We’re always here to help you find gifts that elicit “you really know me!” enthusiasm, even from the normally taciturn. This year, we aimed higher, aspiring to choose items with such eternal appeal, and of such high quality, that some might become heirlooms—used and loved by both your giftees and subsequent generations. Find our carefully considered recommendations—for everyone in your life who loves design, entertaining, fashion, and living well.
Many people are changing their approach to Christmas this holiday season by planning that gifts will be smaller but equally thoughtful. Gifts are an expression of feeling.
To give great gifts, you need to cultivate the ability to step outside yourself and really notice people’s passions, preferences, and personalities.
It’s about: Attention, empathy, and a little bit of espionage.
When it comes to gift-giving, context is everything. We recommend quality over quantity. What feels right this holiday: a return to heirloom-quality presents. If you can buy a more substantial gift for one person rather than buying small gifts for everyone, you can buy a quality item that’s more likely to endure.
Asking people what they want for Christmas can also help, as recipients get something they’ll value rather than a gift that gathers dust or gets tossed. Alternatively, buy experiences, such as a voucher for a day spa or restaurant, for loved ones. Shoppers are taking a close look before buying this season.
As inflation bites, gift-giving is becoming a cautious affair. Many people are changing their approaches to gift-giving this holiday season by reconsidering their budgets.
Buying in bulk is our gift secret: For family members, we plan on giving the same thing to everyone. We’re also giving family and friends good old-fashioned cakes. Because some Christmas Days, only a big wedge of fudgy, fabulous cake will do. The bottom line is quality for us, some things that would outlive this economic situation. We’re also making family gifts do double duty. Case in point: My daughter celebrated a recent birthday so I am combining Christmas and giving her a piece of furniture, for both occasions.
Some of the best gifts we’ve ever received aren’t things. They’re cherished memories.
You don’t necessarily need to buy objects to show appreciation for your friends and family. Overconsumption, as we know, is a major driver of the climate crisis.
Knock down the pay wall
Movie lovers might appreciate a subscription. We all know the big streaming services. Memberships to museums and gyms might be a good fit, too.
Give an Experience: they tend to be more emotionally evocative
Go out for the evening. There are so many concerts, plays, lectures, book festivals, and other events to attend. Check out the schedule for 2023 at a giftee’s favourite venue, or for the day. The preference for experiences has continued to grow with DayAway launching in Australia in 2022 – where you can sign up for a spa day, or a high tea or relaxing afternoon by the pool at a top hotel in your city such as Park Hyatt Sydney, The Langham, Sydney, Jackalope Mornington Peninsula, and COMO The Treasury in Perth.
Unpacking the Psychology of Gift-Giving
Pay attention to the topics that enliven and animate the people on your gift list. Look at the kinds of things they have in their homes and offices, what they wear, the colours they favour, what they take pictures of and what they like to eat and drink.
What makes for a great present?
Pick up not only on people’s joys and delights but also on their burdens and aggravations, and think of gifts that might alleviate those things. If they complain about never having enough free time, steer clear of time-consuming gifts like jigsaw puzzles or 1,000-page books.
Here’s What Not to Do Giving a gift
Especially one you want to make a statement can be a vulnerable experience. That’s why some people get so stressed out giving gifts, because it feels too exposing to express their emotions and like they won’t do it right. People can also have a hard time accepting gifts.
They might subconsciously resent being known in that way, or feel unworthy or even envious because they are not as thoughtful.
How receivers react depends on how secure they feel in themselves and their relationship with the giver. A thoughtful and generous gift can stir up all kinds of conscious and unconscious fears, longings and desires. What does it mean to accept it? Do I now owe the person something? What does it mean for me going forward? Do I need to respond in kind? If I respond in kind, does it mean going to the next level? No wonder some gift givers tend to err on the side of caution and just buy something generic like a scented candle or a gift card, rather than run the risk of going personal and getting it wrong.
The surefire way to give a better gift
If you’re stumped on what to get for somebody, you can always ask. My family and I always keep track of the things we want to receive from one another. If being surprised is important to the person you’re giving to, try asking for more general guidance, rather than specific suggestions.
People Who Are Good Gift-Givers Always Do This
Maybe the best strategy when it comes to gift-giving is to conduct your own not-so-scientific survey. Ask family and friends to tell you about the best and worst gifts they ever received. Not only will you learn what kinds of gifts truly touched or perhaps profoundly hurt them; if you really listen, you will also develop a better understanding of their core values, love languages, and attachment styles. These conversations can help deepen your relationships, which is a gift in itself.
It’s the thought that counts. Really.
