Sometimes it’s hard to buy the perfect gift… especially for the boys… and especially when it comes to clothing or accessories. I admit that it is easier to find things for the girls… but maybe that is because I am a girl… If there is one comment that infuriates me it is the one when I hear… ‘I couldn’t think of anything to give’… ‘I’ve run out of ideas’… ‘They have everything’… No one has everything and even if they do… they still deserve spoiling. There can never be too many books, too many scents or too many flowers for men or women… and that is without even pushing the gift giving boundaries. Gift giving is more about the thought behind the gift than any one particular item. A generous gift is one that is tailor made for the recipient and a generous gift is one that has required time and effort to find or make.
I am always so excited when I receive a gift that I feel has been chosen especially for me with care and attention and even more than that I love to try and think of presents that will make my friends and family happy… Feeling spoilt, feeling loved and feeling as if the people in your world understand you, ‘get’ you is one of the greatest gifts of all…
Hints for finding the perfect gift…
1. Be observant.. take notice. Observation is the key to finding the perfect gift. What do they wear? What do they read? What colours are their favourites? Do they travel? Which countries and cultures interest them? What are their hobbies?
2. Listen… It is amazing what you can find out just by listening… ‘I saw the cutest scarf the other day… I wish I had bought it’… ‘ That new scented candle has the most delicious fragrance… I should try and find one’…That kind of conversation is gold when you are searching for ideas…
3. Give what they like not what you like… This is harder said than done but this is what makes a gift great. Just because it’s not what you want doesn’t mean it’s not the best gift in the world for someone else…
4. Make sure the gift is the right size. There is nothing sadder than a gift that has to be returned. Play detective and find out the correct sizing or if that is impossible buy an accessory that won’t be problematic…
5. An ideal gift is one that they have been wanting forever. A hard task but that is where the observing and listening comes in. The flip side of this one is… to be a ‘good gift hint dropper’… (this is a win/win for all…)
6. When in doubt choose a classic… especially if the gift is for someone you don’t know very well. Classic items, especially for men, never go astray and are always welcome…
7. Buy basic items… as long as they are beautiful. Some of my favourite gifts have been everyday items that have been delivered with panache. Socks, for example, sounds boring… but not if they are exquisite cashmere or fabulous colours… Handkerchiefs… fine linen, or fantastic florals… That would work for me…
8. Time… Last minute gifts are never easy and are far too stressful to find. Planning is the key…
9. Make sure the gift is appropriate for the occasion… There is nothing more embarrassing than overplaying or underplaying your hand. When in doubt about what should be what, flowers are my go to…
10. Know when to give… Sometimes a small gift can resolve an argument and restore peace… sometimes it can add fuel to the fire… Knowing when is paramount…
