Gift Giving. It’s a time when we consider another person’s interests, preferences, and needs to choose a thoughtful gift. It’s a form of showing appreciation for the person you care about. I enjoy the process of spending time thinking about what the recipient may like and finding a gift that will make them happy.

For many years, there were four of us who gathered for lunch to celebrate each other’s birthday and for dinner to celebrate Christmas. In honesty, the real gift was spending time with one another, but we always came bearing something. There were rules; an unspoken one - the gift shouldn’t be expensive, and a spoken one - the gift should be practical or consumable. 

We were all pretty vocal about that spoken rule. We didn’t need anything, per se. Our houses were full, and we were trying to get rid of most things that weren’t necessary any more. What was really appreciated were practical gifts that served a useful purpose or gifts that went away; gifts that were enjoyed for a short time and then disappeared at the end of their natural life. We tended to buy personalized mailing return labels, fancy chocolates, or bottles of favorite wine. We also favored gifts that were homemade.

Over the years, we all got pretty good at picking out gifts that were meaningful. Each of us on the receiving end felt appreciated, loved, and seen. And showing gratitude and appreciation are the best reasons for gift-giving. 

Here are some tips to consider when choosing a thoughtful and appropriate gift for a person, especially one who might “have it all” or who is advancing in years.

• Hobbies and Interests. When we choose a gift based on a person’s hobbies or interests, it means that we know the person and want to give a gift that they will like; not a gift that we would want. It shows that we are thinking of them as individuals. If they enjoy gardening, you could get them some new tools, gardening gloves or plants. If they like reading, a book or a fancy bookmark might be appreciated. If traveling is their thing, perhaps packing cubes, a luggage scale, or an international power adaptor might be nice.

• Practical and functional. Practical gifts that make a person’s life easier or that assist with everyday activities are always welcomed. Especially as people age, needs change and gifts that serve a functional purpose in maintaining independence are well received. How about an assortment of greeting cards, along with postage stamps? Or a food subscription box so that the person receives delicious food items each month, alleviating the need to shop or cook. Providing a gift card for a haircut or to a favorite restaurant would be nice. A membership to AAA is helpful for a person who might have an issue with their car and need to call for help. 

• Health and Wellbeing. Take into account any health conditions or mobility limitations. For example, for a person with arthritis, consider items that might help with opening jars. Perhaps, items for pampering and self-care like aromatherapy oils, bath bombs, or spa-inspired items might be appreciated. Maybe adult coloring books and pencils for stress reduction and relaxation.

• Personalization and Sentimental. A personalized gift shows that you took the time and effort to make something unique. A photo album with cherished memories, a custom-made calendar with family photos, monogrammed stationery, or an engraved piece of jewelry all show the recipient that you took the time to consider them and what makes them special. 

• Social and Interactive. To counteract loneliness, consider a gift that encourages social interaction like puzzles, a subscription to a magazine that aligns with interests to keep the person engaged and connected, or an adult Lego kit. Gifts that encourage time together are particularly appreciated like organizing a special tea party or a day of yard work with family members. 

• Experience-based. Sometimes the best gift is a gift that you can do together or a gift that the recipient can do with friends of their choosing. Instead of a physical item, an experience provides an opportunity to create a long-lasting memory. The recipient experiences happiness when the gift is given, joy in the anticipation of the adventure, and continued warmth for years to come when reminiscing about the experience. And sharing experiences with others means there is social connectivity, which serves to enrich lives. A weekend getaway, a painting class, or tickets to a sporting event are great examples.

• Consumable. These are gifts that don’t sit on a shelf to collect dust. They are gifts that can be enjoyed in the short term and are meant to be consumed fairly quickly from a favorite wine to a box of fancy chocolates and everything in between. And the gift doesn’t necessarily have to be food. Bubble bath, bird seed for a bird watcher, a bouquet of flowers, or an Amazon gift card are examples.

Gift giving need not be stressful, especially when considering the above tips. Ultimately, understanding the person’s lifestyle, preferences, and circumstances will help in selecting the most appropriate gift - and one that truly shows “it’s the thought that counts.”

What are some of the best gifts you’ve ever gotten or given? Share in the comment section below.