Perfect Gifts for Friends

Checking the calendar book can sometimes cause a substantial amount of uneasiness when a colleagues birthday appears in a week or two. Finding the perfect gift isn't always easy, especially when shopping for someone that has fairly unknown interests. Several categories to keep in mind when looking for a memorable present include personality, relationship, and practicality. Using these three categories, one can identify and give much more meaningful gifts and more heart-felt presents.

The personality of yourself and, of course, the receiver of the gift is a very essential element in gift giving. Going hand and hand with gift giving is the occasion for the gift (whether birthday, holiday, thank you present, etc). Think of situations, with the person receiving the gift in mind, that stick out in your head that might give a good clue as to what that person shows interest in. Maybe a television show, an activity taken during a vacation, or even lunch conversations can help to establish the thought process of giving that "perfect gift". For example, I attended a small Christmas party in which most of the people attending were teenagers-a very hard group of people to find good gifts for. Keeping in mind some situational variables that included the price of a gift that would be appropriate, what would really be used and appreciated, and a gift that would be viewed positively by the group as well, I ended up giving just the right gifts. One example included a Family Guy ornament, which depicted a main character from the television show in a comedious moment of an episode. This gift proved to be a great choice, as the price range was within the groups means. It's usually hard to go wrong with a funny gift, and the personality of the receiver was kept in mind very strongly with the gift. Personality can also intertwine with the next category that needs to be considered in gift giving, relationship.

From being a family member, boss, coworker, mother in law, close friend, to even an almost total stranger, relationship status can play a key role in effectively giving gifts. The closer the person that the gift is intended for, usually the easier it is to get a perfect gift. When looking for the gift, family members can sometimes benefit more from a necessity category of gift then getting an entertainment present, however the personality of the person in mind is the best way of determining what kind of gift to buy. An important aspect to consider when giving a gift is the card, if one is included. Bosses and family members can benefit more from cards that fit their personalities or reveal a warm message of love and friendship while distant relations and acquantances may not think much of anything about a card. Sincerely think of being in the receiver's shoes and ask yourself what you would think of the gift (of course thinking in that person's mindset/personality if possible!). Also, a strong issue to keep in mind, having to do with gift giving, is the practicality of what to purchase for that person.

Can I really afford to get her that jewelry armoire?!? I know I worry about the amount of money I should spend on each person when their birthday or a holiday comes along. As you know, it can be very difficult deciding how much to spend on someone when looking for that perfect gift or even a good gift in general. The key concept to keep in mind is that before the shopping and investigating for a present starts, the amount of money, or price range, should already be established. Say a friend's birthday roles along. $30 may seem reasonable (this is very dependant on your resources and income). Setting that basic price of what the gift should cost will help narrow the search for the perfect gift. Also, don't be afraid to spend another $5 to $10 dollars on it in some cases but just keep in mind what you want to spend on the receiver at all times! By combining this important step with the categories of personality and relatioship status, the perfect gift may be found much easier.

Personality, relationship status, and practicality can help to uncover the perfect gift for any person in mind. Don't be afraid to be yourself when it comes down to giving personal gifts that you might want to be memorable to the receiver. The most important part in giving any kind of gift is to give it with your heart! If you genuinely care about the receiver and want to show that to them, it is hard to go wrong with a gift scouted out for personally for that individual. May you have the best of luck picking out gifts and presents, and remember that you have the power to spread joy-not just by giving, but by showing your care for those you care about in your everyday life.