How To Choose A Christmas Gift – 3 Top Tips
I am horrible when it comes to picking out the perfect Christmas present. And, as I talk with my friends and family, it turns out that I am not the only one to struggle with it.
So here are three top points to consider when trying to decide on the best Christmas item.
1. Christmas gifts should reflect your loved ones tastes.
This is the no-brainer of the list. The only way to make sure that you pick a gift is to listen for clues of the things they like. Is there a singer that they like? What type of Jewelry do they wear? What type of wine do they splurge on? Where do they spend most of free time? Knowing the answers to these clues can help you create an objective picture of the one you love.
One of the best presents I received was a copy of a 1599 Geneva Bible. I had mentioned it to my girlfriend several years earlier, that one day I was going to buy that Bible for my collection. Two years later — after we were married — she presented it as a Christmas present. She has an amazing memory.
This technique works best if you make mental notes all year long. But there is nothing wrong with spending a few moments with a pen and notepad and scratching out some ideas and memories to go off of.
Plus, when your loved one opens that gift on Christmas morning, they will know just how much they are loved and cared for.
2. The gift should be timeless.
Now, this by no means precludes electronics. Sure, computers and tablets have a short lifespan of only a few years, but, gifted to the right person, it will live a very full life.
And, timeless does not always mean “diamonds” — although they do fall into this category.
What we are looking for here are Christmas gift ideas that will either a) be used on a daily — or at least weekly — basis, and that b) will hold up for many years of use.
For example, someone who sews for a hobby might find a lot of enjoyment in a sewing machine that they can use frequently and that will last a long time. A musician might find particular enjoyment for years and years in a collection of rare music that is scored for their instrument.
Wine and chocolates are nice, but only as a secondary present. They are not timeless enough to qualify as a primary gift.
Which, brings us to the final point.
3. The Christmas gift should be unique.
Let me say it this way. If it is a necessity that they will have to buy for themselves anyhow, it should not be considered a good Christmas present.
So no Vacuum cleaners.
Buying a unique gift can be scary. You know that they love scrapbooking, so do you buy them a Cricut or new stamps? Sure, they love R/C cars, so should you buy them that new radio controller they are always wanting, or should you just gift them a gift card? I mean, what if you choose wrongly?
Here is where the real challenge comes in. Just remember, even when we buy presents for ourselves, we don’t always choose as well as we wished we had. (Ever hear of buyer’s remorse?)
So choose them the best gift you can – and then get a gift receipt.
Compared to handing them a disappointingly slender envelope with piece of un-unique plastic to some generic department store, that extra risk you take in choosing for them will speak volumes of delight to your loved one.
So, there you have it. Now get out there and pick the best Christmas gift!