We all know how hard gift shopping can be.
Whether you are struggling for inspiration or simply don't know where to start, picking the perfect present is a tricky business!
'Oh, don't buy me anything this year' says your other half. But you know what that really means. So it's back to the drawing board in the search for something different that they will actually want this year.
To lighten the load, we thought we'd put together a quick checklist of 7 things to consider when gift shopping to create the perfect present. Take a look and let us know your thoughts at the end:
1. Presents are All About Presentation
The clue is in the question. A good present has to be gift wrapped in style. Don't go thinking that a supermarket carrier bag will suffice, oh no, you have to put some effort into wrapping paper, ribbon and sticky tape if you really want to impress your loved ones.
Why not get creative with the packaging? You could present them with a riddle or send them on a scavenger hunt to locate their gift. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to present wrapping, so think outside the gift box and have a little pass the parcel fun with your gift.
2. Be Spontaneous. Surprise Them!
Think back to the last time someone really surprised you with a present. Wasn't that just the best? Discover the magic of surprise when you get a little more spontaneous with your gifting this year.
Don't simply play safe and buy them something they have already asked for, instead, ask around for more unusual suggestions and tip offs from friends and family members. Perhaps they have always wanted to become a recording artist or race around in an Aston Martin for the day?
The only way to buy a truly great present is to think of something great that they haven't already asked you for!
3. Humour Goes A Long, Long Way
They say that laughter is the best medicine but it's certainly quite the tonic when it comes to gift shopping. If you can think up a hilarious angle for your next gift you'll be surprised just how effective a well played joke can be. Shopping for someone who loves a glass of prosecco?
Why not make that your overwhelming theme and spoil them with a boatload of prosecco themed presents? From personalised prosecco to lip balm, clocks, chocolates and bath bombs you'd be surprised just how many ways there are to shop this theme.
Alternatively, for a male recipient how about opting for some classic novelty socks? He'll be crying with laughter at our Flip Flop socks, especially if you've just come back from that summer holiday break.
4. Nostalgia That Pulls At The Heart Strings
A sentimental gift is always a winner. Showcase how long you have known them with something just a little nostalgic to mark the occasion. From personalised presents to original newspaper presents there are so many ways to inject a little rose tinted past into your next gift. You could opt for a blast from the past present like our Retro Games Controller or create a thoughtful and sweet keepsake that will have him or her smiling away all day. There are so many ways to add a little heartfelt emotion into a nostalgic present.
5. Add a Bit Of Them
Picking a present that perfectly plays to one of their favourite hobbies or interests is a classic angle for gift shopping. Whether they are golfing mad or cooking crazy you'll be on to a winner if you can pick a gift that speaks directly to them.
The psychology behind this is actually pretty simple. If they are already emotionally invested in that hobby, they will react far more positively to your gift. We like to think of this as 'adding a little bit of them' to the gift and it's no surprise to find that shopping for gifts by personality or interest is constantly a winning strategy for our customers.
6. Add a Bit Of You
Conversely, if you want to make your gift extra special why not add a little bit of you to the gift? This works especially well if you can add something that captures your relationship as friends, family or colleagues into the mix.
Perhaps you can reference how you met all those years ago or add your own special message to the item talking about a recent time together? Whether you are engraving jewellery or personalising champagne whatever you can add, it's only going to make their gift that little bit more memorable when it comes to the big unveil.
7. Bring On The Smiles
Last but not least we think the number one ingredient for the perfect gift absolutely has to be a simple, meaningful smile. If you can find a way to bring a smile to their face you are almost certainly a great gifter! There are so many ways to do this, from dressing up for the event to adding a little sparkle to the ceremony. Even if you can't be with them on the day itself a good letterbox gift can send a smile thousands of miles to long lost relatives or friends living overseas. Smiling is absolutely contagious so if your gift can send them a smile on the day you'll find yourself smiling too. What could be finer?
So what do you think of our 7 key secrets to the perfect gift? Let us know by leaving a comment below or alternatively, if you are seeking more gifting inspiration be sure to check out our wide range of unusual and original presents online.
We have everything from chocolate labradors to inflatable selfie frames in our quirky collection of presents for all occasions. So what are you waiting for? Make something special smile today!
