Many of the best gift givers are constantly doing legwork to find a great present idea for their friends and family. They may keep notes in their phones, update a list every time a friend mentions theperfectgift something they’d love to have or even ask their friends what they want for their birthdays or holidays.
1. Think About Their Personality

When you gift someone, you want to show that you have taken some time and consideration. That means getting to know them, so that you can find a gift that will be perfect for them.

One of the best ways to do that is by finding out what their personality is like. This will help you to understand their interests and passions, which will lead you to a gift that they will love and cherish.

For example, if your friend loves gardening, you could buy them a beautiful bouquet of flowers or even a potted plant. This will not only make them happy, but they will also remember that you thought about them and your friendship.

Another thing that you can do to get an idea of their personality is by paying attention to what they talk about and what they are interested in. You can even ask them what they would like for their birthday or Christmas. If you don’t feel comfortable asking them, you can always try to take some clues from their social media profiles or even what they post on their blogs.

However, you should avoid gifts that are too personal or intimate if you don’t know them very well. This can come across as too invasive, especially if the gift is a surprise. It can be a good idea to opt for something more practical, such as a set of baking items for an avid baker or a colouring book for a craft fan.

In order to make your gift even more special, you can wrap it up in a unique way. This can include writing a thoughtful letter full of sentiments, making it into a game or scavenger hunt, or even just giving them the present in a fancy box.

You can even add a personal touch by getting the gift customized with their initials or date of birth. This will make the gift feel more unique and special, which is a great way to show that you care about them. The best part is that the gift doesn’t have to be expensive – a simple handwritten note will also go a long way!
2. Think About Your Relationship

Obviously, if you know your partner is falling in love with you, you’re going to be extra thoughtful when it comes to gifts. But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. A few thoughtful gestures are enough to make them feel special and loved, regardless of your budget.

For instance, if you notice that they spend a lot of time thinking about the future with you, this is a strong sign of commitment blossoming, according to Kang. They might even start planning and taking more weekend getaways with you or even consider moving to another city together.

You may also find that they are able to talk about anything with you, no matter how personal or embarrassing it might be. This is a clear indication that they are comfortable being vulnerable with you and trust you with their innermost secrets.

This is a good thing, because it means that they’re willing to let you see their raw and real side, which is a major part of loving someone. Even if they are having a terrible day, you’re the first person they want to share it with.

Finally, you might also find that you enjoy doing simple things together like playing board games or watching your favorite TV show. This is a sign that they are becoming more comfortable with you and want to spend more time doing the things you both love.

A few other ways you can show that you’re thinking about them are by surprising them with small, yet thoughtful gestures. This doesn’t have to be a big surprise party, but something as simple as taping a note to their bathroom mirror or leaving their favorite treat on their pillow is sure to make them smile. Touching them affectionately can also be a great way to communicate how much you love and care for them, but everyone is different, so it’s important to learn what their preferred level of touch is.
3. Think About Their Lifestyle

Whether it’s a day in the spa, a trip to a new place, or just a delicious treat delivered right to their door, a gift that offers a relaxing experience is one of the most sentimental gifts you can give. This type of gift is especially effective when you are celebrating a milestone like a birthday, anniversary or graduation.

A person’s lifestyle is a sum of their attitudes, beliefs, values, habits, fashion choices, recreational pursuits, diet, and physical activity that affects the quality of life for themselves and others. The best gift is the one that reflects and celebrates their unique lifestyle.

This means thinking about the ways in which they spend their time – how do they relax, for example? A great gift idea for a friend who loves to read is a subscription to Audible so she can keep up with her favorite mysteries while driving or running errands. It’s a much more practical and affordable way of showing your support than buying her an expensive set of new earbuds.

In addition to thinking about how they relax, try to find a gift that avoids adding to their clutter. Great gift-givers do a lot of legwork throughout the year, and they often have lists in their heads or on their phones that they update as they hear of things their friends might want (Cerulo keeps a single note in her phone dedicated to present ideas; Mazur uses a spreadsheet, and Rosner logs presents in her contacts).

Remember that a perfect gift is one that fully accomplishes what it was intended to do, and that doesn’t mean spending a fortune. Even a small gesture can show that you care and have thought about them. And don’t forget that homemade or handmade gifts can be just as special as store-bought items.
4. Think About Your Budget

We've been conditioned to think that the more money you spend on a gift, the more your recipient will appreciate it. However, research proves that it's really the thought and preparation of the present that makes the biggest difference.

Great gift-givers are always on the hunt for unique and thoughtful presents for their friends and family, even when it's not holiday season. Almost all of them have a system for keeping track of potential gift ideas, whether it's a note in their phone dedicated to the people they're shopping for or a notebook they carry with them and write down any inspiration they get as they encounter an item they know their loved ones would love.

Some also use a special approach to wrapping or presenting their gifts. This can elicit emotion and create memories that make the present even more special than just a regular present. Disguising a small gift as a large one, making it a part of a scavenger hunt, or writing a letter filled with sentiments that may be corny in everyday life but are special and meaningful to the recipient are all fun ways to do this.

Lastly, you can help your gift stand out by considering its sustainability and longevity. A plant is a great example of this, as it will be able to continue to bring the receiver joy for years to come, unlike something like a piece of jewelry or a high-end facial cream that may be used only once.

Taking all of these factors into account can help you find the perfect gift for your friends and family, without breaking the bank. Then it's just a matter of being careful about your budget and making sure the gift is truly appreciated and enjoyed by the person who will receive it. And if the end result is that they're left wanting more, well that's the best kind of surprise. Happy gifting!