CHRISTMAS IN JULY: HOW TO BE A GREAT GIFT-GIVER
GIFT-GIVER’S TIP #1.
If you haven’t guessed it, the first tip is to start planning early. You should already be thinking about next year’s gifts when your opening the gifts from this Christmas! Notice what your friends and family like about the gifts they get and give and the gifts others receive. Start with having an open mind for ideas.
GIFT-GIVER’S TIP #2.
Get your phone out. Open your notes app. Now make a list of all the names of people you gift for regularly. Any time you get an idea for a gift, write it under their name. Even something vague like, “wants more pink” can help you make decisions later!
GIFT-GIVER’S TIP #3.
Take your friends and family into stores if you can. Grab things, tell them you think they’re cool – whatever it takes for you to get them to start telling you what they think is cool. I did this when I got my mom’s first piece of Tiffany’s jewelry and I know my choice was better than anything else in the store because I had gotten her to tell me what she liked about the different pieces.
GIFT-GIVER’S TIP #4.
Go back to your lists app, now write down all of their hobbies, passions, or wannabe hobbies. If they mention something like, “Oh, I’d love to try…” Write that down! Many hobbies require parts or tools, even runners need new shoelaces, water bottles, reflective clothing. Crafting hobbies require even more, so if they’re put off by the necessary parts to start a hobby – you can get them started!
GIFT-GIVER’S TIP #5.
Alright, so this little list is key. As you’re talking, listen to your friends and family talk casually about the things they need. My family use this one on me a lot, in fact, when I first started talking about starting a blog, I was talking to my dad about it and said that I needed a camera to do stuff like that. Guess what I got for Christmas? We mention these things without thinking about it all the time so be a good listener!
GIFT-GIVER’S TIP #6.
Make your budget and start shopping early. Use a private wishlist on Amazon to track items from Amazon, plus you can also add a note if the exact product isn’t available. These lists are awesome though because you can save a few and watch for price drops and low stock notices to make sure you’re not rushed come the Holidays.
GIFT-GIVER’S TIP #7.
Purchase wrapping paper, bows, boxes, and bags that match each year. I like to use themes – one year I even did a Starbucks theme! As much as a good gift is about the right present, what makes it really great is special wrapping. If all of your paper matches all of your ribbons and tags, you will save a ton of time wrapping and make the experience much more special for your loved ones.
BONUS GIFT-GIVER’S TIP.
Overall, be a good listener! Be a good friend, sister, girlfriend, wife.. Just listen and have conversations with your loved ones. You’ll never run out of ideas for ways to gift them something special if you spend time talking and sharing with them!
Do you have any tricks for giving great gifts? Share them with me in the comments below!
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