consider the NEW unwanted gifts that appear in thrift and charity stores following the holidays. Additionally, you can save money on gifts by utilizing 'unwanted' items that end up in charity or thrift stores and shops. These stores frequently stock brand-new gift items that are still wrapped in their original packaging and tags. They are brand new, unopened, and heavily discounted. You'll even find items from well-known brands.
Host a gift exchange party. Meanwhile, here's a novel idea... Which may appear to be a touch mercenary. You could host a party with your neighborhood friends, bringing unwanted or unused gift items to swap and trade. It eliminates clutter, prevents you from becoming a hoarder, and ensures that all items have a proper home. If you have any seasonal money-saving tips, please leave them in the comments section below:)
13. International Gift Etiquette
Western Etiquette for Gifts In the Western world, gift giving rules and etiquette are typically limited to price, relationship to the recipient, and occasion.
Red roses as a bouquet gift are reserved for those with whom we have a romantic relationship - a dozen on Valentine's Day or as a single.
Giving PETS as gifts is strongly discouraged.
Gifts of perfume and jewelry are appropriate for friends, family, and partners - NOT for coworkers, bosses, business associates, or neighbors. Any significant expenditure or 'intimate' gift would leave a 'periphery acquaintance" in the dark about your intentions or feelings toward them. Your gift may be wildly misunderstood.
We do not give gifts at funerals; however, we do send sympathy cards, flowers, and wreaths to the deceased's family residence or funeral parlor. Additionally, we may make memorial gifts to close friends and family members.
We regard a cash gift as devoid of thought (though this is becoming more welcome especially amongst marrying couples and the younger generation). A Gift Card is a more palatable option.
Flowers are sent as gifts to express congratulations, sympathy, or gratitude, or to commemorate a special 'day.' Different flowers will be used to commemorate those various occasions. Your florist is aware.
After receiving a gift, it is customary to write a thank you note.
Gifts are wrapped and labeled with a gift tag or other identifier.
Gifts are stripped of their price tags. Certain businesses now provide receipts that allow the recipient to return the gift if desired. Personally, I am opposed to gift return or this practice.
On the following occasions, we typically give gifts: Birthday, Religious Holiday, Mother's Day - Father's Day, etc., Wedding Day, Valentine's Day, New Home, Graduation, Retirement (coworker), Leaving gift (coworker)...this list seems to go on and on! Begin saving.
Customers' gifts (including monetary tips) to service personnel are generally prohibited and must be refused - work rules! Certain establishments do not mind; these are typically restaurants (tips), salons, and similar establishments. If the gift is of considerable value, it is almost certain to be declined.
For anyone other than family, homemade food gifts are a no-no. The food may contain ingredients the person is allergic to or they may just not 'trust' that the food is safe to eat.
Giving religious items to a non-religious person is a big no-no.
Clothes that are too large or too small - big faux pas!
Genuine fur, snakeskin, and crocodile skin are all frowned upon and, in some cases, illegal.
Gift-Giving and Cultural Diversity
Avoid giving gifts of food, drink, flowers, or anything numerically related, and avoid sharp objects such as scissors or knives. Different flowers and their colors represent different things to different cultures. Sharp items generally refer to the severing of ties in those cultures that consider such things.
Alcohol is, of course, taboo in many cultures, and foods such as pork or beef, as well as cowhide bags, are also frowned upon. When giving a gift also consider what that country or culture is famous for. Give them nothing that might injure their national pride. Avoid political, sexual, religious, illegal anything gifts, or joke gifts or t-shirts displaying anything pertaining to these no-no's.
Chinese Gift giving etiquette and practices, the main considerations are: No clocks, no black or white gift wrap, no red ink writing on cards etc. and no handkerchiefs'. These things are considered reminiscent of death, illness, sadness and so on. Additionally, avoid giving socks and shoes as gifts.
Japanese gift giving etiquette
Avoid giving white flowers, lilies, lotus blossoms, camellias and potted plants as gifts - these are associated with sickness and death. The numbers '4 or 9' appearing in a gift is unwelcome - though less so among the younger generation. No red cards as this is the color for Funeral notices.
Koreans have particular practices Avoid anything with the number '4'.
Saudi Arabia has multiple rules of what is acceptable and not acceptable and certain things are not allowed at all. Obvious no-no's re gifts would be anything to do with or giving reference to: alcohol and pork. Less obvious may be a t-shirt with writing or graphics which could be considered sexual, provocative - offensive to their religion'. Avoid anything political, sexual, derogatory, religious when giving gifts. When receiving gifts, it is rude to refuse. Do not open the gift in the presence of the gift giver. No flowers for women!
14. Why are personalized gifts the best?
They're One-of-a-Kind, Wonderful Keepsakes That Are Now More Affordable Than Ever! Personalized gifts are no longer as expensive as they were before technology caught up, and you can now have almost anything personalized for a fraction of the cost of the original item. And the tools for customizing gifts online are more user-friendly than ever. When all of these factors are considered, personalized gifts are the superior gift option, as explained below.
They are unmatched in terms of the 'thoughtful gift.' Personalized gifts demonstrate that the buyer respects the recipient and considers their preferences, needs, and passions when selecting a gift. A personalized gift quickly becomes a treasured keepsake for the gift recipient due to its one-of-a-kind nature. They will feel loved, appreciated, and respected every time they look at their personalized gift. These are the sentiments conveyed by personalized gifts. That is not all.
Outstanding in terms of sentimental value. If the gift is personalized with priceless family photographs capturing special moments or includes a personal message, it carries significant sentimental value. This is especially true for memorial gifts, wedding anniversary gifts, and retirement gifts that are personalized.
Many of the personalized gifts available today are also functional, serving a dual purpose. For instance, you can personalize tea towels with family photos, a chic family monogram, a family crest, or a drawing by your grandchild. A tea towel purchased on the high street without any personalization features will quickly be forgotten, but one with personalized features will be cherished like no other. We have an entire house's worth (almost) of useful gifts that you can personalize here.
Personalized gifts never go out of style. Whether you are a child, an adult, or a retired person, we all enjoy receiving gifts with our names on them, as well as photos of our pets, children, and family. We enjoy things that are familiar and elicit warm fuzzy feelings of well-being.
Lots of ready-made designs. Some personalized gifts are a blank canvas and you add your own design however you can also find lots of wonderful themed and special occasions gifts that have designs on them already. They have template fields for you to add your personal details. The designs are created in many cases by talented designers who will be happy to assist you with bespoke refinements. If you're not convinced pop along to Zazzle and read their reviews!
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