This may seem like an anomaly but it’s a difficult pill to swallow. How many times have we heard of a birthday or celebration coming up and struggled to figure out what to purchase as the ideal gift?
See, gifts are not meant to be given only to commemorate special occasions but to actual show people that we value and appreciate them. How much value and appreciation have you put into a quick gift you’ve purchased in a China store or off the Internet? This is why gift shopping is a very important tasks that can be done at any point in time of the year.
Here’s five tips why and how you can gifts beforehand:
1. Reflecting upon your Conversations
Remember those moments when the person you’re intending to purchase the gift for told you vastly about this amazing product or thing they like? While the opportunity is yours to grab it and keep it treasured for the big day.
It would be sad to have forgotten what they asked for. Often times life has us so stressed out or focused on daily priorities that we forget some truly valuable sentiments in exchange for personal ones.
So instead of asking AI or having to dig on the Internet, maybe give your chat history a run through or journal the ideas when they come. Save up your funds and make the arrangements pronto to avoid disappointments or delays.
2. A Nice To Have
Now this doesn’t have to be something they asked for. But, it could be something you would like to give them. Perhaps, you walked through a clothing store, a China shop, a grocery store, a furniture shop, a tech store – the works and found a nice product that reminded you of your friend, colleague, relative or lover. This is your opportunity to purchase that odd package and note the idea of why they came to mind.
What is most valuable in this gift-giving action is not the gift itself but the sentimental value it holds. Giving the person deep words of affirmation, appreciation and acceptance will be treasured through the reminder of the odd gift – be it something they keep as an oniment or use on a daily basis.
3. A prayerful gift
What is God’s plan? I am pretty certain we often forget to pray when deciding to go gift shopping. What a foolish thing, sadly to say. This doesn’t mean our existing ideas are terrible but maybe there’s a little bit more than what meets the eye.
Giving to a cause, such as charity or supporting a campaign could be a significant way to show the person that you value them. This is definitely one that is deeply spirit-led. What cause, campaign, initiative or plan would be something they would best be attracted to? What exactly is of their interest and would grab their full attention, so much that they would not dare let the memory go?
Pray about it, research and read about it and when the right time comes, act upon it – better sooner than later.
4. It not about the money
Remember that money or the value of the product is not everything that adds value to a gift. A car may be of great worth but is it of true value – does it posses the sentimental worth that a fruit cake, a bowl of one’s favourite meal or something else like a kiss under the sunset can? Think deeper and plan.
Purchasing movie tickets, tickets to a comedy show, a sports game or concert may be a great way to show them that your time is the greatest treasure and gift you can gift. Whilst these vary in costs, try to pick something that works with your budget and save as you plan accordingly. Remember to cater towards their interests and to be honest with them as why you chose this as an ideal gift, not because you’re broke but because you have something better to give – that’s yourself.
5. Money is however also of help
Whilst we said no to money, we also have to consider where money can help. If you’re not a regular custodian of making financial contributions to this individual, this could be the opportunity to help where they maybe have a need. This could be paying off their school fees or a part of it, paying for their monthly bus pass, buying a grocery store voucher to help them with their basic needs in the days ahead and a clothing voucher since they may simply be in need of buying something they really like that unfortunately just doesn’t ring a bell in your chats.
This may be an insignificant gift to some as it does seem rushed and unplanned, it doesn’t caddy the sentimental value as the others do but it is not one worth cancelling. A financial investment into someone else’s being is actually a wonderful way of saying thank you for being a part of my life and that you would like to see them prosper abundantly going forward.
Plan, save and give generously. This kind of a gift does not come with merely R5 in the bank account, it does need thinking. So, next time your paycheck clocks, think about when their birthday/graduation, wedding/anniversary comes and add something to that special account for their big day.
In conclusion
A little bit goes a long way. Show your appreciation not just by purchasing a gift but by being intentional about it.
This can only be done by planning and carefully considering what the person’s interests are at heart. Saving up for a good gift and making sure it is ready before hand form part of the parcel in making sure you’re taking good care the next person.
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