When giving the perfect gift, you’ll want to consider many things (the recipient and the occasion, for example). But to truly give a great gift that stands out, you need to make sure your gift is memorable. It needs to be something the recipient will remember for years, not just another gift.
If you aren’t sure how to make your gift memorable, you might drive yourself crazy trying to figure it out. Consider these five factors when trying to put together a gift worth remembering.
1. Thoughtfulness
The more thought you put into a gift, the more memorable it will be. There are several ways to be more thoughtful and intentional when giving gifts. Think about the recipient. What would mean the most to them right now? Don’t buy a gift just to say that you got one; instead, think of what your loved one truly needs and could make use of right now.
How can you best support your loved one during the season of life they’re in? For example, let’s say you have friends who just became parents. They might appreciate pre-made meals, gift cards to restaurants, or something as simple as babysitting services. If someone in your life is grieving the loss of a family member or a pet, you can send them sympathy gifts to show that you care.
You might also be aware of a person’s upcoming plans or personal goals. Use this to your advantage! If they recently told you about a vacation they have planned, give them something they could use on their trip. A cute backpack or a polaroid camera would be a great gift.
2. Personalization
Show that you understand someone by personalizing their gift. Give them a gift that shows you really know them on a deep level. Personalize it to their likes, dislikes, and personality. One easy way to do this is by creating a ‘favorite things’ basket. Fill a nice basket with the recipient’s favorite things, from self-care items to games to snacks.
While personalizing a gift, take it a step further by lending your skills to the people you love. For example, if you’re artistic, design your own card for the gift. If you’re a good writer, make sure to include a heartfelt note. Are you good at baking? Include baked treats with your gift. If you can crochet, make a blanket or cardigan. When you create parts of a gift, it truly feels personalized. Plus, the time, effort, and hard work will show that you truly care.
3. Connection
Giving a gift to someone you care about is an opportunity to really showcase your relationship. The gift can tell a story about the connection the two of you share, making it very meaningful and memorable. Whether you’re gifting to a friend, family member, or significant other, include something personal, something unique between the two of you.
One easy way to give a gift that shows your connection with someone is by including memories. Print out some of your favorite photos of the two of you and have them framed. Think about other memories or inside jokes. If there’s a specific television show or movie you both love to watch together, give something based on that.
When buying a gift to represent your connection with someone, think about how you usually spend time with them. Maybe you enjoy chatting over a bottle of wine with your mom. Or, perhaps you like to watch sports with your dad. Giving something and saying, “This reminded me of you and all the fun times we had together,” means a lot.
4. Experience
Experiences are popular gifts (and for good reason). It’s more than just something you unwrap; it’s something you enjoy and remember forever. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable gift idea, consider giving your loved one an experience. It doesn’t have to be something super extravagant like a vacation. There are dozens of experiences you can give.
If your significant other is hard to buy for, treat them to a cooking class or a wine tasting. It’s something fun that the two of you can enjoy together. If you want to give someone else an experience, think about the recipient and what they’d enjoy. Gift certificates for nice dinners are always appreciated. For the music lover in your life, look into concert tickets. Or, if you know someone who deserves a little relaxation, give them a spa day as a gift.
5. Presentation
Sometimes, it isn’t just the item itself that makes a gift memorable; presentation can be just as important. How you wrap a gift and present it to the recipient can make a difference. It shows that you put even more time and consideration than what was necessary. In addition to choosing the perfect gift, an elaborate wrapping job will take it to the next level.
If you need gift presentation ideas, there are a lot of factors to consider. Use items around your home to create your own gift bag. A brown bag from the grocery store can become a craft for you and a thoughtful gift for someone you love. Homemade gift tags can also make a gift special and visually appealing. Learn how to tie a beautiful ribbon or bow to give it that special final touch. You can even tuck something into the ribbon, like a pretty flower.
Depending on the occasion, you can also give your gift wrapping a theme. For example, if you’re attending a baby shower, fill a baby bath tub with fun gifts. Tie everything with a ribbon, and you have a unique, fun gift. You can also come up with ideas that are more gift-specific. If you’re buying a mug for a coffee lover, throw in a gift card to their favorite coffee shop along with some locally roasted beans and flavored syrups.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a holiday, or a special event in someone’s life, there are many reasons for gifting. You can even give a gift to show someone you’re thinking of them. Or, maybe, you want to provide comfort during a difficult time. With so many reasons to give, it takes a special gift to stand out. But rest assured, when a gift comes from your heart, they’ll never forget it.