Shopping for the loved ones in your life can be tricky enough. However, when you add a couple of barely-acquaintances to your list, things can get even tougher. After all, how are you supposed to buy something for a person you don’t even know very well?
The good news is that this doesn’t have to be an issue for you anymore. With the tips and tricks given below, you will discover that your gift-buying spree is only just beginning. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Do a little online investigating
These days, virtually everyone is on social media. If you are lucky, so will the person you are shopping for. If you don’t know them all that well, you may be able to get a glimpse of their life online. In any case, most people will document what happens during their day.
Now, there are quite a few things you can learn about someone online. Obviously, they will post pictures of their family, food, pets, and more. This alone should give you a couple of hints about what you can buy them.
What’s more, apps such as Instagram have a Throwback Thursday theme as well. Thanks to this, you may be able to learn a little bit about someone’s past as well. For instance, you may learn where they grew up. These titbits are great if you are hoping to come up with a gift idea that is a little more personal.
Ask a friend of a friend
There is a good chance that someone introduced you to the person you are shopping for. It could be a friend, colleague, or someone else you are familiar with. As such, it is quite possible that this individual knows a bit more about your acquaintance than you do.
If this is the case, then they will be an excellent source of information. Thus, make sure to hit them up for some hints or ideas of where to get started. At the very least, this should point you in the right direction.
Such individuals are also great for confirmation. If you have a couple of gift ideas but aren’t sure which to go with, you now have a ready-made selection panel. Simply ask your friend to help you decide which present will be most suitable for your acquaintance.
Use the right websites to narrow down your search
Most shopping tips online are helpful if you know the recipient of the gift. Otherwise, you will find that most sites end up confusing you further. This is why you need to select your shopping websites more carefully.
To start with, consider one that has various categories. In particular, look for those that have slightly more generic divisions. These will have miscellaneous gift ideas or those simply ‘for men’ or ‘for women’. What’s great about these options is that they aren’t meant for anyone in particular.
Go generic the right way
At the end of the day, a generic gift is probably what you will go for. Still, it is important not to let it be too random. After all, you should have done some research on the person you are shopping for. Thus, you will have a bit more insight into what they’d like and don’t like.
When opting for a generic gift idea, try to keep it classy and functional. No one needs another white elephant present. If you can’t find a use for a particular item, there is a good chance that the gift recipient can’t either.
So, when looking around for candles, books, or ornaments, put a little thought into it. For instance, if you know that someone grew up in a particular area, why not give them a candle that will remind them of home? Or, if you are aware that they are an avid traveller, give them a meaningful souvenir, keepsake, or even a beautiful map. With just a little effort, you really will be able to make someone’s day.
Know which gift ideas to avoid
There are plenty of bad present ideas out there. This is something you are probably aware of, considering you have been on the receiving end! So, before you go ahead and pick something out, make sure it is not inappropriate.
Keep in mind, the people you are shopping for don’t know you very well and vice versa. Thus, they may not appreciate your sense of humour or even the thought you are trying to get across with your present. You also need to be aware of cultural sensitivities. So try to stay away from things that may come across as rude or offensive.
At the same time, make sure that you are sensitive to other people’s feelings. Presents like gym memberships or anything else that may exploit someone’s flaws are certainly not appreciated. So, avoid these at all costs.
Add a personal touch
Just because your gift is a little generic doesn’t mean it has to feel that way. There are plenty of ways to make the present feel a little more personal. One way to do this is through the gift tags. By making your own, you can be certain that it will be tailored to a specific individual.
Of course, it doesn’t just end there. You should always add a nice note or message with every gift you send. Even if you don’t know too much about someone, you could add a message like “look forward to getting to know you better”. Even “warm wishes” is good enough. Either way, make an effort and they will definitely be grateful for your words.
These are the top tips to keep in mind the next time you are tasked with finding a gift for someone you don’t know all that well. With the guidelines mentioned here, you will discover that this isn’t quite as tricky as you might have imagined.
