22 Rules for Great Gifting: How to Choose a Present They’ll Truly Love
Finding a good gift shouldn’t feel overwhelming. At its heart, gifting is simple – it’s about paying attention, choosing with care, and offering something that adds value to someone’s life. Whether you’re buying for Christmas, a birthday, a milestone, or a small moment that matters, the goal is the same: choose a gift that feels thoughtful, useful, and honest.
Here are 22 rules for getting a great gift for someone special!
1. Listen before you buy.
Good gifting starts with paying attention to the hints people drop.
2. Notice their year.
Ask yourself what kind of year they’ve had – heavy, exciting, stressful, changing?
3. Think about what would support them.
A gift they would use daily to enhance their lifestyle and bring comfort often beats something flashy.
4. Go for personal, rather than generic.
If they’ll use it daily or weekly, you’re on the right track.
5. Keep it simple.
Simple, well-chosen gifts beat complicated ones every time.
6. Quality over quantity.
One good thing lasts longer than five forgettable ones.
7. Choose something that fits their lifestyle.
Are they into healthy life-style, fashion, art? Find something that matches their insterests.
8. Consider their values
If sustainability, or gift from local businesses might bring their joy, you will surely find inspiration in a local gift shop, or Christmas market.
9. Know their passions.
What lights them up? What do they talk about on a good day?
10. Support their wellbeing.
A gift that brings calm, ease, or grounding will always be appreciated.
11. Wrap it with love
Beautiful wrapping adds to the whole gifting experience. Consider using recyclable wrapping paper or reusable gift bag.
12. Avoid clutter.
A gift shouldn’t create stress or take up unwanted space.
13. Don’t buy out of pressure or panic.
Slow down. Rushed gifts rarely land well.
14. Make sure it’s practical.
If it solves a small problem or adds ease, it’ll be loved.
15. Match the gift to your relationship.
It should feel natural, not forced or overly grand.
16. Don’t underestimate the power of small gestures.
Sometimes the smallest gift is the one that hits home.
17. Focus on how it will make them feel.
Seen, supported, energised, calmer, cared for.
18. Skip the generic big-store gift vouchers (All4One, Brown Thomas, etc.).
These usually say “I had no idea what to get you.” They lack warmth and meaning.
19. Be careful with scent-heavy gifts.
Scent is extremely personal. Artificial fragrance can be overwhelming – choose products scented with essential oils instead.
20. Avoid mass-produced gift boxes from pharmacies.
They often contain harsh chemicals and products no one actually uses.
21. Let your words do some of the work.
A genuine note can turn any gift into something memorable.
22. And remember – it’s perfectly okay to ask.
If you’re unsure, ask what would genuinely help or delight them.
