Cold weather, warm clothes, hot beverages, and lights everywhere—the holiday season is here. During these periods, you will likely meet up with loved ones or spend time at holiday parties with your coworkers. Sometimes you’ll even plan gift exchanges to spread some of the holiday cheer.
However, they present a problem; what do you get the person you’ve selected? How do you determine the amount you should spend? If you’ve dealt with these worries in the past, you won’t have to this year. This guide will provide insight on how to nail your holiday gift exchange.
1. Listen to and Observe Your Peers
The first step to becoming the best secret Santa is listening and observing those around you. People may have dropped a few hints about what they want under the tree all year. So if you listen in on some conversations, you’ll get a few ideas about the gift they are looking forward to.
On the other hand, if you can’t gain information through conversing with them, watch their actions. For example, a person may often use items for their eyelashes, which means an eyelash extension kit might be a suitable gift for them. Or you might catch someone constantly cleaning their shoes with a rag, so you might get them a shoe cleaner. These subtle habits can give you insight into buying a gift.
2. Find Additional Information
Sometimes, listening and observing may not be enough, so you’ll need to go a bit deeper. Next, you might have to “stalk” the person. For clarification, we don’t mean creepily following them around and watching their every move.
But instead, you can look for hints on social media or other websites. So if you see them like a particular item, find out more about that product and why they’re enamored by it. You can also take a glance at their search history by asking to use their phone. Yes, you might feel weird, but it’s Christmas; you’re doing this for their own good!
3. Figure Out Your Ideal Budget
A major issue most people have when it comes to gift exchanges is figuring out a budget. You don’t want to seem cheap, but you also don’t want to spend too much. It’s not that the recipient doesn’t deserve it; it’s more about being financially responsible.
Once you have the information about the things a person likes, review the item’s cost. Does it fit within your budget? If it does, then you won’t have an issue. However, if it doesn’t, you might have to alter your selection or stretch your budget if there’s no other option.
Although you’re buying for someone else, you should remember that the thought counts. The unique twist of any present often overshadows the price. So if you can’t get your person a particular item, they’ll still appreciate the time and effort you put into getting the gift.
4. Use Gifting Services
Even after acting like Sherlock Holmes for a few weeks, you may not know what gift to get a person. While that can be frustrating, other options can help you out. For example, you can get help from a gifting service.
These online tools simplify the process by asking a few questions about the person to create personalized suggestions. Afterward, you’ll have insight into potential options that will be suitable for your match. You don’t have to select the tips, but it’ll be better than racking your brain and buying a present at the last minute due to indecisiveness.
Here’s How You Nail a Gift Exchange
Holiday gift exchanges are always challenging because there are a lot of unanswered questions to tackle. What does the person like? How much does the perfect gift cost? Will they appreciate your present? These are all valid questions.
But with the help of our guide above, you’ll easily find the right gift. To review, listen and observe the recipient to find insight about what they want. They’ll likely give the answer away when talking to you or through some actions. Next, look at their social media pages for additional information if necessary.
After gathering data, figure out a budget. They may want an item that’s out of your range. If so, be creative with the gift because it’s the thought that counts. Finally, if you can’t find something for them, use a gifting service to simplify the process. With these tips, you’ll become a master at gift-giving during the holidays. And your loved ones or peers will be appreciative of your efforts.
