How to Choose Gifts People Will Actually Use

I love buying presents for people.

I’m one of those people who will see something in the middle of the year, think someone would like it and buy it to put away for Christmas or their birthday.

Then I just have to remember where I put it.

For me, a good gift isn’t really about how much something costs. It’s knowing that someone has actually thought about the person they’re buying for.

Think About the Person

A variety of colourful gift boxes wrapped with ribbons arranged diagonally on a purple background.

I don’t think there’s necessarily such a thing as a bad gift if someone has genuinely put thought into choosing it.

It’s when something feels like it’s been randomly picked up because someone needed to buy something that it can feel a bit different.

I tend to buy things throughout the year when I see something that makes me think of someone. I also like buying from small businesses as much as possible, especially as you can find things that are a bit different.

I think that’s probably how I choose most gifts. I see something and think, oh, they’d like that.

Useful Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring

Practical presents aren’t always the most exciting things to unwrap, but sometimes they end up being the things you use the most.

I also think things you like but wouldn’t necessarily spend the money on yourself can make great presents.

For me, that’s things like a really nice foot lotion. Why can foot lotion be SO expensive?

I’d also happily receive a more expensive breakfast tea than I’d normally buy myself.

You do need to know the person though. Fancy tea isn’t going to be much of a present for someone who hates tea.

Gift Cards and Money Are Gifts Too

I don’t think gift cards or money are thoughtless.

Sometimes they’re probably the most useful option because someone can choose exactly what they want.

And if someone wants something really expensive, a few people can put money towards it rather than everyone buying them separate things they might not really want.

A gift card for somewhere you know they love can still show you’ve thought about them too.

Experiences Aren’t for Everyone

Many colourful wrapped gift boxes with ribbons arranged on a wooden floor.

Experiences aren’t really for me now because of my health, but I used to love them because they helped make memories.

I still think they can make lovely gifts, but you really need to know the person.

Will they be able to get there? Is it accessible to them? Are there dates they can actually use it?

There can be quite a lot to think about before booking something for someone else.

What About Hobbies and Collections?

Buying for someone’s hobby or collection can be a great idea if you know what they like.

I’ve been given crystals before that were more expensive than I’d probably have treated myself to, and they’ve become some of my favourites.

If you’re worried about buying something they already have, you can always ask someone close to them or go for a gift card instead.

I’d be very happy with a gift card to spend on something I collect.

Handmade Gifts Are Pretty Special

I love something handmade, especially if the person giving it to me has made it themselves.

Someone has actually spent their time making something especially for you.

I think that’s incredible.

I still have handmade things I’ve been given because they mean something to me.

Are You Buying It for Them or You?

A collection of square gift boxes wrapped in colourful paper and tied with raffia ribbon.

I am guilty of this one.

Ash would quite happily have money to put towards games or cards.

I like him to have something to open as well.

We’ve had conversations about this because really I’m buying him something to open for myself.

He’d probably be perfectly happy with the money. I want presents. 😂

So perhaps I need to listen to my own advice here too.

For me, choosing a gift really does just come down to thinking about the person you’re buying it for.

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It doesn’t have to be something nobody else has thought of. And sometimes the useful or seemingly boring thing might end up being the thing they like the most.

And if you give someone something lovely and they decide it’s far too special to use and leave it sitting untouched?

After my Highland cow cushion situation, I’m saying that’s entirely their problem.

What makes a really good gift to you?

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