Have you ever thought about how many gifts we’ve bought for someone that ended up hardly ever being used?
It may have been something we liked at the time, something we thought was original, or simply a gift we bought because we felt we “had to” find something. We chose it with the best intentions, but after a while, it may have simply been left aside.
On the other hand, there are those gifts that, without necessarily being impressive, manage to become part of the person who receives them. These are usually the gifts we remember the most.
So, when you’re wondering how to choose a gift, it may be worth changing the question slightly. Instead of asking yourself, “What should I buy for them?”, think, “What would they genuinely like, and what could they actually use?”
Take a moment to observe before you start looking
You don’t need to know exactly what the other person wants. Sometimes, all it takes is paying attention to what they already do.
Do they always have a book with them? Do they travel often? Is there something they use every day that they could replace with something better? Or perhaps they once mentioned that they needed something specific?
Even a conversation you had a few weeks ago could give you the answer. People often mention what they need or what they would like without even realizing it.
Their personal style matters just as much
A practical gift doesn’t have to feel impersonal.
Think about the colours they prefer, whether they usually go for more classic or distinctive pieces, and whether they like understated accessories or prefer something that stands out.
That way, your choice will show that you didn’t simply pick something nice, but that you thought about the person who will receive it.
And if you’re not sure? Classic designs and easy-to-match options are usually a safe choice.
Don’t buy something just because it looks impressive
A gift can look amazing in a shop window and still not suit the person who will receive it at all.
Before you buy it, think about how they might use it. If you struggle to imagine even two or three occasions when it could come in handy, it may not be the right choice.
That doesn’t mean every gift has to be completely practical. There is also room for the unexpected, the beautiful and something a little more distinctive. It’s simply a good idea to have a reason why that particular gift could fit into the other person’s life.
Don’t buy something just because it looks impressive
A gift can look amazing in a shop window and still not suit the person who will receive it at all.
Before you buy it, think about how they might use it. If you struggle to imagine even two or three occasions when it could come in handy, it may not be the right choice.
That doesn’t mean every gift has to be completely practical. There is also room for the unexpected, the beautiful and something a little more distinctive. It’s simply a good idea to have a reason why that particular gift could fit into the other person’s life.
Sometimes, quality matters more than quantity
You don’t need to fill a large box with lots of small things to show someone that you’ve thought about them.
A well-made item that stays with them for years can be far more meaningful.
This is one of the reasons leather accessories remain a thoughtful gift choice. A leather wallet, for example, can be used regularly, while over time, genuine leather develops its own unique appearance and character.
But it isn’t necessarily the material that makes a gift a good one. What matters is whether you’ve chosen something the person receiving it will genuinely enjoy.
A gift they’ll truly appreciate
During the holidays, we often have gifts to choose for several different people. But we don’t necessarily need to find something extraordinary for everyone. It’s enough to take a moment to think about what each person would genuinely enjoy.
A gift that suits someone’s style, habits or needs is more likely to become part of their life rather than simply ending up on a shelf in their wardrobe.
And in the end, perhaps that is one of the most beautiful things about giving a gift: knowing that when they open it, they’ll say, “This was made for me.”
