“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” – Voltaire
The moment you see a box covered in a bright wrapping paper with a bow on top, the first thing that comes to your mind is the question of whether it is for you. A rush of emotions hits your senses the moment someone tells you they have a present for you. You feel excited, emotional, and touched. You begin to smile, laugh, and sometimes even cry. It is amazing how a simple act of being given something from someone we love can have an impact that is way more profound than we can ever think.
Recent research has shown that it is not necessary to spend a lot of money on a gift as it does not guarantee if it will be well-received. The study found that the higher the price of the gift, the higher was the giver’s expectation of receiving appreciation. However, the level of appreciation received was not associated with the price at all, even though the giver thought spending more could convey thoughtfulness.
So if this means that money is not what one needs to give someone a memorable or thoughtful gift, then what is it that can help give someone a gift that is both unique and thoughtful? Here is a list of things you should keep in mind when deciding what to gift someone.
- Make it practical.
The first thing you need to keep in mind is to make sure that the gift you choose should be something that the receiver is able to use. Research published in 2019 compared the level of practicality to the satisfaction level of gift recipients. The restaurant observed how people responded to being gifted a voucher to a far-away but trendy restaurant versus close-by but ordinary ones. The receivers reported that they felt closer to the person who gave them a more practical gift.
Therefore, need not worry about how fancy your gift should be, as long as it is practical, it will be well-received.
- Make it personal.
Even if you decide to gift someone a bar of chocolate, the gift will become ten times more valuable if there is a personalized touch added to it. It can be in the form of a personalized note attached to it, or a pretty bow stuck on it. Keep in mind; it is the thought that counts. Hence, a thoughtful gift is more valuable than an expensive gift.
If you feel stuck and are unable to decide what to gift, just ask the person what they want. Studies have shown that people are more appreciative of gifts that they ask for as compared to the ones they don’t. So, if you are unable to decide, just ask them!
- If at all possible, wrap the gift.
Even though gift wrapping a skill that very few people possess, let’s not forget how time-consuming it is as well. However, there is no denying to the fact that gifting someone a wrapped gift brings an even wider smile to their face. The ceremony of slowly unwrapping of a gift that is wrapped carefully gives the feeling of personalized luxury.
You can also choose a wrapping paper that matches the interest of the receiver to keep it personalized. Most importantly, it shows the receiver how much effort you have put not just into the gift but also in making it look both mysterious and pretty.
- Include a thoughtful message with the gift, either on a card or in a letter.
Adding a card or thoughtful message is a good way to personalize a gift. A card or a note, along with the gift, adds to the value of the gift. However, this does not mean that you attach one of those cards with a generic message. Instead, write a message yourself mentioning how much you value that person. Use this space to remind them of a shared moment, an inside joke, or just a thank you will strengthen the bond that you both share. A handmade card is even better, even if you cannot draw well. Always remember, it is the thought that counts.
- Make it simple.
Less is more, they say. Instead of facing an analysis paralysis by overthinking about a gift, it is best to go for a simple and thoughtful gift. The efforts are visible by the thought you put in the gift, not the complexity of it. Research has shown that having too many choices can induce anxiety in the giver. Vouchers for spa days, restaurants, vineyard tours, and wine tasting sessions are now popular gift options as they are simple yet very thoughtful.
- Experiences over possessions
Experiences are more memorable and valuable than items that can be possessed. Gifting your loved ones, an experience that has been unchecked on their bucket list, can be a unique and thoughtful gift. Research has also shown that people tend to be happier when they receive git involving experiences rather than materialistic ones.
To make the gift more thoughtful and personalized gift someone an experience that is of common interest to both of you like a cooking class, pottery lessons, or even tickets to a concert you both have been dreading to attend. Even if you don’t gift them an experience that can be shared, research has shown that experiential gifts bring you and the recipient closer even then.
Exchanging gifts has been a symbol of love and care for centuries. The giving and receiving of gifts have played a huge role in our lives. There are occasions when giving a gift is expected, such as holidays or birthdays, and sometimes we choose to give some a gift with any occasion.
Whether you are receiving a gift or giving one, the act benefits both. It strengthens the relationship, reinforces better communication, shows how much you value the other person, and most importantly, it creates a possibility to receive it as well.
Lastly, always remember that what comes from the heart, touches the heart. So whenever you decide to give a gift, remember that it should be heartfelt, honest, and thoughtful. If your given is wrapped in positive emotions and pure intentions, its monetary value or the amount of shine to it will cease to matter.
