Picking the perfect gift for someone involves more than just what they want; it involves your price range. If the gifting is occurring within the family and you really can’t afford to spend the amount everyone is expecting, tell them that. There is no shame in being straightforward and honest about your financial needs. In fact, some other family members might agree that they are in the same situation but didn’t want to disappoint anyone. You can tell them to keep your gift within the same price range so they don’t feel taken advantage of. Remind everyone that the gift is in the heart of the giver, not the pocketbook.
After considering how much money you can spend on a certain gift, it’s time to think about the recipient. Clues as to appropriate gifts can be found in what they may have mentioned that they want or need, what they wear, the items they use, collections they have, the music they prefer, the food and beverages they enjoy and the type of work they perform. If you give a pair of really utilitarian, super-high-tech, extra-warm, waterproof gloves to an office worker who tries to never go outside, that gift might not be appreciated (or used). If you give the same gift to the local postman who has to slog through snow, sleet and hail to deliver the mail, your gift will be entered into the hall of fame of their favorite gifts. If you give cheap drugstore perfume to a woman who has her own perfume specially formulated by a master perfumer, that gift will likely be put into the donations box but if you give the same gift to a girl who has never had her own perfume, it will be remembered for a lifetime.
Thinking about what gift would be right for someone is part of the gift. To know that someone has spent at least a few moments thinking about what one might enjoy is special. The recipient will remark about what a thoughtful gift you have given and wonder how you knew to give them such a perfect gift. That gift and your effort will be remembered with fondness-not so much because of the item but rather the effort applied. Speaking of effort: it is not necessary to purchase things to give to people if one cannot afford it. Giving of time and talent is appreciated as well; just make sure to include a card detailing the gift. A book of coupons that can be redeemed throughout the year is usually a hit with moms and wives; sometimes that “romantic dinner out at the restaurant of your choice” comes at the best time for the husband as well. Create your own book of special coupons that the recipient will definitely use and enjoy and add some humor with the coupons. Of course, one must honor the coupons when presented or the gift isn’t really a gift. Giving should always be from the heart and without strings attached; that way both giver and receiver have the true gift of love, given freely.