The Art of Choosing Good Gifts

Choosing good gifts can be hard. We've all been there – scratching our heads, scrolling through options, and wondering if we're on the right track. More often than not, the brilliant idea eludes us, and we find ourselves stuck in a sea of options, unsure of what will truly make our loved ones happy. That's why we want to give you today a different perspective on how to pick your gift.

1. Be practical and solve a problem

Instead of trying to find a funny, romantic, or unique gift (indeed that's a tall order!), think about the problems your friend, sibling, or parents have in their daily lives. Is there something that could make their life easier or more enjoyable, even for a short period? One of the best gifts my mom's life partner gives me every year is by remembering when I have to change my car tires. Not only that - he even changes them himself! It doesn't cost him, and it is one of the greatest gifts I can wish for. Some ideas:

• Babysit to give your loved ones some me or couple time
• Repair/Fix an issue in their flat that annoys them but to which they don't get around
• Get good noise-canceling headphones to help them concentrate while working from home
• Organize a relaxed picnic for a friend who is feeling down
• A massage package if their body hurts
• A portable phone charger for someone who's always on the go
• A personalized recipe book with their favorite dishes and family recipes

2. Don't make the gift their problem

I know, making decisions can be tough. However, deciding what to give is part of the gift. Hence, I advise you to be cautious about gift boxes. They may be easy for you, but your friends or loved ones might end up frustrated. Instead of enjoying the experience, they could spend hours browsing through catalogues and comparing options.

I'm speaking from personal experience here. My mom once received a gift box and it took three whole years to actually make a choice! Firstly, she struggled to figure out which options were even applicable to her (it was a bit too complicated for her). Secondly, she didn't find anything among the choices that she truly liked. And when she finally did select a hotel, it turned out to be fully booked! The gift ended up feeling more like a chore than a joy.

Additionally, when you're giving experiences as gifts, I recommend setting a date. Having a deadline really helps in motivating them to actually go and enjoy it instead of postponing it indefinitely.

3. Listen and take your loved one seriously

If you're lucky enough that your loved one not only knows what he/she wants but also tells you, then listen carefully and remember! You might believe you know better what they need (especially parents are prone to this), but often you truly don't. Sorry to be so blunt, but there's little more disappointing than waiting for the gift you believe you'll receive, only to get a sweater or pair of socks instead!

4. The best gift is your time

One of the simplest yet most valuable gifts you can give is your time. Our lives are often so busy that we struggle to find enough moments to enjoy each other's company. You can easily pair this with a shared experience or adventure that both of you will cherish. Your imagination is the only limit. Ideas:

• Go to a 3D archery parcour in the woods together
• Tackle an escape room challenge as a team
• Invite him/her to a delightful dinner at a nice restaurant, just for the two of you
• Book an arts or cooking class for an entertaining evening
• Go to a concert or comedy show with their favorite artist
• Arrange a game night with board games and card games you all enjoy
• Take a day or even weekend trip to a nearby city
• Sign up for a dance class and learn some new moves side by side
• Go hiking in a national park or go skiing in the mountains

Remember, it's the quality time you spend together that truly counts and makes your gift so special.