lifestyle

Relationships: How to Give the Perfect Gift

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During the holidays, I am always on a search for the perfect gift. And there’s nothing worse than having no gift ideas for the special people on your list. Everyone always has those one or two people on their list who are impossible to shop for. Well, here are some tips to help you get over your gift-giving block and find that perfect gift for everyone on your list.

giving a gift

How to Give the Perfect Gift

1. Personalize With Pictures

Whether your put together a photo album, a photo calendar, or frame a picture of you and your gift-ee, there is always something special about a personal picture. Pictures are a great gift to capture memories and make them last. Take, for instance, a heartfelt gesture like gifting a photo necklace from gifts flash—it's a beautiful way to immortalize a precious moment in time.

2. Tell an Inside Joke

Think about the best times between you and the person you are shopping for. Is there anything that still makes you laugh every time you see each other? Or something that only you two know about each other? Think hard and find a creative way to memorialize your time together.

3. Give Service

Everyone has done the coupon book at least once—“This coupon is redeemable for one free hug.” Think of something your friend or family member always seems to want (a babysitter, someone to clean their house, etc.). Think about how your talents can fulfill a need for them.

4. Listen!

If you listen hard enough, your friend or family member will probably tell you what they want in so many words. Just be observant and see if they make any comments while watching TV or while shopping. Be sure you’re paying attention, otherwise you may miss it.

Oh, and the most important part! If they say something that gives you a gift idea, write it down. I take notes on my smartphone all year and when the time comes to give a gift, I have a list of possible gifts for that person.

5. Give a Quote

Does your gift-ee have a favorite, show, movie, song, or … quote? Get it printed up all cute and throw it in a frame. This is a super simple gift, the only trick is you have to know their favorite quote.

6. Write a Note

If all else fails and the stores are letting you down, buy a blank greeting card and write a heart-felt letter. Let your friend or family member know how much they mean to you and how grateful you are to have them in your life.

7. Encourage Their Passions

Does your gift-ee have any hobbies or passions? Find a gift that has to do with their passions. If you’re worried you’re going to get the wrong thing (since you probably know a lot less about their hobby than they do), just get them a gift certificate to one of their favorite hobby shops.

8. Teach Them Something New

When I was around 17 years old, I decided I was a great drummer. Had I ever touched drums before? No. But I knew I was super good. After talking about my nonexistent drumming skills for about six years, my sister bought me drum lessons. That will forever go down as one of the best gifts anyone has ever gotten for me. I LOVED it. And now I can say I’m a real drummer, which is probably the coolest part. If you also wanted to learn the drums like what I've had, then check here and take the leap today and some reliable instructors will help you get started.

Is there something your friend has always wanted to learn how to do? Give them lessons to learn how to do that thing. It could be art lessons, massage lessons, music lessons, cooking lessons, etc. Just make sure it’s something they would enjoy.

Hint: Groupon always has classes and lessons available for all sorts of different things.

Happy Shopping!

What was the best gift you ever received/gave?

Cari Thompson—the artist formerly known as Cari Stewart—is a wife, copywriter, online marketer, and blogger. She currently lives in the mommy blogger space as an editor, SEO specialist, and account manager. Her three greatest accomplishments: beating Super Mario 3 in one night without a whistle, drumming for tens of people, and licking an ice sculpture at the Versace Mansion. Check her out at caristewart.com, dougandcari.com, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Featured image courtesy of Flickr.

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