So what makes your gift unique enough for it to not just be passed over to someone else…?
Don’t feel obligated
If you feel obligated to give someone a gift, don’t do it. Chances are you’re probably not going to put much thought into it and waste your money with something which will probably be go in the re-gift pile or even worse dumped. So you don’t have to become everyone’s Santa Claus, give meaningful gifts that make the receiver feel special.
Personalize your gifts
There is nothing more special than seeing a gift that was especially bought only for you. You don’t have to go out and spend a fortune on engraving names, or monograms but let your gifts have that personal touch. For example, if you have a photo frame you want to re-gift one, find a cute picture of the person you are gifting it to or maybe a picture of their children or family, this will not only make them feel special but also be cherished. Someone who likes to cook, would appreciate a simple apron with a quirky picture of them on it. Or if you know someone who adores their pets, quickly snap a picture of their cat which can turn a boring mug into a cute and adored gift.
Avoid basics
We can safely say everyone is tired of unwrapping another body lotion or a body mist that is just going to lie on the shelf for a year. Unless, someone might not be in a financial position to buy one or is fanatic about them, avoid giving these basic items just because they may be easy to find.
If you do want to go down that route, then make it special by getting a hamper they would like, it could be their favourite chocolates, a perfume they always seem to wear and even something small like a keychain if you see they’re always struggling to find their keys. Just the idea of this variety and the thought you put into it will make their day. And it will probably cost you much less too.
For the big shots
We all have those some people we can’t avoid not giving a gift to. A new boss, a colleague or the always entertaining office game Secret Santa. However, make sure your gift has some meaning to them. If you really don’t know the person, ask a colleague what they like and gift accordingly. Instead of wasting money, take a minute to actually think of what they really like.
There is no point going out and buying a pair of earrings for someone who only wears the real stuff or a pen for your boss who could probably buy a dozen of them. Instead you could let your inner stalker out a little and find some cute pictures of themselves or their family from their Instagram or Facebook feeds and frame or print it out.
This will definitely show initiative and care. Avoid something embarrassing or mean if you don’t know them too well as they might take it the wrong way.
Don’t forget the little people
There are so many people we completely put off our list, because they simply mean very little to us and we could not be bothered about what they think. Right? But imagine the gratitude on your security guard’s face if you acknowledged him with even a small box of chocolates.
Or the cleaning lady with one of the many perfumes you want to re gift, or even the office driver with a basic wallet. It would make their face light up and the appreciation you receive will probably be more than any gift you give.
It’s not all about gifts
If you know someone who is new to the city or having a hard time making friends at the office, a box of chocolates isn’t really the best way to go. Instead, spend some quality time with them by taking them for a weekend brunch when you are both available or to a bowling alley, just something to make them feel special.
It could be something fancy like a spa day with all the great deals on now, or even a dinner and night out. For someone who is alone, has few friends or is away from family, this would mean the world to them. You could do it before the holidays or even after a hard day at the office.
The card
Most people tear off a post it and feel writing the name is enough, because it’s obviously all about what’s inside. While that might be true for most, there are others who collect these cards, pin them up on their walls or even put them in their office drawers.
So, take a second and write something meaningful like an inside joke between the two of you’ll or even something sappy for a change. They might not show it, but they will definitely re read it if it’s something that makes them feel fuzzy and special.
Merry Christmas everyone!
- Sanobar Mistry is a journalist and is currently a teacher in the UAE
