Whether you’re shopping for the holidays, your best friend’s birthday, a wedding, or any other occasion, choosing the perfect gift to give someone can feel like a daunting task. Although challenging, gift-giving is a love language that anyone can learn to speak—and with some thought, effort, and consideration, it’s possible to choose the perfect gift for any occasion.
If you’re not sure how to get started, here are four tips to help you navigate the process.
Create a budget.
Before you start shopping for potential gifts, you need to create a budget. Most online retailers make it easy for customers to set price parameters when shopping for items so that you can make sure you’re only scrolling through gifts you can afford.
If you have a gift idea that’s outside of your budget, don’t be afraid to search for more affordable options online. For instance, if you’re planning the perfect house-warming gift for your loved one, a mattress is a gift that keeps on giving for years to come. Although a mattress is a major investment for most of us, it’s possible to find a high-quality mattress online at a price that won’t break the bank.
Serta offers durable and budget-friendly mattresses, with a memory foam support system that offers a contouring and supportive feeling for comfortable sleep. Plus, when you order a Serta mattress through City Mattress, local delivery and set-up are always free, so you can surprise your loved one with a brand new mattress at their doorstep and dispose of their old innerspring mattress without dealing with the hassle of transporting it yourself.
Consider their hobbies and interests.
Is the recipient a home cook? A collector of vintage comics?A gym rat? Any hobby or interest can help guide your gift-giving, so don’t be intimidated by treading into familiar territory for potential gift ideas. You might feel like you’re choosing the easy way out by basing your gift off their hobbies or interests, but giving your loved one a new opportunity to dedicate time to something they love will always be appreciated.
For example, if your recipient is an avid gamer, bring their experience to the next level with the best FPS mouse on the market. Gamers agree that key specs determine the best gaming mouse, so weight, performance, DPI, and the number of programmable buttons are key considerations.
The gaming mouse is arguably the most important component in your entire setup—and investing in a high-quality lightweight wireless gaming mouse can boost your recipient’s accuracy in every competitive game, from first-person shooters like Call of Duty to eSports games.
Above all else, the lightweight FPS mouse with features like unmatched battery life, side buttons, and being fine-tuned to your loved one’s playstyle, providing easy access to inventory or ability access during an MMO raid. To upgrade your gift, be sure to include a mouse pad.
Don’t be afraid to think small.
Gift baskets and cards can get a bad rap sometimes, but creating a do-it-yourself gift basket or customizing a card is a great way to show your loved one how much you love and appreciate them. For example, if you’re creating a custom gift basket, choose small items that they appreciate, and group them together in a basket to create a unique, personalized gift. Whether you’re putting together a gift for a birthday or showing your condolences, a gift basket is ideal for giving less expensive items that are still appreciated.
To make the gift-giving process easier, you might choose to work with a specific theme. For instance, if you’re putting together a gift basket for a newly married couple, consider various kitchen basics that aren’t usually listed on wedding registries, such as silverware and small utensils.
To top off your gift basket, be sure to include a card. Custom sympathy cards, condolence cards, and anniversary cards are a sentimental way to express your love and empathy for others, making them a great option for the loss of a husband, a difficult time, or a more celebratory occasion.
Think about the occasion.
A gift that would be perfect for your best friend’s birthday might not be the same gift that you would choose for Mother’s Day. Regardless of whether or not your loved one will appreciate your gift, it’s essential to consider what is appropriate for the specific occasion.
It’s also important to remember that the occasion will determine your goal when choosing the perfect gift. For birthdays, you’ll have more freedom and creativity when shopping for gifts. Meanwhile, if you’re shopping for a wedding present, it might be a good idea to opt for an item that will be useful for years to come.
While that doesn’t mean your gift should lack personality, be sure that the gift matches the tone of the occasion. For example, if you’re attending a celebration of life, then a bouquet of flowers or custom photo album is a great option to show your condolences.
Choosing the perfect gift for every occasion isn’t easy—but it’s possible to perfect the art of gift-giving. All in all, taking the time to choose a thoughtful, unique gift can make your loved ones feel extra special.