How to Be a Sensational Gift Giver

Last updated on January 6th, 2025 at 01:29 pm

How to Be a Sensational Gift Giver

Gift-giving can feel like a high-stakes game. Remember that time you picked out a trendy gadget for your tech-savvy friend, only to find out they already had it?

Or how about the present that led to an awkward silence instead of the grateful smile you imagined? These moments highlight the delicate art of choosing the right gift.

Being a Sensational Gift Giver involves understanding the recipient and the occasion, setting a budget, selecting the right place and time, and preparing the presentation.

Understanding Your Recipient

37% of gifts are returned because they don’t align with the recipient. To be a Sensational Gift Giver, it is crucial the gift matches the receiver's interests, personality, and needs.

A Sensational Gift Giver Assesses Interests

Knowing the interests of your gift recipient is the first step. Talk to them or observe their activities. Do they enjoy cooking, sports, or art?

Find out what their hobby is or if they collect anything. What does he/she do on their day off or after work? Ask him/her directly or ask their friend or neighbor.

Check their social media. If they frequently post about gardening, they might like a unique plant, a gardening tool, or botanical garden membership.

A Sensational Gift Giver Considers Personality and Lifestyle

Tailor the gift to fit the recipient's personality not yours. Here are some examples of how different personalities deserve different types of gifts:

• Minimalist:

  Minimalists value simplicity, functionality, and intentionality, so the best gifts for them tend to be practical (serves a purpose or solves a problem), versatile (has many different uses), or enhance their everyday life without adding unnecessary clutter. Examples of what a Sensational Gift Giver gets a minimalist include:

  • Compact wallet
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Drawer tidying Kit
  • Storage organizer
  • Classes or workshops
  • Ergonomic laptop stand
  • Supermarket gift certificate
  • Lifestyle magazine subscription
  • Something you made yourself (i.e. candle)

• Maximalist:

  Maximalists loves bold, vibrant designs and thrives in spaces filled with personality and detail. They appreciate gifts that reflect their eclectic, expressive style. Here are some ideas that a Sensational Gift Giver would give a maximalist:

  • Dramatic lamp
  • Collectible Figurine
  • Geometric coffee table tray
  • Oversized abstract or pop art
  • DIY jacket with embroidered patches that match their personality

• Introvert:

  Introverts enjoy solitude, comfort, and meaningful activities. When choosing a gift for an introvert, get a gift that caters to their need for quiet reflection or personal enjoyment. Introverts might favor cozy, personal gifts like:

  • Self-Care Kit
  • Jigsaw puzzle
  • Crossword book
  • Blanket or throw
  • Loungewear or socks
  • Journal or stationery
  • Candle or essential oil diffuser

• Extrovert:

  Extroverts thrive on social interaction, adventure, and experiences that allow them to connect with others. When choosing a gift for an extrovert, consider items that align with their energetic personality and love for engagement. Here are some ideas:

  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Karaoke microphone
  • Cocktail-making kit
  • Instant photo printer
  • Cel phone selfie stick
  • Multi-player board game

A Sensational Gift Giver Identifies Needs and Wants

You can subtly identify someone's needs or wants through casual conversation. Also, pay attention to what they mention in passing.

Have they been complaining about something that is on the verge of dying or that has already broken down? A replacement would definitely be appreciated.

Do they need a new backpack for school/work or have they been eyeing a specific gadget? Again, browsing their social media might provide hints.

Define the Gift Giving Occasion

Birthday Gifts

When it comes to birthdays, tailor your gift to the recipient's age for maximum impact (more in-depth info on age farther down in the article). For example:

• A Teenager might appreciate trendy sneakers
• A Grandparent might love a custom photo album featuring family memories

Holiday Gifts

Different holidays bring different gifting traditions. For Christmas, think of personalized ornaments or winter items like a cozy blanket. For Hanukkah, consider culturally significant gifts like a Menorah.

Special Event Gifts

Categorizing your gift based on the event (i.e. anniversary, graduation, or wedding) shows your understanding of its significance.

