A truly memorable gift isn’t an absolute, and what works for one person won’t for another. As you know, Christmas is just around the corner, and gift-giving can be a stressful thing when you don’t really know what to buy. However, there are a few ways you can narrow down what to purchase for someone meaningful in your life. From providing a memorable experience to buying or creating something that strengthens your bond, here are some thought-provoking suggestions.
Something More Personal
A personal gift is always a pleasure to give and receive. It shows that there has been some thought into it and reveals that the giver also understands what you value. Something like a collectable from your favourite video game brand, a sentimental engraving or even a food gift like a chocolate hamper can speak to your unique personality. Of course, you can also use vouchers available here for purchase, so a recipient can go ahead and buy something personal they want.
A Truly Memorable Gift from Experience
A study of Gen-Z found that 76% prefer gifts that offer an experience over material possessions. Some of the best gifts are the gift of time, connection, and experience gifts that appeal to someone can make their year, all while forming great memories they will never forget:
- Cooking classes and experiences such as chocolate-making are pretty popular.
- Concert tickets are pretty expensive these days, so younger people love them.
- A weekend or spa break can be just what that special someone really needs.
Something that Resonates Emotionally
A gift is always nice to receive, but the ones that someone will treasure are the ones that elicit an emotional response. It doesn’t matter how much it costs, the rarity or even where it comes from; emotion can play a huge role in how well-received a gift actually is. It could be something that brings immediate joy, sparks nostalgia or even makes them laugh, but emotion will elevate the whole experience and is almost guaranteed to make the gift more of an occasion.
Thoughtful Intention and Effort
It really can be a downer when you receive something that has had no clear thought put into it. Of course, any gift is welcome, and no one has to get you anything. But a card with money, a book you will never read or another pair of socks won’t really do anything to make your day better. Some of the best gifts are the ones that have clearly had some intention and effort behind them, even the smallest and least expensive, as people actually appreciate this more.
A Truly Memorable Gift is Surprising
The average UK household spends around £1,800 over Christmas. But as Stevie Wonder says, you don’t need a special occasion to say how much you care. Some of the best gifts are the ones that are spontaneous, surprising and delightful for brightening up someone’s day. Of course, every gift tells a story, and you can make yours the most talked about next time!
Buy something just because
Christmas is a time for giving, but it’s not an absolute. The best gifts are the ones you don’t expect, and you can sweep your loved one off their feet with that thing they always wanted!
Get creative with wrapping
The whole experience of gifting can be a beautiful thing, and it begins with the presentation. You can make an impression with expert gift wrapping or a novelty such as a rose-shaped ring box.
Make the gift an occasion
Who says you just have to hand over a gift? You can make an occasion of the gifting process with something like a scavenger hunt that takes you out of the home and around town.
A long-lasting impression can help a gift go beyond how much it is worth. When a spectacle is made, your children, parents or partner won’t soon forget the effort you put into making the gift a surprise, whether it is spontaneous, beautifully wrapped or part of a thoughtful adventure.
A Gift Based On Interests and Passions
Everyone has something they are passionate about, and gifts related to these can be the most appreciated. Something related to a hobby, that thing they always wanted to do, even something very sentimental, can make the most amazing gifts for close relatives like parents, partners and children. For example, a goodie will love something like a cheese hamper or a wine set. And if your dad loves fishing, how about a new tackle box? And for gamers, platform vouchers will be much appreciated.
Something More Practical and Useful
Treasures and trinkets are nice to have, but they aren’t the only things people appreciate. Some people love nothing more than gifts they can use in daily life. Practical and useful gifts make life easier, and most of the time, people will drop hints about these! For example, your dad might want to clean the yard, but has a bad back. Something like a Karcher jet washer could be just what he needs. Or perhaps your mother has been using the same iron since 1984!
Connection Makes a Truly Memorable Gift
It is estimated that up to 40% of people get the “birthday blues”. But you can make someone’s day and cheer them up with a gift. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just something that helps you, them, and others connect in a special way that picks them up when they are down:
- A gift could be something that symbolises your connection to the recipient.
- This can be a gift like a memory jar, picture book or even custom artwork.
- Whatever the gift is, it is better if it serves as a reminder of the bond between you.
Quality over Quantity, Of Course
It is nice to have a ton of gifts bestowed on you. But what about the quality? While pretty much any gift is appreciated by a respectful person, most people prefer a quality item over numerous frivolous things. A single but well-chosen gift with the same value as multiple smaller ones will usually carry more weight and meaning, as it is not only useful, but shows you have made the effort to really think about what it is the recipient would prefer as a birthday or Christmas gift.
Summary
Getting something more personal that resonates with a recipient is one of the things that makes a truly memorable gift. Of course, some of the best gifts are also surprising, and it can become an occasion. However, most people would prefer a single, well-chosen gift over many small ones.
