With the holiday season quickly approaching, many people are scrambling to figure out what to get for their loved ones. Despite the countless options to choose from, many are coming up with zilch, nada, nothing—it’s like their brains are on holiday leave too! Luckily for them, this guide will help simplify the gift-giving process, offering multiple tips and tricks to make finding the perfect present a whole lot easier.
One of the most important tips is to listen to your loved ones—and actually hear them, not just nod along while daydreaming about random stuff. It’ll be rather hard to choose the ideal gift without knowing what they like. It’s time to start gathering information about their hobbies, interests, and preferences. Pay attention to small details about them like their favorite shows, a cute purse they bookmarked, or a book on their wishlist. These tiny clues can lead you straight to a gift that feels tailored to their personality.
“A great way I gather intel is to focus on a thing they have a lot of because I know they enjoy it. My friend has a lot of plants, so I thought of getting her something related to plants. That’s what I got her, and she loved it,” says junior Kennedy Bordelon. Sometimes, it’s as simple as noticing that stack of cookbooks on their shelf or the endless collection of mugs in their cabinet. With a little attention to detail, you can find gifts that show just how much you care.
Another helpful tip to buying the perfect gift is to incorporate a handmade element. This adds a personal touch and shows how much you truly care for the recipient. “Handmade gifts are great ways to show you care because they take time and effort and aren’t quite as easy as a trip to the store or a click to order online,” says Bordelon. Not only do handmade gifts feel unique, but they can also be budget-friendly, which is ideal if you’re looking to make something meaningful without breaking the bank. These gifts hold sentimental value that goes beyond the price tag, showing thoughtfulness and effort that a store-bought gift lacks.
The final tip to save you from a gift-buying conundrum is to begin shopping early. “I always begin buying gifts a month in advance so that I have enough time to think through what I want to give and ensure I can buy it in time,” says Bordelon. This early bird approach makes the shopping process much smoother, allowing you to avoid the headache of last-minute shopping— though sometimes it’s inevitable! Shopping in advance also helps you choose the perfect gift instead of settling for what’s available. Plus, you can skip the holiday crowds, long lines and don’t forget about sales—you can save lots of money by catching early deals!
In the end, finding the perfect holiday gift doesn’t have to be as stressful as people make it seem. By listening carefully to your loved ones, adding a handmade touch, and starting your holiday shopping early, you can make the gift giving process more thoughtful, enjoyable, and budget-friendly. These tips can help turn a daunting task into an amazing experience, allowing you to choose gifts that truly resonate with the people you care about. So, this holiday season, take a little extra time and care—you’ll be surprised at how much joy a thoughtful gift can bring!
