How to Choose the Perfect Gift

by AJ Pettersen · 12 comments

choose the perfect gift

Receiving the perfect gift is awesome, but giving it can be just as rewarding. When you’re planning on buying a gift, where do you turn? Picking out the perfect item at the perfect price can be difficult. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind:

how to choose the perfect gift1. Pay attention and read between the lines.

If you’re planning on buying a gift for someone soon, pay attention to the details. They may talk about things they don’t have or suggest items that would make life easier for them. Paying attention can leave the recipient of the gift pleasantly surprised.

This is easy when shopping for a spouse or family member, but what about someone you don’t see on a regular basis? My wife and I recently shopped for birthday gifts for family members who live over a thousand miles away. We used a few different methods to find the right gifts:

Shopping in an area with a lot of options was the most important, as it helped us to think of ideas on the go. With so much variety, we were able to find something that fit everyone.

2. Don’t be afraid to shop around.

One way to get a lot of shopping done in a short amount of time is to shop online. This can also save you money. Sending an online gift to its intended recipient is quick and easy. Certain sites even offer deals on shipping if a certain amount is spent.

Last week, I was shopping for a gift for my wife. I wanted a product that was offered by a number of different companies. I shopped around and eventually settled on a quality product with a competitive price.

This is the advantage of the internet — a large number of products can be seen from the comfort of your couch. This allows you to shop around for the best product and deal possible. Sometimes, the same product is offered for different prices from different vendors. Do some research, save some money, and make both you and the gift recipient happy.

3. Always keep in mind that the thought really does count.

Sometimes, people feel as though lavish gifts are the only way to go. “The thought counts” is a cliché phrase, but it rings true when one is buying gifts. The amount of money spent is often irrelevant; the thought is all that matters.

Don’t forget that a thoughtful gift can go a long ways.

By paying attention, shopping around, and being thoughtful, you can buy the perfect gift — without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a gift for a family member, friend, or someone special, you’ll wow them with your gift-buying abilities.

What tips do you have for buying the perfect gift?

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{ read the comments below or add one }

  • Ava Murphy says:

    I like that you suggested shopping around online to quickly and easily send gifts. This is something that I will share with my sister because we want to find the perfect gift for our parents who will celebrate their wedding anniversary next week. Your tips will surely help us find a gift that will surprise them.

  • Shammy Peterson says:

    It sure was nice that you said that you must pay attention to what the gift receiver talks about, especially for the things that they don’t have so you could find a gift. This would a helpful tip for me because I am planning to visit a gift shop. My son is turning 24 next month, and I want to find the best gift for him. I heard that his old wristwatch got damaged when he had a minor car accident last month, so maybe, I could consider buying a new one for him.

  • Jesse Ford says:

    I like how you mentioned that giving a gift can be just as rewarding as getting one. My sister is thinking of getting a kangaroo magnet because it’s my wife’s birthday is soon and she really likes kangaroo’s.

  • DNN says:

    I’m looking to do just that in a few years for people who looked out for me when I was down and out.

  • Myfinancekits says:

    I think it is good to find out what the person likes. No matter how expensive a gift is, if it is not what I like, it won’t appeal to me.

  • The Gourmet Grocer says:

    Do you have a gourmet friend? I’m sure he or she will love a molecular gastronomy kit or a cheese making kit.

  • BillGuard says:

    One of the favorite gifts that I’ve gotten are chocolates, coffee and other types of food-items that are local to the area in which the gift-giver lives.

    For example, I’ve gotten coffee from people who live in states that are known for their coffee production. I’ve gotten chocolate from Europe.

    I appreciate 4 things about this type of gift: One, it’s relatively inexpensive; Two, it’s useful; Three, it won’t create clutter (since it will be consumed); Four, it reflects the “home” of the giver, which makes it more meaningful.

  • @pfinMario says:

    I do not give gifts. This isn’t to say that I don’t celebrate, but I’ve changed the expectations of people around me so that they know that I think they are important without doing something that costs money. Sure, it’s less fun, but then I have the opportunity to sneak away and check on the progress I’m making on my accounts, and that always raises my spirits.

  • John says:

    Thanks for the reminder that it’s the thought that counts! So true. For my 4th wedding anniversary, I bought my wife four roses instead of a dozen like in years past. It was subtle, but later in the day she realized why I only got her four. Fun stuff! Thank you!

  • Caesar F says:

    Add a funny birthday card with the gift if the gift is at best decent.

  • Giddings Plaza FI says:

    I love cooking, and love having friends over, so a really common gift I have is making dinner for someone. I’ll often tell them to invite other friends as well, so it’s a bit of a celebration. I also love when someone offers to cook for me as a gift.

  • Glen @ Monster Piggy Bank says:

    I prefer to spend quality time with someone over getting a gift. As an example I would pay for someones night out like dinner at a restaurant.

    Many of my friends are anti consumerist focused and so this works well for us.

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