With the holidays around the corner, you might have a hard time finding last-minute gifts under the tree this season. Becoming a good gift-giver may seem easy, but there’s much more that goes into it than you would think. Studies, polls, and articles have been done by these masterful gift-givers to determine the best kinds of presents for the holiday season or any celebration.
The ability to give a properly useful gift without seeming “cheap” is getting harder each year. There are few gift-worthy items that avoid becoming boring presents over time. Chris Blachut, the sole creator of The Zag and author of “How to Pick Gifts Even Better Than Santa Using Science” says the best gifts are problem-solvers, long lasting, or something to remember. “Studies show that people value a useful item more if they receive it as a gift than if they buy it for themselves because novelty wears off but sentimentality doesn’t” (Blachut), writes Blachut. Another tip the author provides includes looking for an item that the giftee knows or have expressed they need. Pay attention to their hobbies or skills instead of their personal faults and weaknesses. You want your gift to come off as generous and thoughtful, not petty or shallow.
If you want to avoid the struggle of deciding on the perfect item for a person based on their many traits, hobbies, interests and struggles, attempt to find an experience of shared enthusiasm between the two of you. Things like concerts, expensive dinners, or just a movie night together could mean the difference between a good gift and a great one. Students and staff across Jefferson agreed that if offered a want, need, experience or cash, each of equal value as a holiday present, they would prefer an experience over all others. Over 53% of students and staff agreed an experience would be the best gift for them. Make sure to pay attention to your common interests and hobbies as well in order to help determine the best activity together.
All things considered, your gift this holiday season should take your opinion into account above all. Regardless of any research, studies or polls that have been done, the “best gift” is solely your decision. If you believe your present is the best for your loved-one, completely ignore everything in this article.
