10 tips for choosing a good gift

A list of guidelines to keep in mind when choosing the right presents or gifts.

Throughout our lives, we may find ourselves in the situation that we have to give something to someone. Whether it is Christmas Day, Epiphany or an acquaintance's birthday, we have to decide what we can give that person.

Although giving gifts is a tradition, it is also an act of love. Especially when the person who receives it does not expect it and we surprise him or her as a token of appreciation or affection. In this article you will find a list of tips for choosing the perfect gift..

The perfect gift depends on each person

In some cases, choosing the perfect gift is not always easy. In fact, each person is different and has different tastes, what may be an ideal gift for someone may not be for another. That is why it is necessary to to know the other person well and be a little empathetic to get it right when it comes to making a suitable present.

And, in fact, it does not even have to be a very elaborate gift, it should simply be something symbolic for the person. Sometimes a simple experience or an act of love has a higher price than any financially expensive gift. The gift is personal and it's the thought that counts (at least that's what they say)..

Some tips for choosing a good gift

Even so, it is possible to follow a series of tips to have more chances of success when giving a gift. This way you will not have to go to change your gift, nor the person who has received the present will have to use the gift voucher because it is not to his liking.

So, instead of giving anything, show a little interest and pay attention to the following lines. Surely the other person will appreciate your dedication and the nice detail:

1. Take the trouble to get to know their tastes.

Always think about the person to whom you are going to give the gift and be empathetic, because this is necessary to succeed with your gifts. In fact, it is it is practically impossible to get it right without knowing the other person's motivations and what he/she likes.Is he/she a psychologist, does he/she like sports, is he/she passionate about surfing? Knowing their interests and hobbies will give you an idea of what they might like the most.

2. Make a list of the person's interests

Maybe in this reflection you have come up with several possibilities or tastes of the person you want to surprise. Sometimes you will be very clear about what the other person wants, but sometimes not. In these cases, make a list of their interests and tastes to decide the best option.

3. Do some research on the gift

Now that you know what the other person is like and you have thought about it, you have probably come up with several options about what he or she might like or dislike. It is not about choosing the first thing that comes to your mind, at least if you want to give her the perfect gift because you care that she feels grateful and happy with your gift. To do this, make a list of possible alternatives and then choose the one you consider most appropriate..

5. Decide where you are going to buy it

Nowadays, it is possible to buy many things online, but some individuals prefer to go directly to the store and decide there what they like based on what they see. In this case, you don't need to go with a list or look for the gift online, because you can also go and take a look around the stores before choosing a good gift..

However, it is interesting to think about what the person might like and where you can find what you are looking for. For example, if you know that he likes sports, you can go to a store that sells products of this theme.

6. Ask someone close to you

You may have to give the gift to someone you don't know very well and with whom you don't have an excessively close relationship. In these situations, you can ask someone who knows him/her for advice.

7. Find an accomplice

If you really want to get it right, look for an accomplice. Whether it's your nephew's partner or your cousin's best friend, the important thing is to know the answer to your question, "What will he like best?" first hand. In fact, you can even you can even ask them to help you find out without the other person knowing your intention..

According to research in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, people are more satisfied when they get what they want than when they receive an unexpected gift.

8. Give a collective gift

You may have found out that the person you're giving the gift to wants something that's out of your budget, but you see the gift as something that could be of great use to him or her. If you want to give it to them, you can make a collective gift, with several friends or relatives, so that with the contribution of each one you can satisfy their needs.

9. Make it useful

Scientific data show that useful gifts are the most valued. This is the finding of a study published in Chicago Journals, which stated that people prefer simple and practical gifts.

10. Cash

The phrase "it's the thought that counts" is well known. However, this is not what science thinks. This does not mean that you have to give a spectacular and expensive gift. What research has shown is that people prefer cash rather than a gift for the same price. By giving them the money in hand, they are the ones who get it right. There is no margin for error here, they are the ones who choose what they like best..