Thoughtful Gift Gifting: How To Choose The Perfect Gift For Every Occasion
With the Jewish holiday of Purim coming up, I am certainly thinking about gift giving, as an important part of the Purim celebration includes giving food gift baskets (mishloach manot) to friends, neighbors, teachers and those whom we want to honor or thank. Basically, the holiday gives us a chance to show our love and appreciation at a time when gift giving is the accepted thing to do!
Of course this gift giving does have a price tag, so when it comes to giving gifts, whether it be for Purim or any special occasion, putting thought into it can ensure that your money, no matter how much you spend, is truly well spent. Lets take a closer look at what makes a great gift and how you can choose (or make) the perfect one — every time!
Why Thoughtful Gift Giving Matters
Today, many head straight to the gift card section of the store to find the ideal gift – after all, who doesn’t like picking their own gift themselves? Gift cards have become the easiest and simplest form of gift-giving for many, even though billions of dollars wind up unspent on them. Lets be honest, the convenience and simplicity that a gift card offers generally takes away from the heartfelt act of purchasing something more genuine and personal. Taking the time to pick out a gift shows a person that you care enough to do so, and that you took time out of your day to think about what they might like. The recipient feels appreciated and you will feel good knowing you put thought, time and effort into choosing something special.
The Value Of Personalization
Whether you’re giving to your closest friends and family or an acquaintance at work, personalized gifts can make great gifts. A personalized gift can transform an ordinary item into something unique and desirable. With so many forms of personalization available from embroidery to printing you can pick the perfect gift for loved ones of any age, for any occasion. I love monogrammed towels or bathrobes as they lend that little touch of elegance to the everyday. Others might appreciate something using photos of loved ones, or images from a special occasion or trip.
If you’re having difficulty deciding on a personalized gift, one of the best things to do is keep your recipient’s personality in mind. This may be hard to do if you don’t know the person well, and it would certainly be helpful if you know what they do for a living or even better, their interests or hobbies. For instance, if they like to bake or cook, why not assemble a gift that includes something beautiful and useful, like a gorgeous wooden cutting board, together with a few other kitchen items? Purchasing a baking-themed subscription box or magazine is another great idea, and can be a gift that keeps giving throughout the year. The most thoughtful gifts are those that often include a number of items related to the same theme. Have fun putting together a unique gift that will also be unforgettable!
The Benefits Of A Homemade Gift
Sometimes, you just may not be able to find the perfect personalized gift in the store or online. As frustrating as that can be, how about handcrafting a gift yourself? Homemade gifts are heartfelt and truly unique just be sure to make something that you know will be appreciated as far as style and color. One needn’t invest huge amounts of time, but do make sure that the presentation of the gift is gorgeous. Think about homemade soaps or candles that can be personalized with scent and color or simply bake a favorite dessert. If you crochet, how about whipping up a fun potholder, or some washcloths? The number of gifts one can make at home is truly limitless, so choose something realistic with predictable results to insure your success.
Gift giving is an age-old tradition that brings joy to the recipient, and even more so to the giver. Investing in the act of gift giving makes the occasion that much more memorable for the recipient, and you’ll feel great too. The saying “it is better to give than to receive” is right on the mark and once you’ve figured out how to take your gift giving to the next level, you’ll look forward to every gift giving opportunity.
