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When it comes to buying gifts, it can be quite tricky. You have got to get the balance between practical and thoughtful. It is nice to get them something that they have always wanted. But sometimes, there are more useful things that you could get them. It can be even trickier if you don’t know the recipient too well. We’ve all had an awkward Secret Santa or buying for your new boyfriend’s mom experience, right? Sometimes it is just handy to have some go-to ideas for gifts. There are a lot of occasions that we will be buying for. From anniversaries to birthday gifts, to thank you presents and everything in between.
I find that it is quite useful to stockpile items that can be used as presents. I know some people have a gift drawer and fill it with items that will last. Obviously, something like fresh flowers can’t be stored but other things can. Stockpiling works well for birthday cards too. Then you always have one in. So if someone at work announces it’s their birthday, you don’t need to pop to the shops to grab a card for them. I look for bargains and offers and then with a few people in mind, get gifts ready for them. Shopping in sales is a great way to do it. You save money but still get some great gifts ready. Rushing around at Christmas or when it’s someone’s birthday is just the worst. Planning is everything and can make your life much less stressful. It is a good idea to write a list of all of the things that you buy to store. The worst thing is forgetting about them all; you don’t want to spend money for the same thing twice! So what are the kinds of gifts that you can stockpile? Here are my thoughts.
Candles
Candles work well as a gift for pretty much everyone. They work well for occasions like Mother’s Day, as well as for birthday or Christmas gifts. You can get such a wide range so get a few in, to store. Scented candles are always a winner too. Think about getting a variety of scents; that will work throughout the year. Citrus scents would be better for a summer birthday gift. Cinnamon scented candle would work well as a Christmas gift or an autumnal thank you present. I always get tempted to open the scented candles, though, as I just love having one in my house.
Fragrances and Toiletries
Things like aftershaves and perfumes don’t come that cheap. So if you ever find some on sale, it is a good idea to stock up. I don’t know anyone that wouldn’t appreciate getting a new perfume or aftershave as a present. Toiletries are also great gifts that don’t ‘go off’. When you are giving things like bubble bath as a gift, it is a good idea to not choose an everyday brand. If the brand is a little fancier, it makes the gift even more special. You could join the gift up with a scented candle that you have stored, to make a little pamper hamper for the gift recipient. This is the perfect option for when you don’t know someone particularly well. It is something that most people will enjoy, and it is still a useful gift.
Personalised Items
Personalised gifts can make such lovely presents. The recipient knows that you have thought just about them and taken the time to get something ordered. If you want to stockpile, though, it might be tricky to personalise with names. You could personalise patterns, though. You can even get things like mugs, cushions, and notebooks that are personalised with photographs. You can even get custom made phone cases like those from CustomLogoCases. This would work well for parents or grandparents. You could personalise with pictures of their grandchildren for example. You know it will be a winner then! As these things need a little time to be made and ordered in, make sure you plan in advance. It could be worth ordering them in, when you know you have some cash spare to get them.
Stationary
Stationary is so popular these days, despite the fact that we have notebooks and notes available on our phones and tablets. They work well for both males and females and will certainly get used. So think about adding lovely pens, note paper, planners or scrapbooks to the gift drawer. Little things like washi tape, sticky notes, and stickers are a great idea too. Children would love this gift too. So if you have children in your life to buy for, get crayons, pens and colouring books too.
Homemade Gifts
Something like baked goods makes a great gift. But if it is a batch of brownies or cupcakes, you can’t store them for that long. So a fantastic idea is to make up mixes to give away as gifts. Take a large jar that has a lid. Then scoop in all of the ingredients they will need to make the cupcakes or brownies themselves. Then just write out the instructions and attach it as a label. It is a cute and thoughtful gift that works for lots of occasions. If you have new neighbours or are sending someone a thank you; these would be perfect.
Homeware
Homeware items might seem like quite a boring gift. But if you are buying for grown friends or family members, then it will work perfectly fine. Think about some champagne flutes or martini glasses that you could get them. You could even get them a cocktail making kit if you wanted something along those lines. It could be a baking related gift, with an apron and rolling pin. If you didn’t want something for the kitchen, then little trinkets or bookends would make a lovely gift. You could get them candlesticks, and a tablecloth is they love to entertain. How about a new throw or cushion cover for their sitting area? It is a good idea not to go too overboard with colourful homewares, though. Then they will be suitable for a lot of people.