Throughout our lives, we may find ourselves in the situation that we have to give someone something. Whether it is Christmas Day, Three Kings Day or someone’s birthday, we have to decide what we can give that person.

Although gift-giving is a tradition, it is also an act of love. Especially when the person who receives it does not expect it and we surprise them as a sign of appreciation or affection. In this article you will find a list with different tips to choose the perfect gift .

The perfect gift depends on each person

In some cases, choosing the perfect gift is not always easy. In fact, every person is different and has their own tastes, which may be an ideal gift for one person may not be an ideal gift for another. That is why it is necessary to know the other person well and to be a little empathetic in order to make the right present.

It doesn’t even have to be an elaborate gift, it simply has to be something symbolic for the person. Sometimes a simple experience or an act of love has a higher price than any economically expensive gift. The gift is something personal and the intention is what counts (at least that’s what they say) .

Some tips for choosing a good gift

Even so, it is possible to follow a series of tips to have more chances of success when giving something away. In this way you will not have to go and change your gift, nor will the person who has received the present make use of the gift ticket because it is not to their liking.

So, instead of giving anything away, show some interest and pay attention to the following lines. I’m sure the other person will appreciate your dedication and the beautiful detail:

1. Take the trouble to know their tastes

Always think about the person you are giving the gift to and be empathetic, as this is necessary to succeed with your gifts. In fact, it is practically impossible for you to get it right without knowing the other person’s motivations and likes . Are you a psychologist? Do you like sports? Are you passionate about surfing? Knowing his concerns and hobbies you will have an idea of what he might like most.

2. Make a list of the person’s interests

In this reflection you may have found several possibilities or tastes of the person you are trying to surprise. Sometimes you will be very clear about what the other person wants, but other times not. In these cases, make a list of their interests and tastes to decide the best option.

3. Do some research on the gift

Now you know what he likes and what his preferences might be. It’s time to give a little bit to the imagination and think what gift can fit that person. Maybe you can do an online search to find out what he might like. For example, if he is a psychologist, why not give him a good book on psychology? Surf the net a bit to find out what the latest psychology books are.

4. Make a list of possible gifts

Now that you know what the other person is like and have thought about it, you have probably come up with several options about what they might like or not like. It’s not a matter of choosing the first thing that comes to mind, at least if you want to give them the perfect gift because you want them to feel grateful and happy with your gift. To do this, make a list of possible alternatives and then choose the one you think is most appropriate .

5. Decide where you are going to buy it

Today, it is possible to buy many things online, but some individuals prefer to go directly to the store and decide there what they like based on what they see. In this case, you don’t have to go with a list or look for the gift online, as you can also go and have a look around the shops before choosing a good gift .

Now, it is interesting that you think about what that person might like and where you can find what you are looking for. For example, if you know they like sports, you can go to a store that sells sports products.

6. Ask someone close to you

You may have to give the gift to someone you don’t know very well and with whom you don’t have a very close relationship. In these situations, you can ask someone who knows them for advice.

7. Find an accomplice

If you really want to get it right, find an accomplice. It could be your nephew’s partner or your cousin’s best friend. The important thing is to know the answer to your question, “what will he like most”, first hand. In fact, you can even ask him to help you find out without the other person knowing your intention .

According to research in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, people are more satisfied when they receive what they want, than when they receive an unexpected gift.

8. Make a collective gift

You may have found out that the person you are giving the gift to wants something that is out of your budget, but you consider that gift to be something that can be very useful to them. If you want to give it to them, you can make a collective gift, with several friends or family, so that with the contribution of each one you can satisfy their needs.

9. Make it useful

Scientific data show that useful gifts are the most valued. This is what a study published in the Chicago Journals found, which stated that people prefer simple and practical gifts .

10. Cash

The phrase “it’s the detail that counts” is well known. However, this is not what science thinks. This does not mean that you have to give a spectacular and expensive gift. What research has shown is that people prefer cash to a gift for the same price. By giving them the money in hand, they are the ones who get it right. There is no margin for error here, they are the ones who choose what they like best .