Good gift ideas

It can always be a problem getting good gift ideas for loved ones, and often even harder buying gifts for un-loved ones (like when you get the guy no one likes in the secret Santa). To make this arduous process simpler here is a comprehensive guide to getting gift ideas for all occasions.

Good Gift ideas for Romantic Occasions Like Valentines or Anniversaries

Firstly, think back to a seminal moment in your relationship to this person, like your first kiss, the first time you made love, when you proposed, maybe. Think hard about where you were, what you were doing in this place, and try to anchor your gift in this moment. For example, if your first date was at the cinema, why not try to track down a copy of the film you went to see? Romantic gifts are all about sentimentality, so objects reminiscent of the pass are always a good idea.
If you want to splash a bit of cash don’t be afraid to, but don’t just think that the more expensive the better. If you want to buy jewellery or clothes for a woman, or equally for a man, NEVER assume you know what they like! Seek the advice of at least one of their closest friends of the same gender, as there is nothing so bad as buying your girlfriend a pea green smock and watching her pretend to like it. Final piece of advice, show them you know them. It doesn’t matter if the gift doesn’t fit traditional ideas of romance – if your partner loves board games, get them some – if they like motorcycles, then them some new leathers. Finally final advice on this one – always wrap a romantic gift – the little extra effort goes a long way to showing you care.

Good Birthday Gift Ideas

Birthdays can be a tough one – if it’s your partner then the guidelines above work pretty well. For everyone else the important thing to remember is that everyone else they know is getting them a gift too, so try to make sure you don’t go for the most obvious thing. Be original and think laterally – gifts don’t have to be a one off – something like a magazine subscription or a subscription to a website you think they might like are just a couple of suggestions for gifts that repeat throughout the year. Another good tip for birthday gift ideas if you’re really stuck is simply ASK. Unlike romantic gifts there is little premium put on surprise – as a general rule it is better to receive a good gift you expect than an ill judged one you didn’t, especially on an occasion like a birthday when it’s supposed to be ‘all about you’.

Good Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas may be the hardest occasion of them all – gifts for everyone you care about all at once. First piece of guidance – break down your list. Pick your priority recipients – best friends, immediate family etc and concentrate on them first. Sit down well in advance and apply exactly the same guidance as above to each person and you should be okay. For everyone else think broad appeal. There is no way you have the time and energy to find the perfect gift for everyone you know – some obvious suggestions are food items like chocolate and shopping vouchers for places you know they like – avoid books and films unless you are sure they like them (Most people like film and books but not everyone likes the same kind of thing).

Top Tip

Whatever gifts you decide to buy always keep in mind that, however corny it sounds, it’s the thought that counts. So long as you make it clear you care and that you tried, that is what matters most.