5 things to consider when choosing a gift
By Kim Brookes, Perfino
A quick Google search will provide a number of articles and blogs listing last-minute present ideas available from your nearest late-night petrol station, but if you think your loved one would prefer you didn’t say it with de-icer, here are a few things that you should consider if you want someone to know your next gift is an expression of love, respect and/or admiration.
1. Is it desired AND needed?
It used to be that a gift was all about fulfilling desire, the element of off the wall surprise and the unexpected thrill of a gift ambush, but times have changed.
In a world where we are all seeking to conserve, repurpose, and minimise waste, the question of whether something is truly needed is super important. You just don’t want to give something that will kick off a re-gifting process. Your gift will be far more appreciated if it fulfils an identified need in the receiver’s life. This doesn’t have to mean run of the mill items like deodorant or toothpaste, but could be something that you know they need.
Provenance and transparency of sourcing is top of the list for a truly exceptional gift. Nobody wants to be supporting poor working conditions, child labour, deforestation, or any of the bad practices that currently afflict our planet.
Fortunately, it is now becoming far more commonplace, certainly for the smaller brands, to give insight into where their raw materials come from, where things are made, and even the finer details of transportation. It certainly does add an extra dimension to a gift if you and the receiver know that at the very least no harm has been done, but at the very best, you are supporting a worthwhile endeavour as well as paying fair wages, supporting gainful employment, and spreading joy with your generosity.
2. Is it for them or for you?
So maybe it’s just you who always seems to break wine glasses and be in constant need of more, or maybe they are teetotal and only require tumblers. You certainly need to put yourself in their shoes when selecting the ideal gift. Just because you have always wanted a cider press, it’s not much good as a gift if your giftee doesn’t like apples. So, think about their hobbies, what brings them joy, how they spend their time. Perhaps something for their camping trips, or a gizmo for their bike, or something to help them unwind from their stressed life.
I have received many gifts, for which I am profoundly grateful, but many have languished in a cupboard or drawer. Clothing in general is one of the worst offenders here as we all have such different tastes, and it takes someone of exceptional insight and taste to predict what will be truly appreciated. So, make sure you buy with them in mind, and not you.
3. Is it thoughtful?
I have in the past given a microfinance loan as a gift to a teenager. I believed that helping someone start a business in a third world country, giving the option to the hapless teenager to choose the project, and after a year re-loan or reclaim the funds seemed like a perfect and super thoughtful gift. But I wasn’t thinking about who I was buying for, and they would probably have got far more out of the cash itself.
And on the subject of money, people are very squeamish about this, precisely as they feel it is thoughtless, but when you know that it’s what is wanted, for teenagers or wedding couples, it could be the most thoughtful present you can give.
A thoughtful gift means you are thinking of the person you are giving it to: you know they love roses, so you buy a rose scented candle; you know they love treatments, so you buy them a massage.
Personalisation could give you the edge here – an engraved pen to help in the new job they’ve just started, some chocolates with a picture of your holiday together printed on them, or something you have made for just them, which will always be the most original gift.
4. Food and drink?
The best gift for people who don’t want to accumulate “things” or who are in full-on declutter mode. Personally, I think that all consumables make a wonderful gift, but you definitely need to know their tastes: don’t get spicy if they don’t like spice; don’t get alcohol if they don’t drink; be cautious of the wild and wacky or obscure products that are fun but possibly not consumable (think avocado tea); and certainly don’t give them gifts that have been too obviously given to you or God forbid are beyond their sell by date. I say this as someone who was given a box of “Winter chocolates” in June!
If you’re looking for consumable gifts tailored for your partner, look no further than Virginia Hayward’s hampers for him. Discover a diverse collection of thoughtfully curated hampers, brimming with gourmet delicacies, artisanal creations, and luxurious surprises.
5. Smellies?
First of all, if you give someone something that smells nice, it doesn’t mean that they don’t!
It is important, however, much like with food, drink, jewellery, art, or anything that involves personal taste, that you know that they love lavender, or really enjoy gin and tonic scented bubble bath. Again, call it detective work or call it thoughtfulness but you do need to understand who you are buying for and what will make them happy. If you have friends who are either allergic to or intolerant of perfume, you could find an alternative gift such as a Perfino natural scent jewellery set, so they can smell great without putting any of those pesky chemicals on their skin.
Above all, whatever you choose as a gift should demonstrate that you have put some thought into understanding what the person you are buying for likes, enjoys, and/or does not currently have in their lives. And once you’ve chosen a gift, the next important task is deciding how it will be presented. Packaging and the delight of unboxing is universal so never skimp on this. Everyone loves to undo a ribbon, rip through the tissue paper, and lift the lid off a box. So, make sure that the experience starts with the packaging.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kim Brookes is the founder of Perfino, an innovative natural scent jewellery brand. Perfino combines expertly blended, 100% natural, pure essential oils with exquisite jewellery so you can wear scent all day long without any chemicals touching your skin. The solid recycled silver and 18ct gold vermeil, artisan designed pendant comes with six lava stones and 10ml of carefully blended natural essential oils – all sourced from sustainable growers. One drop of oil on the stone in the pendant will give you a delicate fragrance that can last for days.
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