The Ultimate Gift-Giving Guide

Whether it’s something for your partner, your parents, your siblings, your in-laws, your friends, your aunts and uncles, your cousins, your nieces and nephews, your boss, your co-workers… (out of breath yet?), the list of people you need to find a gift for seems to multiply with each passing year. I don’t know about you, but as I get older, it seems that everyone around me already has everything they need, which makes giving the perfect gift even more impossible.

That’s why, I’ve compiled a list of the five best gift-giving tips, and it’s not limited to a specific occasion. If you need a gift, this is your guide.

Tip #1: Give the gift of thought.

Put your thoughts and feelings into words and share what someone means to you!

Sharing a few kind words with someone can bring so much light to their life. It’s an easy act (and free) – all you need to do is take a moment to reflect on someone you care about.

You might compliment your partner on their empathy and ability to understand people or your boss on their leadership style and the support they offer. You may want to say thank you to your friend because they make the world a better place just by being themselves.

Feeling stuck? Think of someone and ask yourself:
Question #1: What is something you admire about them?

Example: I admire their ability to support without judgment. I admire their ambition and heart. I admire their creativity.

Question #2: What are they doing in their lives that you wish you did more of?

Example: I admire their kindess and ability to lift those around them up in a seemingly effortless way.

Question #3: Is there a character trait they have that you wish you had more of?

Example: I admire their openness, ability to learn new things and humble intelligence.

Question #4: How do they make you feel?

Example: Happy, hopeful, loved, smart, alive...

Question #5: How can you show this person how you feel?

Examples: Write them a card! Sing them a song! Pen a poem! Even if it’s just an email, putting your thoughts into words will spread all kinds of joy.

With this gift, you will learn to be more reflective and appreciative, which is a great gift to yourself as well! Win-win!

Tip #2 Give memories, not things.

It's true what they say...

Collect memories, not things. Whether it’s a day in the mountains or at the museum or going to a restaurant you’ve been dying to try, there’s nothing more special than making memories together.

Get creative and make it extra special.

Create a voucher including your name and the recipient’s name, and write EPIC ADVENTURE. Adding the words ‘epic’ and ‘adventure’ to anything automatically makes it better. What’s important is to be specific.

Example:

Alexis & Stefan’s Epic Three Peaks Adventure

Where: Three Peaks South Tyrol

Details: Hike around the Three Peaks this summer. I’ll pack a picnic lunch with our favourite things. We’ll start before sunrise and grab a coffee and pastry on the way. Then we’ll hike the circuit trail. On the way back, we'll stop for Indian food at Tandoori in Bozen!

Tip #3 Give something homemade.

The best gifts are the ones that are homemade.

I’m not sure if my whole family has been lying to me my entire existence, but according to them, the best gifts are the ones that are homemade!

Whether it’s homemade treats (cookies, crackers, infused olive oil or tea) or homemade things to look at (photo albums, calendars, art, a decorated pot), the list of homemade things you can craft is endless. (Shout out to Pinterest!)
Bonus idea: Make a special birthday plate.

This is the perfect gift for families with young children!

When I was a kid, we had a special birthday plate. When it was your birthday, you got to use the birthday plate. I always loved that.

So, decorate a plate with dishwasher-safe paint, and then when your child has a birthday, they can use that special plate! What’s better than birthday pancakes for breakfast? Birthday pancakes served on a special birthday plate!

Tip #4 Give something FUNctional.

When you must buy something… Make sure it’s fun and functional!

In the months leading up to a gift-giving ocassion, I keep my ear to the ground looking for hints as to what people might need – especially for those who seem to have everything already.

Dad started cycling? Bet he doesn’t have a windbreaker! Hubby has to wash his workout clothes twice a week? Maybe it’s time for another dry fit get-up! Sister starting climbing? Life insurance policy! Just kidding, a Deuter backpack! If your gift is on the pricey side, pool together with others. I’m sure your siblings are also struggling to find the perfect gift for Dad.

Tip #5: Give some elbow grease.

Clean or organise something for your loved ones!

The gift of cleaning is always much appreciated in my family. From making the windows sparkle to mopping so well you could eat Christmas dinner off the floor, cleaning has always gone over quite well at my parents’ house. If you don’t feel comfortable randomly getting out your squeegee, maybe you can do the dishes! If you don’t know what to do, just ask.

Feeling shy? Here’s your cue card:

I want to do something for you. What would you like me to do? (Then list your talents.)

Vacuuming, mopping, washing the windows, organising the spice drawer alphabetically…

Get creative. Either offer things you enjoy doing or, if you want to really impress Santa, do something you don’t particularly like.

There you have it – those are my tips! I hope you were inspired and feel ready to take on the holiday season!

Happy gifting!

Tschüss, pfiati, ciao, bye-bye!