 | | December 2, 2024 |  |
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| The gift-giving season is fast approaching, and with it comes the nagging thought: "What do I buy for all of the impossible-to-shop-for people on my list?" While there are plenty of gift guides out there (including our own), sometimes you need a more personal touch — the kind that comes from observing a recipient's interests, habits, or desires over time. To become a gift-giving pro, you need to start planning ahead. And we don't mean putting aside money from every paycheck or stocking up on gift-wrapping supplies, although those things are certainly important in the lead-up to the holidays. |
 | | Credit: Vlada Karpovich/ Pexels |
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| Want to be the best gift-giver of all time — at least among your friends and family? Follow these simple steps for sourcing the perfect present. |
| The secret to giving the best gifts is to buy your friends and family things they actually want. One way to figure this out is to actively listen for clues. Whether it's a conversation about their love of cooking and how they're looking for a way to organize their recipes (in that case, this Rifle Paper Co. Recipe Box is a great gift idea), or you see an item that reminds you of their new pickleball obsession (you can't go wrong with a fun Recess Pickleball Paddle), listening for clues throughout the year can give you a good idea of what to buy your loved ones for special occasions, such as their birthday or the holidays. |
| As you collect these clues, it helps to create a list in the notes app on your phone and add your gift ideas for different recipients. Jot down the ideas as they occur to you throughout the year, even if there isn't a gift-giving occasion on the immediate horizon. That way, when you do have to shop for them, you're not scrambling to recall something they mentioned six months earlier; you can just consult your list. You can also find the recipient in your phone's contacts and record any ideas in the notes section there. Equipped with a running list, you'll have a personalized gift guide for each recipient right at your fingertips. Plus, you can take advantage of sales throughout the year, from Presidents' Day weekend to Cyber Monday. |
Tech Tip If you want to take things up a notch, consider downloading the Giftful app, which allows you to build individual gift lists and save links to products for easy shopping. You can make the lists private or share them with other friends and family who might need some ideas, too. |
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| 3. Consider These Three Categories |
| In a 2022 Vox article, Erica Cerulo, co-founder of 831 Stories and creator of the A Thing or Two podcast and newsletter, shared this sage piece of advice: A gift should be something completely new to the recipient, an upgraded essential, or an item that shows you really know them. For example, a thoughtful gift for a pancake lover could be a batter dispenser for perfect portions. Someone saving for a home might appreciate a colorful wool blanket to replace a worn comforter. Or a see-through telephone found on eBay could transport a nostalgic '90s kid back to simpler times. If you're ever struggling to come up with a suitable gift idea, sticking to one of these three categories can be a real time-saver. |
| 4. Weigh Quality vs. Quantity |
| If you keep a running list, you'll likely end up with lots of different ideas in a range of price points. Consider whether you want quality or quantity to help you narrow down your decisions. (And remember that a meaningful gift doesn't have to be expensive; it just has to feel personal.) When it comes time to shop, you'll know how to budget strategically and have a plan for which gifts to splurge on and which to save for next year. |
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 | | PowerLix Handheld Milk Frother With Stand | | I picked up this handheld milk frother on Prime Day for $7 and have since found countless uses for it. In the morning, I froth oat milk for my coffee, and in the evening, I use it to whip up creamy homemade salad dressings. If you take dietary supplements like greens powders or protein powders, this handy tool leaves no chunks behind. Plus, it's a practical and affordable stocking stuffer. — Kelsey Morrison, House Outlook Editor |
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| Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based lifestyle journalist with words published in PEOPLE, StyleCaster, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, Byrdie, and more. She has a Bachelor's Degree in fashion journalism from Academy of Art University and her work spans across many categories, including style, beauty, home, health, crafts, and more. |
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