Have an idea in mind
Although it can be a little frustrating, I realized gift giving is more fun when you have some ideas already in mind (or written down ;). For some people, it might also be good to start off with a budget in mind, especially if you are buying gifts for more than 2 people. I personally don't have a budget because I feel that if I am giving gifts because I really want to, especially items I already know I want to give someone, I will buy it no matter what the price is. But then again, with a mindset like mine, you will be in for a shock at the amount you spent and could easily become broke :P I also try to come up with gift ideas of things I would love to receive. For example, if I want to give a few nail polishes, I would give them in colors/ brands I like or would like to try for myself.
Bundle of joy
I like to give a little bundle of gifts because I think there is more of a chance that the person will like something and because it is just fun to come up with different items. Who wouldn't like opening a bunch of gifts?! To make things a little more fun, make the person guess what is wrapped up! After wrapping the gifts, I write a clue on a sticky note for each gift describing what could be inside. For example, for a 5 year journal, I wrote, "Something to look back at after 5 years." Make sure to tell the person to guess first :)
Last minute savior
If you really can't think of anything to give or have little time to get a gift ready, $ would be the last minute savior. Although anyone would like to receive some cash, to some people it looks like little thought was put into the "gift". InshAllah after reading this post, you won't have to resort to this :)
Personalize it!
A card is an obvious thing to add to any gift. If nothing else is personalized, make a card yourself. If you are creative, make the time to personalize/ make a gift. Whether it is a card, scrapbook, album, etc. put some effort into giving at least 1 item that you made yourself. It will make the person feel a little better that someone took the time to make something for them! If you do buy a card, write a meaningful message to add a little something personal.
For any occasion/ gender
1. Gift cards- Find out (casually) where the person likes to shop and include a message with the card.
2. Books- I think books make great gifts, even for those who don't like to read. Find out something the person likes, like a hobby or interest, and give a book on that particular subject. You are sure to find something!
3. Body sets- It is nice to give (and get :) something useful like body lotions, shower gels, fragrance spray, etc. If you know the person likes a particular (type of ) scent or shops at stores like Bath and Body Works or The Body Shop, give them something from there. I think body products like the ones I mentioned can be given to males or females. There are obviously some scents that are more feminine/ masculine than others, so smell different ones before you purchase any for a particular person.
4. Perfume/ cologne- Again, if you know the person's "taste" for scents, you can try giving them a perfume/ cologne (set). This would be easier if you really know the person or they have mentioned liking or wanting a particular scent in the past. Since these are usually more expensive than body sprays, make sure the scent is something you know the person likes and will put to use.
For females on any occasion
1. Jewelry- Find out if the person is into wearing jewelry and what type, but avoid getting something like a ring where you have to know the person's finger size. A nice dainty necklace or stretch bracelet in a style/ color that goes with any outfit would be ideal.
2. Makeup- Again, find out if the person is into wearing makeup, what type, and color. If they are new to makeup, give them something basic like your favorite mascara, nail polish, or lip product (obviously all new). If they like experimenting or are more into makeup, try something like an eye shadow palette, or blush/bronzer duo. Also, you can never go wrong with brushes or helping them restock products you know they like and use ;) Try http://www.bhcosmetics.com/
For males on any occasion
1. Any electronic/ gadget/ tech-y stuff like a micro SD card or flashdrive. You can personalize it by adding pictures of a specific occasion with specific people in it, including the person receiving this! For example, the person's graduation, wedding day, birth of a child, etc.
ETA 10-18-14
For students (if you are a teacher)
Find out their favorite colors, movie/ book characters, and candy (any allergies?), so you can start gathering the below items based on their preferences.
1. candy
2. stickers
3. school supplies
4. coloring book (with crayons ;)
5. educational activity book
6. story book
7. games
By occasion
Graduation
- If it specifically for a high school graduate, look into gifting them a Q &A a Day for College: 4-Year Journal I bet it would be fun to look back through after 4 years of college memories :)
Wedding
- To bring a (newly) married couple a little closer, look into gifting them a cute Our Q&A a Day: 3-Year Journal for 2 People.
- You can never go wrong with a Mr. and Mrs. mug set :P
- If the couple is moving in together for the first time, why not gift them with home necessities/ décor? This could also be in the form of gift cards to stores like Bed Bath and Beyond!
Baby event
- Baby clothes
- Baby toys
- If (new) parents didn't receive a baby's 1st journal/ album from the hospital for them to fill up, then look into buying one for them! Maybe something like this? If you buy it in advance, make sure you know the gender or just keep it gender neutral.
- Pregnancy/ parenting book
- Necessities/ décor for baby's room
Random bits
- Unless you know the person's size or taste for clothes, I wouldn't suggest gifting clothes for those 2 reasons.
- If there is a business/ organization you like and want to support, then add in some of their business cards!
- Something I will try to keep in mind for the future is buying sets of items and separating them for a few different people.
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