Tag: holidaygifts

Crowd Pleaser Holiday Gifts

There are people who are impossible to shop for. It can get frustrating because they have everything and when they have a desire to have something it will be purchased. This is the time to think outside the box and try to be sustainable if possible. I always like to give people a useful gift that can be used all year long. What are some gift ideas for anyone you aren’t super close to or a hard to shop for person?….

Think outside a physical gift….

This is my first instinct for this type of person. Most people will not take a random class or feel that a certain streaming service is a little too indulgent. For an older person a technology favor could really help them out. Such as organizing their desktop or to help block scammers on their computer and phone. Movie passes to an indie cinema, concert tickets, sports tickets etc are also an option.

Go personal…

Anyone who is artsy or has a fun hobby this is the time to shine. Anything handmade or designed by you adds a special touch. You can easily set up a red bubble or similar site and add your art. A cute tote bag or tee shirt with your design can be a great gift.

Plants….

A plant can be a great gift for most people. You can help breathe some air into a space with an easy to care for plant. Create a starter herb garden with small plants that can be used indoors next to a kitchen window. They also make indoor herb kits with lights. Another option is fun and artsy plant holders. You can paint a plain one, thrift, or find one at a holiday market.

The mixologist….

Set up your friend’s home bar. Get them started with some bitters, shaker, a simple cart etc. The entertainer loves to have a fancy decanters to show off to guests. For non drinkers help stock a coffee or tea bar.

Sheets and pillowcases….

Nice sheets only get softer with each wash. A silk pillowcase is very helpful for anyone who doesn’t want to wake up with bed head. It’s great to give everyday luxury that they can use all year. A cozy large throw blanket can be a good idea as well.

Food gifts….

Make gourmet bread or sweets for people. This is great for relatives you don’t know that well and you are mailing them items. There are companies that offer food packages as well. Keep food simple and double check dietary needs.

Cashmere scarf….

No one would dislike a quality scarf or hat. Keep the color neutral, black is probably the safest bet. A sweater might be too expensive for most, so something smaller (socks) might be better for your budget.

Gift cards…

With gift cards I try to go local. This could be to a local day spa, restaurant, or book store. It seems more thought out than an amazon gift card.

Art…

This is great for people who have blank walls and need an art curator. Go to the flea markets, thrift stores, or local art markets. If you know your friend or family member’s taste this can be great to help them decorate. Also you can go to Etsy or other sites for downloadable art then thrift a nice frame.

Bottom Line….

These are examples of crowd pleaser gifts. It is great to go personal whenever possible however, sometimes you need to give gifts to people you are not as close to such as a co -worker or family member. I enjoy a non physical gift or favor that could really help out someone. Try to shop small, second hand, and buy a gift card from a local business. It will help out the local economy and give money back to the community.

Gift Giving

In the five love languages (physical touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, and gifts ), very rarely are gifts on the list for men. With one guy in particular, I had the need to win him over. Every time I had a chance to see him I would bring over a small gift (artwork, a book, dreamcatchers). He would take the gift with a shrug and place it on the shelf. The next time I came by his place the objects would stare back at me as they collected dust…..

Why is it a bad idea to give a guy a random gift?….

He needs to be the one to win you over. It also has an air of desperation. What might have meaning to you may not register as generous to him.

What’s the worst gift to give a man?…..

Flowers…. hands down. Most men would feel emasculated to receive flowers before a date or out of the blue. I mean, is there a guy out there who owns a small flower shop and knows the name of every flower?…it’s possible. As a general rule, don’t visit your local florist for a guy you have been seeing for a few months.

What if it’s his birthday or the holidays?…..

If you are in an exclusive relationship, the best type of gift to give is something useful. The most noteworthy present I gave to one boyfriend was a nice leather notebook since he was a writer, and I also gave him silver cuff links. Try not to spend a fortune, and keep things simple.

What about an anniversary or Valentines Day?…..

On these types of holidays a women needs to be celebrated more. He needs to worry about a physical gift. If you are an established couple, your job is to be delightful to be around and to spend quality time. For example, you could give him a back massage, or make a mouthwatering steak dinner.

Don’t take him out to dinner…..

It seems like the right thing to do because that’s what you would want from him. A true alpha male would feel embarrassed if the check arrived and she snatched it in front of the server. However, cheap, lazy men would love to be pampered with zero shame.

Has he ever gotten you a gift?……

If it’s early on in an exclusive relationship and you haven’t spent a birthday or holiday, it’s hard to know what to do. If his birthday comes first, do something nice for him, but don’t go big. If he does not get you a gift at all, it’s a deal breaker. Sure some gifts don’t have to be material. He could write you a poem, or a handwritten love note with your favorite chocolates. If he drops the ball, it’s intentional.

Shout out on Social Media…..

Yes, this isn’t a physical gift, but it’s an easy way to make a girl feel special. I know this guy who used to live in my hometown. With his previous girlfriend, you would never know they were even a couple. He would only post sports stuff on his feed. Then when he moved, he got a new girlfriend. On her birthday he posted on his feed a picture of both of them smiling on a beach. Below the pic the caption gushed about how lucky he was to have met her. If a man doesn’t post you on social media, even just a story (if you are exclusive), it’s a red flag. Men are capable of being romantic for the right girl.

What’s the difference between thoughtful and expensive?…..

I find that gifts do not have to cost a lot. In fact, some of the most meaningful gifts cost nothing. My college boyfriend edited a photo collage of pictures of us though the years to music. I thought it was so sweet and it took him hours to do. It cost him no money, only his time.

What about lingerie as a gift?….

Anything sexual can make you question why he wants to spice things up. Usually it’s harmless. When I worked at the mall, I would always see men wandering around Victoria’s Secret. At least it’s on the romantic side and he probably sees you as sexy. I wouldn’t overthink it too much. Worry more if he gives you a Rubik’s Cube wrapped in an old newspaper.

What types of gifts are red flags?…..

If he gives you something unromantic, it’s a bad sign…..

The worst gift ever is a gym membership! What is he trying to say–unless you expressed that you really wanted one, yet couldn’t afford it. Basically, if a gift is unromantic and completely out of the blue, alarm bells in your head should be going off.

Other examples are…..

  1. Free things- Hotel soap, matches from a bar, obvious re-gifts – ( acceptable–re-gifted tickets to the opera)

2. Hygiene items – Toothpaste, feminine hygiene, toilet paper ( acceptable – perfume, fancy bath stuff)

3. Gifts that imply he wants you to change- Box hair dye, provocative clothing, work-out equipment ( acceptable-if they have to do with a goal or dream of yours )

4. Household cleaning supplies- vacuum cleaner, micro-fabric dust cloth, Lysol disinfectant (acceptable-again, if it’s something you expressed you wanted, or a pretty household gift such as a beautiful vase, painting, tasteful furnishings)

Bottom Line….

Don’t overthink buying a gift for him. He needs to worry about impressing you. The more you give, the less you get. Your main job is to create a fun and loving environment by spending quality time. No sour mood or pouting in the corner while scrolling your phone. You might think that taking him to an expensive restaurant would impress him. Truthfully, it more than likely will make him feel emasculated. Watch out for gifts that don’t feel right or seem very last minute. Money should not factor into a good gift and he isn’t allowed to use that as an excuse. The best gifts aren’t expensive and come from the heart.