The Art Of Giving

Christmas is a season when many people start to wonder what suitable gift they can give to a loved one, family member, or colleague. Some people seem to have a natural talent for finding just the right item for just the right person. Other people seem to always get it wrong. There truly is a subtle art in gift-giving, and it is not that hard to learn.

Lots of people make the mistake of thinking of their budget when they first start to contemplate what they are going to give to someone. The financial aspect does have to come into it, but that should not be the main factor. Even the most expensive gift is useless if it is not something the recipient wants or needs.

The first consideration when choosing a present for someone should be contemplating who that person really is. Spend a few minutes pondering what they like and don't like, where their passions lie, what interests them the most. If this is someone who is particularly close, there are probably little inside jokes and shared moments that can be remembered and expressed in a token of love or appreciation.

Knowing the recipient and their lifestyle can go a long way to finding just the right item. For instance, there is no point spending money on a nice shaving kit for someone who takes pride in growing a beard; nor is there any reason to purchase a lavish bath care set for a person who only has a shower in their home. These are the sort of items that often get passed along to someone else, and send a message that no care was taken while choosing a gift. Buying for the sake of buying should not be the basis of a Christmas present.

Next, examine what this person needs. Someone who loves to read will appreciate a wide variety of options, from expensive first editions, to book shop gift vouchers, to a second hand copy of something that has been on a wish list. In this instance, it is the item that is important, not the amount spent on it. People who take the time to choose the right gift, rather than just spending as much as possible, send a message that they respect and value the person to whom the gift was given. The same can be said about any other interest; somewhere, there is going to be just that perfect something that is going to reflect the care and attention that went into the selection.

Gifts don't have to be of a material nature, either. For those who are crafty or have a defined skill set, the present can be something that appeals to the one receiving it. Ideas for this might include manicures, massages, lawn or garden care, cleaning, dressmaking, cooking, or any number of other services. These items can be very valuable and much appreciated. Wrapping them need not be an issue, either, for there are many ways that they can be printed onto a gift certificate, or made into a nice card, which can then be tied with a bow, placed onto the tree, or put into a stocking.

Children sometimes can present a problem when it comes to what is appropriate for Christmas. Shops are filled with so many tantalizing items; what is the best one to obtain? In this instance, chatting to the parent is often a good choice. Parents will have an idea of what they are going to do, and what is already being purchased for the child by someone else. A bit of planning here can avoid duplication, and thus disappointment. Remember that children get very excitable at Christmas. Perhaps tapping into the whole season, and doing a series of small gifts, rather than one larger one, would make something more memorable for a small one.

There are many ways to make a gift successful, and while none need be expensive, they all have one common denominator, the gift of thought. When thought is put into the choice, it is inevitable that love will be the outcome, and at the end of the day, that is the most important thing anyone can receive. Thoughtfulness changes a simple exchange into the real meaning of giving.