A bottle of fine wine may be suitable for a close friend’s wedding, while a thoughtful book could be perfect for a graduation gift. Anniversaries have their own set of rules.

Most couples celebrate their anniversary every year for the first five years. Then they celebrate every five years until their 25th anniversary.

After their 25th they usually switch to celebrating every 10 years. The gift tradition for each one of those milestones is as follows:

MILESTONE	GIFT	SYMBOLISM	GEMSTONE
1st	Paper (i.e. journal)	Blank Slate	Gold
2nd	Cotton (i.e. robe)	Lives Intertwined	Garnet
3rd	Leather (i.e. wallet)	Resilient/Flexible	Pearl
4th	Fruit or Flowers (i.e. floral-scented candle)	Fertility/Blooming	Blue Topaz
5th	Wood (i.e. wooden keepsake box)	Strong/Rooted	Sapphire
10th	Tin or Aluminum (i.e. tin serving tray)	Durable yet Pliable	Diamond
15th	Crystal (i.e. toasting flutes)	Multifaceted	Ruby
20th	China (i.e. china vase)	Timeless Grace	Emerald
25th	Silver (i.e. frame or jewelry)	Lustrous	Silver
40th	Ruby (i.e. jewelry or ruby-themed item)	Devotion and Passion	Ruby
50th	Gold (i.e. coin or jewelry)	Lasting Value/Radiance	Gold
60th	Diamond (i.e. diamond-encrusted item)	Unbreakable Bond	Diamond

A Sensational Gift Giver Tailors to Recipient's Age

Although there is no universal standard for the types of presents to give based on age, a Sensational Gift Giver picks age-appropriate items.

To do so, think of the current trends and general preferences that align with the different age groups and get a gift that reflects the recipient's age. Consider:

• Interests
• Practical Needs
• Developmental Stages

Child 1-12

For a child ages 1 to 12, a Sensational Gift Giver gets a learning gift that's fun. For example:

• 1-3 Years: Gifts focus on sensory exploration and motor skills. Examples include colorful stacking toys, soft plush animals, or musical instruments like tambourines
• 4-7 Years: Imaginative play and creativity dominate. Think LEGO sets, art supplies, dress-up costumes, or storybooks with engaging visuals
• 8-12 Years: Hobbies and interactive activities become key. Consider board games, science kits, craft projects, or sports equipment

Teenager 13-18

For a teenager ages 13 to 18, a Sensational Gift Giver chooses a gift that reflect his/her personal interests and celebrate his/her independence like:

• Tech Gadgets: Popular options include headphones, phone accessories, or gadgets like portable speakers
• Hobby Supplies: Sports gear, art sets, or books in their favorite genre are great personalized gifts
• Fashion or Accessories: Trendy clothing, sneakers, or jewelry often resonate with this age group
• Experiences: Tickets to a concert, escape room, or a gift card for their favorite store allow for choice and personal expression

Young Adult 19-30

For a young adult ages 19 to 30, a Sensational Gift Giver picks a practical and lifestyle-oriented gift such as:

• Personal Growth Items: Journals, career-related books, or online course subscriptions cater to their self-development
• Tech and Convenience: Smart home devices, portable chargers, or high-quality kitchen gadgets for first-time homeowners or renters
• Experiences: Travel-related gifts like Airbnb gift cards, adventure tickets, or subscription boxes (e.g., for coffee, fitness, or beauty)

Adult 31-60

For a middle-aged adult ages 31 to 60, a Sensational Gift Giver chooses a quality gift that reflects his/her personal interests like:

• Hobbies and Relaxation: Gifts like premium wines, gardening tools, collectibles, or sports accessories cater to established interests
• Family-Focused Gifts: Custom photo albums or experiences that bring family together, such as a group escape room outing
• Luxury Items: High-quality leather goods, jewelry, or spa treatments offer a touch of indulgence

Older Adult Over 60

For an older adult ages 61 and over, a Sensational Gift Giver selects sentimental and comfort-oriented gifts. Some examples include:

• Memory-Making: Custom photo books, family tree kits, or framed family portraits are cherished
• Comfort Gifts: Cozy throws, ergonomic cushions, or luxury teas prioritize relaxation and health
• Hobbies and Keepsakes: Puzzles, knitting kits, or collectibles that reflect their interests

Set a Budget

Setting a budget helps prevent overspending and ensures you stay on track.

