Gift-giving tends to be associated with the holiday season. However, if you stop to think about it, you need to buy presents all year long. After all, there is much to celebrate – birthdays, graduations, engagements, weddings, new babies, and a whole lot more.
Even though you may have had quite a bit of practice in the gift-giving department, you probably still find it difficult to manage. As a result, you may be making more mistakes than you realize whenever you head out on a shopping excursion. Thus, there is a good chance that you end up buying the wrong presents or you waste money in the process.
If you want to put an end to these errors, then this is the post for you. Here you can identify all the mistakes that you may be making and learn how to correct them immediately. Let’s begin!
Procrastinating Your Gift Buying
This is something everyone is guilty of and you can certainly be forgiven for it. After all, you lead a busy life. It can be tricky to shop for a present long before it needs to be handed over. Nevertheless, this is a habit that you should consider forming.
See, when you start looking for a present ahead of time, you can be more thoughtful and precise with your shopping. You can examine each item and make a measured decision about whether it is the right gift for someone or not. In turn, you are less likely to pick up the first present option that comes along.
So, always give yourself some wiggle room and start shopping for a gift weeks ahead of the due date. If you are looking for presents for a significant other, family member, or close friend, you may want to extend this period even further. This way, you have even more time to find the perfect present.
Imagining That It is the Thought That Counts
Have you ever wrapped up and given a half-hearted present? You may have been able to console yourself with the idea that it is “the thought that counts”. This is probably what you have always been told anyways.
Well, the researchers in this article https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/22/not-thought-counts-christmas-clever-present/ show that this isn’t the case at all. A staggering amount of people receive presents that they dislike. So, these end up gathering dust in a corner, meaning you have just wasted your money.
Now, how can you avoid making this particular error? Well, stop buying presents on a whim just because you assume that the recipient will like it. Instead, take the time to consider whether the present will be readily enjoyed or whether it will be re-gifted immediately.
Furthermore, avoid generic gifts. Think about the person that you are shopping for and outline their likes, passions, and personality. You will then be able to find a personalized present that will be happily received.
Assuming That You Are Clued Into Trends
If you think that gift shopping for presents is difficult, then shopping for teenagers – teenage girls, in particular – can be downright impossible. Nevertheless, you have to still soldier on and pick out a present that you deem as suitable.
The problem is that you will probably end up guessing wrong. It doesn’t matter how on board you are with teen trends, you can never really guarantee what is cool and what isn’t. Thus, there is a good chance that you may buy a teen a present that they have no interest in all.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this issue. Rather than trying to figure out what teenagers like, consider referring to a guide such as https://giftrep.com/gifts-for-teen-girls/. The authors have done extensive research on what the latest and best trends are and have offered supporting ideas. Therefore, there’s no need to predict what you need to get.
You may also want to take this approach when buying presents for younger children as well. If you aren’t in touch with the latest trends, a guide can always come in handy. This way, you can ensure that your present will be appreciated and used for a longer period.
Not Obeying Gift Giving Etiquette
If you imagine that any item will work well as a present, think again. There are some types of presents that will simply not work. Thus, you should steer clear of these at all times. Make it a point to never, ever give someone such a present.
So, which gifts should you be sidestepping? Well, for one thing, don’t give utilitarian gifts. While it may seem logical to buy individuals something that they need, it comes off as a rather sad present. This is because you are traditionally supposed to buy an item that the recipient wouldn’t consider getting for themselves.
You should also give any self-improvement gifts a pass. This includes items that may involve weight loss, anti-aging, skin improvements, and more. No one wants their flaws pointed out, especially when exchanging gifts in front of a crowd of people. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you feel that such a gift will be appreciated – don’t go down this road.
If you are considering a funny or gag gift, you may want to think again. Sure, it can seem like a hoot when you are shopping for such a present. However, the person unwrapping the gift may not feel the same. In fact, they may feel let down or even offended if they don’t have the same sense of humor as you do. You should beware of buying such presents for your close friends or relatives as well.
These are the top gift buying mistakes you need to avoid starting from this moment. As long as you steer clear of these errors, your present shopping should go rather well. Not to mention, you can utilize these tactics all year long, for any gift-giving occasion. You will be able to make good investments and ensure that your recipients will be incredibly happy with what you bought. How’s that for a win-win situation?