6 Common Mistakes We Make When Giving Gifts

1. Ignore the circumstances

Imagine that you are celebrating the New Year in your parental home, where your entire large family has gathered. And one of the sisters, for example, flew in by plane, taking only hand luggage with her. If you give a large set of cosmetics or bed linen, it will be inconvenient for her to carry such a thing back. Therefore, when choosing, it is worth considering the size and weight of the gift and the circumstances under which you will give it.

2. Don't follow the no-gift rule

If the invitation to the celebration states that no gifts are required, the wishes of the hosts must be respected. You can always thank them in other ways, like bringing something to the table or sending a nice card with nice words.

3. donate clothes

Such a gift is appropriate only if you absolutely know the size and tastes of a person. If the recipient doesn't like the sweater or shirt you've chosen, they'll be embarrassed to ask you for a check to return or exchange items. This means that the one you wanted to please, most likely, will simply give the clothes to someone else or throw them into the far corner of the closet.

If you are choosing a gift for a fashionista or fashionista and you are sure that new clothes will bring joy, buy a gift certificate in his or her favorite store.

4. Don't stick to a budget

You don't have to buy an expensive item and spend half your salary on a gift for someone just because they can afford to spend a large amount on a gift for you. Better yet, especially if you're exchanging gifts with friends or colleagues, agree on a price limit beforehand. This will help you avoid awkward situations.

If it’s hard for you to come up with something interesting and low-budget, buy a box of good chocolates, a beautiful aromatic a candle or a certificate for attending an interesting class, such as a dance class or a pottery master class.

5. Don't wrap a gift

Festive wrapping paper or a bright box will add even more joy to the moment. But if you don't have the time or opportunity arrange a gift, get creative and present it in a way that makes the recipient feel special and excited. For example, ask the person to close their eyes, hold out their arms, and guess what surprise you have prepared. Or tell the story of the gift, how you chose it and why you decided to give this particular thing.

6. Ignore the wishes of the recipient

Remember that the gift should first of all please the person to whom you give it, even if you don’t like such a gift at all. Giving someone else what you yourself would like to receive is a big mistake. Therefore, before buying something, make sure that the recipient is really interested in this thing and it will bring him joy.

At the same time, there are several gifts that should not be given even with the best of intentions. For example, household appliances or self-development books are impersonal things that can be perceived as a suggestion or hint at something else: that a person needs to cook more often or correct some traits character.

Instead, opt for personalized gifts. And if you are trying to please a person who has everything, buy him tickets to a fashion show or a certificate for spa treatments - everyone needs to relax and take care of themselves.