Determining a Spending Limit

Think about how much money you can realistically spend and stick to that limit. This way you'll enjoy giving the gift rather than resenting or regretting it.

Finding a Value for Your Money

To get something meaningful without overspending, look for high-quality gifts that are on sale. Many stores and websites have items on sale or give seasonal discounts.

Considering the Recipient's Finances

Keep the recipient's finances in mind. Gifting something extravagant to someone who is self-conscious about their own budget could lead to discomfort.

It might also be inappropriate. For example, if you give your boss an expensive gift, he/she might think they are paying you too much.

Choosing a gift that follows a budget, whether it was stated or just understood, is respecting the recipient's financial comfort zone.

Deciding on the Type of Gift

A Sensation Gift Giver considers what item will resonate more with the recipient based on the recipient's lifestyle and preferences.

Experiential vs. Material Gift

An experiential gift (i.e. tickets to a concert, participating in an escape room event, or taking a class) can create memories that last a lifetime.

Material gifts (i.e. gadgets or jewelry) are also great but remember that material gifts are cherished only for as long as the item lasts.

Personalized vs. Generic Gift

A Sensational Gift Giver adds personalization to the gift because it adds a special touch and stands out. Get the item monogrammed or make custom piece.

Try creating something unique, like a photo collage or a custom mug featuring an inside joke to show you put thought into the selection.

Sensational Gift Giver Presentation

Consider when and how you deliver your gift. The when, where, and how of gift-giving can make or break the recipient's response to getting the gift.

When to Give a Gift

The moment you choose to give a gift can set the tone for the recipient’s response. A well-timed gift demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration. For example:

• Special Occasions: Giving a gift on a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, which is often expected, is appreciated and it adds to the celebration. If you give someone a birthday gift after their special day has passed, although still a kind gesture, won't be as appreciated because the recipient will feel they weren't prioritized
• Surprises: Unexpected gifts, like on an ordinary Tuesday, can enhance emotional impact because it shows spontaneity and genuine care. However, giving a surprise gift at a stressful or inconvenient time might catch the recipient off guard and lessen the appreciation

Where to Give a Gift

The location where you give a gift can either make the moment intimate and memorable or awkward and impersonal. A few examples:

• Private Spaces: Giving a meaningful gift in a private setting allows for a personal exchange, fostering emotional connection. For instance, handing over a heartfelt letter at home is much more impactful than in a noisy, crowded restaurant
• Public Spaces: Some gifts, like those meant to surprise or celebrate publicly (e.g., proposals or achievements), might be better suited for a shared environment. However, ensure the recipient is comfortable with public attention, as this can backfire if they value privacy

Remember too that, while mailing a gift surprises the recipient, giving a gift in person can create a more impactful celebration.

Wrapping the Gift

How you wrap a gift is also important because it heightens anticipation and shows you care about the entire gifting process.

Use paper or fabric befitting the occasion and add ribbons or other creative elements to make it even more visually appealing.

Writing a Heartfelt Card

To be a Sensational Gift Giver, you should always include a personalized card with the gift. A written meaningful message on the card enhances any gift.

Even a simple "I appreciate you", "You're the best", or "Thinking of you" can turn an average gift into something unforgettable.

Get Collectibles for a Collector

A Sensational Gift Giver finds out or knows if the receiver of the gift collects a certain type of item. If they are a collector, check out our collectibles store.

To summarize, to be a Sensational Gift Giver, thoughtful consideration should be given as to the who, what, when, where, and how of gift-giving.

This concludes our article about How to Be a Sensational Gift Giver. Now that you've read How to Be a Sensational Gift Giver, click on the links below: