The words “Gift giving”, “Present” or just mentioning the occasion (Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Birthday, an Anniversary, a sign you like (or even love) them) can spark joy and fear in each of us. It is exciting and horrifying. It is OK when you are giving yourself a gift because you know yourself best. When it comes to someone else, even you have known them for a long time, can be tricky.
Know your timing
Timing is everything. You need to allow yourself enough time to get (or make) the gift and if you are shipping it off overseas or outside of the state. How long do you need? It depends on what you are thinking of getting. I personally like as much time as possible. If you are thinking of buying online, please ensure enough time is allowed, especially coming from outside your country or state and or someone else is making the gift for you.
Know your budget
It is crucial to know how much you are willing to spend; you need to keep some money for yourself. If it is a Secret Santa (at the time of writing this article) you would need to set a reasonable budget (like $10). The higher the budget, the more options you have.
- Big things can come in small packages. Even with a small budget, you can get (or even make) something or somethings that can be meaningful to the recipient.
- Be prepared for hidden costs. You will need to keep this in mind, if you are shopping online or shipping overseas or outside of the state. Hidden costs could be shipping, gift wrap (some online shops do gift wrap for a price), insurance, taxes and so on.
Know your target
- Are they missing something? Are they piecing something together and they are missing need a piece or two? For example, I know someone who collects everything Barbie. For them, it would be something Barbie related. They have said that they would like to get a new collection however they can’t get everything due to budgeting. Now that is an idea out of many.
- What do they talk about a lot? For me, I do talk about video games on a regular basis (besides my boring 9-5). The hot topic of the day was the Metal Gear Solid franchise (still is given the right circumstance). My then boyfriend gave me some figurines from Peace Walker (the latest game I was playing at the time) for my birthday.
- Notice something? Probably you do not know this person very well, and you want to (or you must due to “reasons”) give them a gift. You can play (your favourite Detective character or Detective game here) and use your observation skills. What clues does this person give? For a Secret Santa at my 9-5, last year, I got my Secret Santa (with the budget of $10), a notebook and Christmas themed tea towels. They have said, they do need a new notebook and they come from a large family. You cannot have too many tea towels, especially if you did lots of cooking.
- Have a favourite shop? If the recipient mentions that a shop is their favourite, that is great option to get their gift from there. If you are thinking of getting a voucher or buying something from there, you will need to ensure your budget will allow it. Some shop’s smallest voucher or gift card is $20.00.
Low budget gift or present ideas
Vouchers
I cannot speak highly enough about vouchers or gift cards. Vouchers and gift cards are a fantastic gift or present idea. Why? Because the recipient can choose, whatever they want from that shop or franchise, with the money you have given them, and they are usually quick to get.
- From an online or real-life shop. In the first year of dating, my then boyfriend’s birthday and valentine’s day were close together, so I gave him vouchers to an online shop, we had in common; one for his birthday and one for Valentine’s Day. That way, he could choose what he wanted.
- Customised vouchers. These are fun and there are templates online you can download, buy ready-made vouchers which you can customise or make your own. You will need to make a list of activities you are willing to do together and how many times. Ideas like, co-op play day, gaming weekend are just the beginning. You know the recipient best, you decide.
Create or make something unique.
- For Christmas last year, my brother made me a framed playing card set with Metal Gear Solid characters which hangs proudly in my lounge (living room).
- Create a certificate saying “The World’s Best Soldier/Healer/Hitman/Dragon (insert anything you want here).
- A card. In the past I have made a Sherlock Holmes, Persona 5 and Octopath themed cards. Sometimes the card is more meaningful than a gift itself. A nice card with nice words will do.
Recycle gifts
You will have to be careful not to re-gift what you have received from that person and it is in reusable condition. If it is in a reusable condition and it came from someone else, why not give it to them?
Money
Place the money into a nice envelope. Some people would like money instead of an actual gift. It is the thought that counts.
Food and drink hamper or gift basket
If you know they like specific foods and drinks, you can create a hamper or gift basket full of these things. Fizzy drinks, snacks, a snack bowl, some napkins (to clean their fingers) just to name a few items. You can place them in a box in wrapping paper.
In short…
To get the ideal gift, you need to ensure you set a budget and time frame and know your target. Small things can be as meaningful as large ones. Not all gifts need to be costly. A low or zero budget gift can be as meaningful as an expensive one. Sometimes, the best ones are the ones that are thoughtful, needful and wanted.
Please let me know in the comments section below on what are your tips and tricks for gifts and if you have any gaming inspired gifts.
Signing off for now
Bex
MyGamerWear.com
