The leaves have fallen, and the air is brisk which can only mean one thing: gift giving season! Many people struggle to give thoughtful gifts to their loved ones due to lack of creativity or falling for the common misconception that gift giving lies in the price of the product. Well, we’re here to change that! Brainstorming ideas should have started earlier in the year but that’s not always how things pan out so here are some easy ways to quickly cook up gift ideas! Let’s start with surface level basics: what are their main interests? Consider their favorite movies, sports, music, and books. A good foundation is necessary to be able to think of thoughtful and meaningful gifts. Next, begin imagining your person. What is something that they would use and would be beneficial towards their life? Practical gifts when done right are personal and make the receivers feel seen. If your person mentions buying something for themselves, immediately shoot that down! You have to destroy any competition in order to assure you give the most thoughtful present. Finally, dig a little bit deeper. What is something you know they want but would never get themselves? This could be a temperature-controlled smart mug, high-quality consumables or any unique items they wouldn’t normally splurge on.
Mom: Give back for all she’s given you, and treat her with some self-care items. Consider her morning ritual, her essentials, that keep her glowing throughout the day. Some drugstore options include: EOS lotion, face masks, hair ties, scented body wash, or lipstick that compliments her color palette.
BFF: Focus on the sentiment, turn all your shared love into a collage of memories that they can hang on their wall. The safest way to go is always 4×6 prints from same-day pickup at Walgreens. If a friendship collage seems a bit too mushy, then recall all the things they use of yours and get them one of their own. This could be their go-to snacks that they snipe from your pantry, a personal water bottle, a Ti-84 calculator and your calc homework, or, of course, some spearmint gum.
Fitness Friend: For all the muscle-maxxers out there, grant them an unlimited Creatine stock, but make sure it’s a good flavor. The Messenger recommends blue raspberry due to its universal acceptance, but other options include fruit punch and strawberry. For the granola fitness guru, you can never go wrong with a Patagonia sweater, easily collapsible camping chairs, or a gyro compass.
Crush :Stop being afraid, and will yourself into their thoughts. Grab a pen, some paper, and scissors, and craft an abundance of free hug coupons for them to cash in, or leave them little messages of love that they can’t ignore like locks of hair in their backpack.
Ultimately, the goal is to pin-point what makes each person unique, and manifest what they care about into an action or something physical. With holiday season shopping it’s easy to get caught up in the consumerism of it all, but remember, when all is said and done, perfect gift-giving lies in the thought behind it.
