Gift-giving is an opportunity to show someone that you know them. Maybe you’ve had trouble coming up with good gift ideas or missed the mark in the past but gift-giving is a skill, which means that it can be taught! From birthdays to holidays to gift-giving as a love language — here are some ways to become more thoughtful.

First and most importantly, keep a running note on your phone with gift ideas.

In your notes app, list the people you usually shop for and jot down ideas in this centralized place. Any time you hear friends or family mention liking something, write it down in the moment or later that day. If a gift-giving date is quickly approaching, you can ask probing questions in casual conversation to get ideas (but few people like to give people specific gift ideas continuously). 

 

What are their favorite things? It's also worth noting anything they dislike! Favorite things are an easy starting point that you can gut-check or inquire about the next time you're together. 

• Favorite smell (helpful for candles, soaps, lotions, bubble bath, bath bombs) 
• Favorite bands/musicians (helpful for merch, tickets to a show, decor)
• Favorite flower (helpful for fresh bouquets, decor, jewelry, trinkets)
• Favorite flavors (helpful for edible gifts or gift baskets)
• Favorite teams (helpful for apparel or tickets to a game)
• Favorite restaurants (perhaps they have an online storefront, recipe book, or copycat recipes you can make for them at home)

What are their preferences? Listen for what they seek in particular items, perhaps while out shopping or when you give a compliment about a particular item. Examples may include,

• A runner may like thumb holders in long sleeve pullovers
• Someone may like front pockets without zippers in their sweatshirts
• Someone may be allergic to wool but in search of a hand-knit scarf

What are they proud of? This could lead to finding merchandise or local businesses from that area with specialized gifts or tips. 

• Their alma mater (Penn State creamery ice cream would be an epic surprise) 
• Their hometown (Brooklyn Bagel ships New York bagels nationwide)
• Their ancestry (do they miss any treats you can find online? What about any traditional home items or artwork?)

What do they value?

• Jewelry or watches (shop for jewelry cases, jewelry holders, jewelry cleaners, watch holders, etc)
• Memories (make a photo album, scrapbook, custom keepsake box or home movie)
• Technology (new chargers, traveling cases, keyboard, mousepad, cleaning supplies)
• Travel (custom passport holder and matching luggage tag, guidebooks for places they've mentioned wanting to go)

What are some family traditions you can honor?

• Treasured recipes (recreate a recipe or get it printed on a tea towel, baking equipment, etc)
• Hobbies they did in their childhood or with their parents that you could do together (candle making, baking, etc) 
• Photo album specific to holidays (Halloween costumes through the years, Christmas pajamas) 

What are their hobbies? This can be tricky if they are very skilled and particular in what they do - for example, an artist. If you’re okay with gift cards, this is an excellent way to ensure they spend the money on themselves and their pastime.

• Letter writing (personalized stationery, stamps, letter holder)
• Indoor plants or gardening (gloves, garden statues or decor, plant identifier stakes, pots that match the rest of their decor, standing planters)

What can you repair? Have you noticed if a treasured object or clothing item has been damaged? Secretly get it fixed with a local expert. 

• Ripped jackets, sweaters, shirts, etc. 
• A coupon to polish heirloom silverware or dust a cabinet with Fine China

What can you replace? Is there something old or broken that could use an update? Perhaps it's something overlooked. Be mindful that some things may carry sentimental value and not want to be replaced... 

• Beach towel
• Wallet
• Slippers or robes
• Old or limited edition items that may be sold on eBay or Poshmark
• Outdoor furniture cushions

What have they liked in the past? Some gifts can be frequently gifted while staying special if they are going to be heavily used.

• Dress socks representing their favorite places or things
• Sneakers (practical and easily worn down)
• New workout outfits (golf, tennis, yoga/pilates, running)

What life event or milestone have they just reached? Can you think of a niche present they may not think to get themselves?

• Did they move? Get a few shirts from the local teams!
• Did they get a new car? What about some car cleaning supplies!
• Did they just become a mom, dad, aunt or uncle? What about a frame with a printed photo already in it? You can pull from their social media profiles.

If you found this blog helpful, please considering supporting Reminded Me by becoming a member for just $24/year. Learn more about our memberships and our mission to make the world a more thoughtful place.