


There are individuals in my life who’re essentially the most fantastic present givers—at all times considerate, at all times distinctive, at all times spot-on. I’ve discovered some classes from these family and friends members on be a extremely great gift giver, and I’m sharing them with you at this time. These gift-giving concepts apply to any event—from holidays to birthdays and each little celebration in between. Right here’s to sharing significant items with the individuals we love.
5 Methods to Be a Actually Good Reward Giver
1. Pay attention all yr spherical—or begin now!
Folks inform you what they love, and considerate gift-giving begins with listening in these moments. With everybody in my life, I’ve been listening to what they are saying and tuning into what excites them. I preserve an ear out for present concepts all yr spherical so I’m not dashing when the vacations (or birthdays) arrive.
Have they began a brand new passion? Ask the way it’s going and glean inspiration from there. Are they making a giant transition into retirement or transferring throughout the nation? Pay attention for methods to assist out, rejoice, or honor the milestone. The perfect items are those that present somebody you discover the little issues they’re loving or pursuing.
2. Gather present concepts in a single place.
Don’t rely on your self to recollect the concepts you choose up via your whole listening. Determine a solution to acquire the data and arrange it. I primarily use the iPhone Notes app. Joe and I’ve a shared word with an inventory of the birthdays of individuals in our lives. Beneath every title, I’ll write down thought starters for items and issues I do know they take pleasure in. I additionally avoid wasting concepts verbally within the Voice Memos app, which is a simple solution to get concepts out of my head within the second so I can revisit them later.
3. Ask for an inventory.
If you happen to’re caught, don’t be afraid to ask the particular person for a brief record of precisely what they need. Some individuals draw back from being this direct or assume it takes the magic out of gifting. I feel it’s a wonderfully affordable approach to make sure you’re giving a present that will probably be used and loved. Once I ask for an inventory, I discover the gifting expertise simply as pleasant as after I consider present concepts by myself. This leads me to my subsequent level…
4. The present doesn’t should be a shock.
Don’t fear about arising with the “excellent” present concept. You don’t should shock them with one thing sudden both! Selecting a present from their want record is a superb solution to delight them and get them one thing they actually need. I received Joe a selected pair of sneakers he requested for on his birthday, and his response was as if it was a complete shock. He was so excited!! It jogged my memory that true surprises are overrated generally.
5. Don’t overcompensate.
Be careful for the temptation to overcompensate, particularly whenever you’re undecided what your giftee desires. Relating to gift-giving, we frequently find yourself spending an excessive amount of, which makes everybody uncomfortable. I consider the episode of The Workplace the place Michael gave a video iPod within the group alternate when the spending restrict was $20.
Usually, sentimental items imply as a lot (if no more) than expensive objects. For Joe’s birthday this yr, I recorded a video about why I really like him and the children did too. It was a singular solution to seize this second in time and it didn’t price a factor. If overcompensating is a sample of yours, hopefully the concepts on this submit will allow you to keep away from it!
For extra gift-giving inspiration, I’ll be sharing my vacation present information on Wit & Delight this month! Till then, browse last year’s gift guide to get the present concepts flowing.


Kate is the founding father of Wit & Delight. She is at present studying play tennis and is endlessly testing the boundaries of her inventive muscle. Observe her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.