If you have not read part one or part two of my ‘Top Tips’, maybe take a look at it here on my website, as this is my final piece in the series.
We all without realising it, follow a process, albeit that we do not think we have one, but for sure there are often steps we miss, and it can make a difference to how good our choices were.
I covered in part one of the series, the following considerations : ‘Budget’, ‘Listening’ , ‘Interests’ whilst part two discusses: ‘Replacement Gifts’, along with ‘Observations’ and of course a repeat of ‘Beautiful Packaging’
Now to my final Top Tip…..dealing with money requests when you prefer giving gifts..
TOP TIP – Money requests
When money has been requested and your heart sinks as you really love giving a gift, then don’t worry. I add a little something (tiny quite often), just to get my love of a gift giving-fix. Of course you can get vouchers and yes – Pressie Heaven will soon be offering gift vouchers too... watch this space. You can purchase them in stores, or order on line, often you can purchase a cute boxes to pack it in etc.
If I am buying a tiny little something, make it a useful one or maybe a fun one, IF you know them well! Again, you do not want it to go straight in a drawer, off to a charity shop or immediately to landfill.
Little extras can always be their favourite chocolate bar, sweets, deodorant etc – that goes without saying.
Some useful gifts I have purchased in the past, although very random, the feedback from family and friends, months later in cases, that they love the strawberry huller, paper cutter etc. Maybe they have taken time to use them, but they did use them and they are now firm favourites – downside they took take time to find e.g.:
Silicone paper slicer (cute little piece of silicone that has a nib, where you cut open parcels and not damage the contents, I have them myself in the office and kitchen.
Legami ‘Look at Me’ , lens cleaning cloths, that have a little tie and can fit nicely on a handbag strap and they will never be without glass cleaning cloths
Foldaway scissors
Big clips, magnetic that can go on metal surfaces to attach notes too
Strawberry hullers – amazing little tool, bit random, but 95% have been really pleased with them
Paper calendars, that can fit in a purse (even tech savvy people often like something written down)
In fact as I write the above, I am going to get thinking, as I feel inspired to start a section on my website and call it ‘Little Gift Fixes’
Finally if you read the other 2 parts in this series, this is a REPEAT Top Tip WITH added points in finding inspiration and a quick reminder to think about environmental packaging:
Have you personally ever received a gift, that in reality was ok, but the packaging made the gift nearly secondary, in fact you can recall the packaging and half remember the gift, I have! Packaging is definitely the ‘icing on the cake’!
TOP TIP – Beautiful packaging!
Beautiful thoughtful packaging adds a big – big statement to the gift.
Maybe a plain brown box, with lovely bright ribbons & bows in their favourite colour – maybe a handmade gift tags, lots of ideas on line.
Maybe quality gift wrap, showing their favourite pastime, e.g. horses, cats, football etc. – show that every element has been carefully thought about. (Often sale time, you can pick up beautiful boxes and a fraction of the cost).
Just because your gift might not have a big budget, you can make the recipient absolutely know that your gift from start to finish was purchased with care.
Make them feel as they should, and that their special day is special to you too, show how much you care.
If packing is something you find difficult, there are places you can get inspiration from.
My friend - Eve Cale of Greener Gift Wrapping, Pinterest etc.
Leave yourself a little extra time to do the packaging, maybe pack early when you have 10 minutes, don’t leave until you are rushing out of the door. I have done that and felt ashamed of what I handed over, for one it shows, two they will see that too, and what does it say about you – even if you took great care in choosing the gift itself.
Talking of Eve, a very important to raise, that is how we can all find greener ways of packaging – environmentally friendly packaging materials are a big focus today, more materials are readily available now – and we can all do our bit to make a difference!
Enjoyed this blog? Head on over to the main page to discover more. Or Pop over to find your next special present for that someone special!
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