When we look at some of the psychology behind this, it can elevate the entire experience of giving and receiving gifts. Here are a few things to consider when giving a gift.
1. The Power of Personalization: Have
you ever received a gift that had your name on it? You know it was made just for you! This is especially meaningful to someone who needs some help with their identity. A coffee mug that no one else will use at home or at the office. Or note pads with their name on them that makes a person feel special and remembered. You know that the giver had to look for that item or order it especially for them. It shows that thought went into the gift. The receiver feels remembered and special.
2. Beyond Material Value: Have you shared an experience with someone that was so unique that only you and the receiver would get the meaning of something? Like a private joke, or event? Maybe the gift is very simple, but the symbolic meaning has much depth to it. Write a story or reminder to go along with the gift, and it will be remembered for a very long time. Maybe you write a poem or a letter?
3. The Thought Counts: When you pay attention the the recipient's interests, needs, and preferences, you can make even a small gift be incredibly meaningful.
Here's an example: My husband once told me about a book that he had read as a child and he wondered what happened to it (and he is a book person), and it had been his "favorite book"! He said that he would read it over and over. He knew the title and author, so later, I sat down at the computer to see if I could find the book. I did, ordered it, and gave it to him for his birthday. He was so excited to see his favorite childhood book! And he had read it so many times as a boy, that I think he still had it memorized! (For those of you who are curious, it is "The Biggest Bear" by Lynd Ward) Now understand, that not EVERYONE would be this excited! It depends on the person - so don't do exactly what I did, unless you know it would be appreciated!
4. Emotions Behind Gifts: Often there is an emotional journey between the giver and receiver, when it comes to giving gifts. It makes sense that we like to give gifts to the people we are emotionally connected to! Whether it's best friends since grade school, or a college roommate, family, co-worker, or spouse. Write a note or letter to put with the gift that expresses the journey of finding the perfect gift "because.....". Or find a fun way of giving the gift.
When my husband and I were dating, he asked me what I wanted for Christmas, and I didn't know what to tell him. Neither one of us had a lot of extra money at the time, and I said, "I just want you - to be with you". Christmas Eve rolls around, and he gave me a gift bag. Inside was a white, fluffy, plush lamb, that was now a "ewe" (sounds like "you") and tied around it's neck was a ribbon with a diamond ring! Then he got down on his knee and asked me to marry him! See how that worked?
5. The Lasting Impression: It's really important to pay attention to the likes/dislikes of a person you are giving a gift to.
Are they a collector? Do they want more? Or are they overwhelmed with their collection and likely to not appreciate "one more........."?
Are they an enthusiast about something?
Really "love ........"?
What do they do in their spare time?
What is their dream?
What have you shared together?
What is their passion?
Would they rather you donate to a good cause? One that they are connected to?
There are lots of ways to give gifts, and they don't always have to be wrapped in a box or gift bag with tissue paper and a bow! Here is where you will shine as a gift-giver, if you show that you are listening and paying attention to what makes the receiver that unique person. It honors and respects them for being exactly who they are.
We all like that, don't we? We are not made out of cookie cutter molds. We are each specifically unique and want to be known for who we are. When we give someone something just because we like it, it only speaks about us - not them. A gift is to be about the receiver and their relationship to the giver.
What are some of your favorite gifts that you have received? What are the stories behind them? What made them your favorite? And why?
As a retailer, I want my products to be special gifts. I have received special gifts, and I have given gifts to special people, and that's a satisfying thing to do. I like providing some personalized gifts for you to give, and products that have a meaning. That's why I tell you the story behind the design - so that you know the meaning of the design and know how it relates to the people that you know - and who they would make good gifts for.