How to Buy Gifts That People Will Actually Want
If you received numerous lumps of coal last Christmas, your family and friends may be trying to tell you that the gifts you've been giving them on their birthdays and holidays leave a lot to be desired. Rather than punish yourself for being tasteless, thoughtless or cheap, realize it's more likely that you are merely confused and need some help in picking out the perfect gifts for your family and friends. What you need is a crib sheet on how to shop, what to buy and what not to buy.
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The point of gift-giving is to show that you care, so if it's obvious that you haven't put any thought into the gift at all, there's no point in giving it.
Listen to the recipient. The next time the two of you are watching TV, make a note of all the things he gets excited about during commercials, or pay attention when you are window-shopping together or even when you're just chatting. People are always unconsciously rambling about stuff they want, and if you make it a point to listen closely, your job of finding out what he would like will be greatly simplified.
Ask someone close to the recipient. If you're not usually around to listen to her talk about the stuff she wants, call someone who is--her best friend a sibling or a parent--and ask for a list.
Ask the recipient. Some people don't mind if you directly ask them what they'd like for a present. But ask only if you think the recipient will be comfortable responding.
And don't forget: Those who claim they "will love anything you get them" or "only want your company" or "don't want anything" aren't necessarily telling the truth.
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Next: Shop Defensively
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- Photo Credit a gift image by Sandi Chetwynd from Fotolia.com
