As difficult as it may seem to buy a gift for someone, there are certain things you should consider when doing so. Below is a list of the most important factors that will help you choose the best gift possible.
1) What does your friend like?
Before buying any type of gift for your friend, its best to get an idea on what they like and their interests. Maybe they’re more into sports than video games, or maybe where just getting married and want new items for their house. This way you can pick out something they would definitely enjoy instead of wasting money on something they’ll never use or even look at twice. Look at their Facebook page, ask mutual friends if anything comes up in conversation, check out what they post on Instagram, etc.
2) Time of year
If you’re buying a gift for someone, its best to do it according to time of year. For example, your friend’s birthday is in November and they love the winter season? Why not get them a nice warm scarf or hat they can wear during these cold months instead of a random gift card that’ll sit inside a forgotten drawer for ages? Christmas around the corner and still haven’t gotten your sister a present yet? Purchase something with their favorite sports team on it or maybe even from where they went on vacation last summer. Again, time of year does matter when looking for gifts. As well as how much money you have set aside for gifts in general throughout the year. If you’re looking for cheap last minute gifts, try browsing through your local dollar store to find small knickknacks and other meaningless items you can get relatively cheap.
3) How long did it take to find the gift?
This factor is mainly based on how well you know the person and how much time you’ve spent looking for a gift in general. If you’re buying something for your best friend whom you see every day, there’s no need to break down what they like or don’t like because you can understand them with ease. But if this is for someone who lives out of town or doesn’t visit often, its best to give yourself more time than usual before buying anything. Don’t go shopping the day before their birthday/Christmas/etc and expect to come home with something in hand. You’ll just end up in a rush and that can make you more prone to mistakes or poor judgement when looking for presents.
4) Is it practical?
Of course, there’s the whole saying of “it is better to give than receive” but let’s get real here: no one wants another fruitcake from Great Aunt Edna they only met once at last year’s family reunion. Not only can this be a waste of money but its also a waste of time going out of your way to buy something that’ll never be used by the person you’re giving it too. Even if your friend says he/she loves it, why risk yourself by getting them something they’ll never use or even appreciate?
5) How much money are you willing to spend on the gift?
This is a factor that goes back to how well you know the person and what kind of occasion it is. If its their birthday and you’ve known them for years, chances are they won’t care too much about money when receiving gifts. Maybe you could head over to an expensive jewelry store and get them something nice like a pendant, bracelet, etc. Or perhaps your friend loves getting dressed up and looking classy in public? You could treat them to a day at the spa or maybe take them out for dinner at their favorite restaurant. Just keep in mind that if its close to Christmas time, most shops might be crowded with other people looking to purchase gifts as well so you’ll have to be quick and grab what you can before heading home. The last thing you want is a long line behind your back while shopping for gifts!
6) What will they use it for?
The most practical gift to give someone these days are items that can serve multiple purposes. For example, maybe your mom wanted a new pair of winter boots but said she has no room in her budget for them right now. Surprise her early with a brand new pair of boots she’s been eyeing off for months and this way, not only will it save her money but also make her day seeing how much thought you put into the gift. Another idea would be to purchase household appliances or other items people might need from time to time. Doesn’t have to be super expensive, but something as simple as a bread maker or kitchen scale can make someone’s year!
7) Why are you purchasing the gift?
The last thing to keep in mind when looking for a gift is why you’re buying it in the first place. If its their birthday and you’ve known them forever, then there’s no need to think too hard about what kind of present that should get them because chances are they’ll love whatever you give them regardless of what it is. But if this occasion were different, such as buying a farewell gift for your coworker who is retiring from his/her job after 30 years, then perhaps it might be wise to look up some insight on what kind of farewell gifts are given for this type of occasion.
There’s no rule to how many times you should look into your gift before purchasing it but just keep in mind that the more thought and consideration you put into what you’re buying, the less likely you’ll end up getting something they won’t like or appreciate. It might take a little longer than usual but if its worth it in the end, then why not? Happy shopping!
Why Photo Books Make Such Great Gifts
Photo books have been a go-to gift for many years. Despite the proliferation of digital media and social networking, the photo book has remained a popular way to share one’s photographic journey with friends and family.
Photo books are one of the best gifts you can give to someone, whether it is for Christmas or on some other special occasion. There are several different reasons why this type of gift makes such a great present.
Photo books can put into perspective just how much time went into selecting and arranging the images that appear in the book. The amount of time you spend choosing which photos to include, laying them out on the pages, and polishing up their appearance through various effects really creates an appreciation of your work. This alone will make him/her feel like this was money well-spent (assuming he/she didn’t pay for it).
