One of the best ways to express appreciation with the ones that we care about is by giving them gifts, may it be simple or extravagant. It is the thought that counts after all. However, gifts could go wrong if you haven't chosen it well. Here are common mistakes of gift giving and how to avoid them.
Late Gifts. Sometimes, being forgetful is the root of problems in gift giving. By cramming a lot, special details might be missed especially things that would interest most the one that accepts the gift. The solution? Always spend time to do things that needed attention.
Be thrifty, but be creative. Some gift givers only think of the cost of the thing they are buying. Some do not give a lot of effort on the items they are about to give and giving expensive gifts could make the acceptor uncomfortable. Example, if you want to give a gift to someone, and you give them an access to a helicopter tour in NYC, then they might feel uncomfortable and your gift might turn to waste.
Avoid re-gift. How could you give someone something that you accepted form another person? Give them as an appreciation or a souvenir but don't give them as a gift. It won't hurt you to spend a couple of bucks for something that would be given to someone important to you. Also, since it is something that is a gift to you, have some etiquette to keep it. In short, buy a new one, keep the old one.
Don't give something that is utilitarian. You should give gifts that could inspire and not something that the recipient can buy on their own. Also, avoid the gifts that would imply they are something negative. For example, do not give a fat person a losing fat product, don't give a cookbook to someone who doesn't even know how to cook, etc.
Give something in their range of interest. If the recipient is never a fan of cruises, do you think they would like it if you give them a New York dinner cruise? Or if you intend to give someone who is allergic to alcoholic beverages especially wines a free NYC wine tasting? No, they won't. You'll just waste money and effort if you are about to give a gift that is way out of the receiver's league.
There is never a perfect gift since nobody and nothing is perfect in the world. However, there is the best in every situation. If you want to be appreciated by what you give, always make an effort and give some thought of what you want and should give. Always think of the person that'll receive the gift.