Do you get the same presents every year from relatives or friends that ends up sitting in the corner or in a box, taking up space and that you know you will never use?
The most common example are candles. Yes, I love candles but NICE smelling ones! I have a box and I mean a BOX full of unscented candles sitting under my bed. The only time they might be used is during blackouts but then I'm still reluctant to use them because that'll mean I will not be able to get rid of them in the future i.e. by passing them off to someone else.
Another classic examples are clothes. I had been given countless clothes as a child for Christmas by relatives. A couple I have cherished but more than often, they sit wasted in my cupboard, never touched. It was like when my aunt bought my siblings and I all matching Harry Potter jumpers in different colours. My sister last night asked if I still wanted mine as she was considering wearing it at the start of the City to Surf and then chucking it later. That's how much we cherished those jumpers.
But then again, it IS hard trying to find a present for a special someone. I know that a lot of you like buying gift cards when all else fails but my sister has since given me the fact that 'gift cards are lame' and I got to admit that I agree with her! Gift cards mean that the person will know EXACTLY how much you have spent on them and they are really impersonal!
So know you might be scratching your heads thinking, NOW what should I buy???
Well here are some helpful hints to get you started:
1. Think about the person's interests
This includes their likes and dislikes, their favourite colour, the way they like to spend their free time, their favourite subjects, etc.
2. Try for something sentimental
What I mean by this is try buy that the person would treasure. This could be a charm for a bracelet that might have some connection to you, an engraved bracelet, etc.
3. Maybe try something practical
This might include accessories, dvds of films they've been raving about, ipod jacket, etc.
4. Get in touch with your creative side and make something
I know once my sister made her guy friend a 'fairy box' in which the outside was painted black and the inside decorated with flowers and fairies!
5. Aside from presents, if you have time, make your own card.
They are much more sentimental and are greatly appreciated. And you could also theme your whole present!
6. If all else fails, I know this kind of goes against the whole gift card idea but a subscription to a particular magazine is always a great idea!
So I wish you good luck for the next time you have to buy a present!
Liv
xoxx
I think a giftcard is better than the person guessing wrong at what you like and then you're stuck with a present that you don't want and don't know what to do with. But it is a bit impersonal eh? Perhaps the best thing to do is to ask the person what they actually want..but then again it eliminates the element of surprise and what to do when they say "nothing" or "i don't mind".. haha its seems there is no perfect way of giving a gift unless you're lucky and land the jackpot of picking the exactly what will please the recipient!!
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