Feeling Stuck On Gift Ideas? Figuring Out Your ‘Why’ Will Help

By Gabrielle Dale

Gift-Giving Brain Freeze

I think we’ve all found ourselves in a moment of gift-giving brain freeze. Maybe it’s from self-imposed pressure to identify the ‘perfect’ gift. Maybe it’s from endless options that lead to analysis paralysis. Maybe it’s because gift giving happens so frequently that you simply can’t be bothered to come up with yet another idea. If you’re like me, it’s probably all of the above. 

Why are you giving?

Though I still find myself hitting a wall now and then, I have found a strategy that has helped me to break through those mental barriers and eventually choose gifts that I think the recipient will truly love and appreciate. I remind myself of why I’m giving this person a gift in the first place and what I would like them to feel when they receive it. This helps to narrow the options and release me from some of the confines or expectations that were holding me back. 

Reasons for Gifting

If you find yourself in the same predicament, here is a list of common reasons for gift giving that may help you identify your ‘why’:

• To show appreciation

• Ex. teacher gifts, employee gifts, ‘thank you’ gifts

• To recognize a milestone or accomplishment

• Ex. graduation gifts, retirement gifts, housewarming gifts

• To mark a special occasion

• Ex. birthday gifts, wedding gifts, baby gifts

• To let someone know that you’re thinking about them

• Ex. ‘just because’ gifts

• To brighten someone’s day and/or help them feel better

• Ex. condolence gifts, ‘get well soon’ gifts

• Out of politeness/etiquette or social obligation

• Ex. ‘can’t make it to the event but still feel the need to send something’ gifts

• To show love/affection

• Ex. anniversary gifts, valentine’s gifts

Translating Your 'Why' Into a 'What'

Once you’ve identified why you’re giving, here are some suggestions for each ‘why’ to point you toward the 'what': 

Why You're Giving: To show appreciation

What To Give: 

• Something that is a luxury/treat for them, something that they wouldn’t normally get for themselves

• A gift that makes something easier for them/solves a problem for them in the way that they do for you

• Something that shows how much you pay attention to who they are and what they care about

Why You're Giving: To recognize a milestone or accomplishment

What To Give: 

• Something symbolic of the milestone/accomplishment

• A keepsake/heirloom that will last 

• Something that can be displayed proudly

 

Why You're Giving: To mark a special occasion

What To Give: 

• Something in support of their next chapter

• Something celebratory/they can use to celebrate

• A keepsake/heirloom

• Something from their registry if they have one

Why You're Giving: To let someone know that you’re thinking about them

What To Give: 

• Something that will surprise and delight them

• Something from a niche interest of theirs 

• Something that says ‘I saw this and immediately thought of you/us’

• Something handmade (if you enjoy making things)

Why You're Giving: To brighten someone’s day or help them feel better 

What To Give: 

• Something they can use to pamper themselves

• Something comforting - be that physically, mentally, spiritually, gustatorially

• Something humorous 

Why You're Giving: Out of politeness/etiquette or social obligation

What To Give:

• Something that most people would find useful

• Something that they can use to shop for themselves

• Something from their registry if they have one

Why You're Giving: To show love/affection

What To Give:

• An experience that you can enjoy together

• Something handmade (if you enjoy making things)

• All of the above!

Now That You Know Your 'Why' and 'What,' Enjoy Your Shopping!

Once you know why you’re giving and what you hope the recipient feels when they open your gift, the ideas will likely start to flow. If they don’t, refer to the list above! Or browse Last Resort Gifts…chances are high that you’ll find something that you (and they) will love.

Happy Gifting!