Choosing a Gift-Present for a Person you don't know Well
It seems like everyone wants to exchange gifts this time of year. It’s a fun, thoughtful tradition most people enjoy participating in. Drawing names is a popular way to fairly decide who buys for whom. So, what do you do if you draw someone you don’t know well? I think we can all agree that choosing a gift for your second cousin twice removed would definitely be a challenge. A little thought, planning, and humor will keep the Grinch away, I promise.
First of all, suggest to the person organizing the exchange that having everyone involved should write down sizes, favorite colors, and needs. That would help avoid any inappropriate gifts. If the exchange isn’t a group event, be thoughtful and call the person you are buying for. Either ask directly what would be good for them or hopefully the conversation sheds some light on their interests.
Think of anything you may already know of the person. Try to remember any information you may have heard from mutual family or friends. Those conversations could be critical for picking a well-received gift. For example, a bird lover would probably love new binoculars or a recently published book on birds in their region.
Christmas has the advantage of being the present itself. Ornaments, cookie cutters, or a well-constructed gift wrap box already stocked would be welcome by most people this time of year. Another unique idea is to give gift cards or buy tickets for a seasonal event in the area. Most communities have events that are scheduled specifically around Christmas. Plays, symphonies, and outdoor activities are a fun way to add a new holiday tradition and I bet it’s a gift they have never been given before.
If the person you need to buy for has a family or significant other, the gift basket idea could be just the thing. One suggestion to consider is the movie theme. Get a nice basket or decorative box and fill it with microwave popcorn, theater style candy, and a six-pack of soft drinks. Since we’re talking about someone you don’t know well, add a $20.00 gift card to a media store so they can pick out the movie of their choice. Now you’ve just given someone a much-deserved night in. Thinking along the same lines, pick out a pretty basket and put wine glasses, a bottle of wine, some fine cheeses, and fancy crackers in it. Complete the gift with a small banner in the basket saying something like “Happy New Year” or “Welcome 2006!” It will be useful very soon and some of the planning for that big night is already done.
My sister is absolutely the best gift-giver I know. When I ask how she does it, her answer is always the same. She chooses things that the person would never buy for themselves. So, if you’re looking for a great gift for a busy mom, go ahead and grab that beautiful scarf she would never even see while chasing her kids. Maybe the man you are shopping for is an overworked dad. He may enjoy a magazine subscription to a male oriented publication. No, I’m not talking about the naughty ones. Family Handyman would be an excellent choice. Remember; pick out something thoughtful they wouldn’t think of themselves.
I know it’s corny and I hate doing this myself, but if you are truly lost on the right gift idea, gift cards are the ticket. It is impersonal and seems as if you didn’t spend any time thinking about your gift, but it’s better than completely missing the mark. Honestly, many people do appreciate them because it’s always the right size and exchanges and returns aren’t a problem. So go ahead and get a card for the local mall, movie theater, bookstore, or restaurant. Look at it this way; at least you didn’t buy a tie.
Sometimes picking out presents for people you know well can be difficult. It becomes almost impossible when the person is unfamiliar to you. Especially this time of the year, everyone is busy and everyone else knows how hard it is to get it all done. Odds are good they are going to cut you some slack. Do your best and maybe take the time to get to know them this coming year.
First of all, suggest to the person organizing the exchange that having everyone involved should write down sizes, favorite colors, and needs. That would help avoid any inappropriate gifts. If the exchange isn’t a group event, be thoughtful and call the person you are buying for. Either ask directly what would be good for them or hopefully the conversation sheds some light on their interests.
Think of anything you may already know of the person. Try to remember any information you may have heard from mutual family or friends. Those conversations could be critical for picking a well-received gift. For example, a bird lover would probably love new binoculars or a recently published book on birds in their region.
Christmas has the advantage of being the present itself. Ornaments, cookie cutters, or a well-constructed gift wrap box already stocked would be welcome by most people this time of year. Another unique idea is to give gift cards or buy tickets for a seasonal event in the area. Most communities have events that are scheduled specifically around Christmas. Plays, symphonies, and outdoor activities are a fun way to add a new holiday tradition and I bet it’s a gift they have never been given before.
If the person you need to buy for has a family or significant other, the gift basket idea could be just the thing. One suggestion to consider is the movie theme. Get a nice basket or decorative box and fill it with microwave popcorn, theater style candy, and a six-pack of soft drinks. Since we’re talking about someone you don’t know well, add a $20.00 gift card to a media store so they can pick out the movie of their choice. Now you’ve just given someone a much-deserved night in. Thinking along the same lines, pick out a pretty basket and put wine glasses, a bottle of wine, some fine cheeses, and fancy crackers in it. Complete the gift with a small banner in the basket saying something like “Happy New Year” or “Welcome 2006!” It will be useful very soon and some of the planning for that big night is already done.
My sister is absolutely the best gift-giver I know. When I ask how she does it, her answer is always the same. She chooses things that the person would never buy for themselves. So, if you’re looking for a great gift for a busy mom, go ahead and grab that beautiful scarf she would never even see while chasing her kids. Maybe the man you are shopping for is an overworked dad. He may enjoy a magazine subscription to a male oriented publication. No, I’m not talking about the naughty ones. Family Handyman would be an excellent choice. Remember; pick out something thoughtful they wouldn’t think of themselves.
I know it’s corny and I hate doing this myself, but if you are truly lost on the right gift idea, gift cards are the ticket. It is impersonal and seems as if you didn’t spend any time thinking about your gift, but it’s better than completely missing the mark. Honestly, many people do appreciate them because it’s always the right size and exchanges and returns aren’t a problem. So go ahead and get a card for the local mall, movie theater, bookstore, or restaurant. Look at it this way; at least you didn’t buy a tie.
Sometimes picking out presents for people you know well can be difficult. It becomes almost impossible when the person is unfamiliar to you. Especially this time of the year, everyone is busy and everyone else knows how hard it is to get it all done. Odds are good they are going to cut you some slack. Do your best and maybe take the time to get to know them this coming year.
posted by Lisa at
11:42 AM
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