Consider whether the person is an introvert, extrovert, or an ambivert. This will help you decide what sort of experience is best for them. Take into account their age. A 45-year-old may appreciate a different gift than someone who is 16 years old. Try to know about their hobby. If the person loves gardening, try to send an indoor plant as a gift.
A romantic, thoughtful, or sentimental gift would work well for a romantic partner. It can be an experience gift or even an experience, such as a fancy dinner. A best friend may appreciate a symbol of your friendship. For example, if you bonded over Harry Potter, consider a Harry Potter themed gift. If this is an acquaintance, a gift card is always a safe bet. They can use it to buy whatever they want.
Look for practical gifts that still feel like a treat, as the gift may be out of the person’s budget or the person may not have time to get the item herself. Avoid going too far over their budget or it may be taken as an insult - consider what will be a surprise but not a shock.
Only sneak a look at her account if you’re close to them and if you think they won’t mind you looking at their account. If the person doesn’t have a wish list, pay close attention to the things they mention. For example, if they say repeatedly how much they like a certain purse, take that as a hint!
Another option is to take items that have sentimental value, such as a souvenir from the first time you went on vacation together, and put them in a memory box.
You can also give the person an experience in the form of audiobooks. This would help the person to fill her time learning and listening to a good story.
Gifting your time can also be good for individuals who have physical or mental disabilities, as you can offer to take her for dinner and assist her for the night or run an errand for her that she will not able to do on her own.
Another homemade option is to create a DIY item for the person’s home. This could be a small item of furniture, an item to hang on the wall, or an item for her deck or patio. If you have a passion for cooking or baking, a good gift option may be a batch of freshly baked cookies or an offer to cook dinner for the person.
You could also bring other homemade items like candles, soap, or sugar scrubs. If you do not know the host well, you may opt for edible gifts that have wide appeal.
A nice succulent plant in a pot is always a great gift. You could also make them a glass terrarium to brighten up their office. If your boss drinks and enjoys cocktails, give her a seven-piece cocktail set or a nice wine opener. If you know your boss’s sense of humor, consider giving her a funny calendar for the new year that she can put on her desk.
If you are trying to think of gifts for several colleagues, consider buying each person a nice bottle of wine or making them nice gift baskets. Try to give everyone the same gift, as you do not want to show favoritism in the office.
Brainstorm with others for the perfect gift, and discuss ideas beforehand to make sure you both don’t end up getting the person the same gift.
You may also want to get creative with the wrapping by using a nice gift box or gift bag and tissue paper. Alternatively, wrap the gift in duct tape or masking tape. You can then watch them struggle to open the gift, just reassure them it will be worth it once they get to the gift inside.
If you are giving the person an experience in the form of gift cards or a certificate, place them in the card and use the envelope as gift wrapping.
You can also leave the gift in an area she may not expect to find a gift and let her experience a surprise that way. Being creative about giving the gift can help to amplify the excitement for the receiver and make her experience of receiving the gift that much better.
