Giving and receiving gifts is fun; everyone has fond memories of special gifts given and received on a birthday, Christmas, or other holidays. Gift-giving is a way to show someone respect, and that you think they’re special. However, there are times when a gift wasn’t well-received or was deemed inappropriate. Let’s look at a few gift-giving tips for various occasions to avoid mistakes and bestow a gift that will be cherished and appreciated.
Work Holiday Gifts
Participating in a holiday gift exchange at your job can be awkward; first of all, do not buy a gag gift. Giving gag gifts at work is almost always seen as inappropriate. Also, don’t get anything very personal, such as perfume or clothing. The safest bet is to buy a gift card you’re sure your coworker will use. If your coworker is an avid reader, get them a gift card for a bookstore. If they love to go fishing every weekend, get them a gift card for a sporting goods store.
Wedding Gifts
When giving a wedding gift, be sure to check the couple’s wedding registry for a gift they need and that you can afford. Today, many couples will post their wedding registry online, making it easy to find the perfect gift for the newlyweds. It’s also very appropriate to enclose the gift receipt with your present. That way, if they receive a duplicate gift or if your gift is not the right design or color, they can easily exchange it for something they like.
Gifts for Your SO
Although your significant other is someone you know intimately, they can also be very difficult to buy presents for. However, it’s the thought that counts. When buying birthday gifts for her, you need to know what her favorite color is; furthermore, you’ll need to know her favorite flower, animals, author, and gemstones to get your gift just right. The symbolism of a gift is important to a woman. When giving gifts to him, it’s better to take a more practical approach. Men often want something they can use, like tools and gear they can use to pursue their favorite activities.
Gifts for Friends
Gift-giving should be to make others happy, not to score points. Giving gifts that could make the recipient feel uncomfortable is always inappropriate. You may mean well, but giving a self-help book, or a weight-loss video will only remind the recipient of their short-comings. No one wants to feel judged. Make sure your gift leaves the recipient feeling uplifted and optimistic.
At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that gifts should be meaningful. The price tag is never as important as the thought behind it, so keep the person and occasion in mind when making your choice. Formal, professional, personal, or intimate, your gift should reflect the needs of the person surrounding the occasion the gift is given for. Do they need to feel appreciated by a close friend? Are they looking for recognition in the workplace? Do they need something for their new home in a new family? Make sure that the gift is truly tailored to what they need at that time for best results in any gift giving situation.
