How To Give The Best Gift Without Breaking The Bank
Ever wonder where the idea of gift-giving originated? Or why it's a part of our culture?
It turns out that even cave dwellers would present gifts to their loved ones in the form of oddly shaped rocks and various teeth they had discovered.
It's in our DNA to gift as a way to nurture relationships and show the people in our lives how much they mean to us.
The holidays are swiftly approaching; I thought it would be interesting to dive into the why behind gift-giving and help you figure out how to gift the perfect present.
Why Do We Give Gifts?
Gifts show people in our lives that we think of them, they matter, and we love and appreciate everything they do.
That's why the gifting season can become overwhelming because it's challenging year after year to think of the perfect gift for someone.
A trick I came up with years ago was to keep a running note of gift ideas in my notes app.
How To Find The Perfect Gift
First, what makes the perfect gift? It's something that enhances their life, provides relief or an experience.
The perfect gift isn't about the monetary value; it's about listening. For example, when you gift your mom something she mentioned in passing, she feels special because you cared enough to pay attention.
The secret is always to have your listening ears 365 days a year.
What To Buy Someone That Doesn't Need Or Want Anything
Everyone has a self-sufficient, happy-go-lucky person in their lives that doesn't want for anything, and they want to spend time with you.
I like to pair an experience, like a shopping date with my mom or a girl's night out with my best friend, with a gift that we both enjoy beyond the time together.
For example, I would gift my mom time by buying something small and unique from a handmade maker, like a hand-poured candle or homemade soap. I would purchase two of the same scent and write in a card; after we get home from shopping, we can both sit down (in our own homes) with our glass of wine, light the same scented candle, and continued the shared experience long after the day has wrapped.
Gift Ideas That Make Your Loved One Feel Special
- An experience. Anything that you can do to spend time together.
- Something with a more significant meaning, like a plant from a company that donates X trees with every purchase. Or a candle from a small business where your loved one learns about their story, and every time they light the candle, they think of you and the small business you helped by shopping small.
- Something that makes their life easier. Like a food delivery service. Some monthly subscriptions.
- Something that makes them feel heard. This one takes the presence of mind. It could be something your dad mentioned, as a new doggy poo picker-upper. It's not the gift; it's the fact that you heard him talk about how he needed a new one, and you went out and got it.
And that's a wrap!
I hope this gave you some ideas on what to gift, how to find the perfect gift, and why gift-giving is part of our culture.
Shameless Plug
If you do choose to gift your loved one a hand-poured candle from our little candle company, remember to let us know at check out that it's a gift. We include our beautiful Bella Vida (gold embossed) gift bag, tissue paper, and gift tag for free. Not only is your gift unique and well presented, but your order comes ready to gift.