3 Secrets to Giving Great Gifts

The holidays are swiftly approaching and with them comes gifting. If your gifting comes with a heavy serving of stress on the side, let me lighten the load for you. One of my core love languages is gifts, which means in my family, I am the designated thinker and shopper for all group gifts. So this season I thought I share how I gift.

One of my secrets to success with gifting is making a mental note anytime someone mentions they like something. Especially if it's quirky or off beat. Stephanie Hogue loves golden doodles. My husband loves all things heavy metal rock. My sister-in-law loves soft and sparkly things. So all year long I notice. Then when it's gift time, I think back on what people love.

Here are 3 secrets to finding a great gift:

Place
Have they mentioned a favorite vacation or holiday? Consider a photograph of that location to take a prominent spot in their daily life, or their very own version of something they used there, like a nice blanket, shoes or robe.

Take them back to that special place every day.

Ideas: Wall art

Object or Hobby
Is there a certain thing they feel especially drawn to? I feel a special connection to dragonflies, since they remind me of my mother. Stephanie loves butterflies. A client of mine loves surfing and the ocean. My son loves lava, he says it's his personality (true!).

What is something they feel connected to, that you can give in a unique way? 

Ideas: 10x10 prints for a table, shelf or wall,  13"x19" matted prints search by subject

Function

Maybe you need a gift for someone who already "has it all" (ahem, Dad). They tend to be a bit trickier! Often in this case I swing toward gifts that are functional or an experience. I always gave my Mom a calendar made by her favorite artist. It was the expected gift and she loved it. Once I gave her something else and she was disappointed! Who knew a calendar could bring so much joy? It wasn't so much the calendar itself, but the reminder of me every time she used it.

So what can you give that they will use every day and be reminded of you? 

Ideas: coffee table books, calendar, coaster, tote bag

The key to being a good gifter is the thought put into it. People feel good when they feel seen and understood and when their joy is visible to others. Find their joy, and let them know that it matters to you, too.