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It’s undeniable that some people love receiving gifts, and some love buying gifts. May it be any occasion, like a birthday, passing an exam, or just a regular day, gifts are a delight! Plus, nothing is more exciting than seeing someone’s face light up when they open your present. And we understand the struggles of finding the PERFECT gift, so we prepared 10 questions to ask when going gift-hunting.
Related: Best Things To Put On Your Wedding Registry: Starter Kit
The Ultimate Gift Questionnaire: 10 Questions for Gift-Shopping
Your friend’s birthday or maybe a special day for your sibling is coming up, and you’re thinking of getting them a gift. But where do you start? Here’s a questionnaire for giving gifts that you can use for any occasion.
What are their likes AND dislikes?
Remember, giving gifts is always about them, rather than you. Knowing what they like is one step closer to finding the perfect gift for your loved ones. Plus, it’s also important to know what they DON’T like! This will help you rule out things or shops to avoid when going gift shopping.
Do they need anything?
Needs can range from a new pair of socks to some coffee filters, so this route is practical and safe. Maybe they’re starting a new job soon, or they’ve been holding off buying a new mug; giving them stuff they need will surely be appreciated.
Do the both of you have anything specific that has a special meaning?
Nothing beats the classic “this reminded me of you!” present. Think of a special memory or an inside joke that both of you have! It could be anything (even a gag gift could work), as long as the gift is full of meaning and memories.
This needs a little bit of brainstorming, but it will give your gift more thought and save you time in the long run.
What do they like to do in their free time?
On their off days, what activities do they like to do? You could look into their hobbies or notice how they spend their downtime. You can maybe buy something to help them with their hobby or anything that keeps them entertained.
Maybe a free massage coupon would do if they love going to the spa! Or some new art supplies for artists or garden materials for green thumbs.
What have they been into lately?
Like the previous question, notice what they’ve been talking about lately. It can be a new television show, a new artist, or a new activity to past time. You can get them something related to it, like new merchandise, to show that you actively listen to them and their interests.
Where do they like to shop the most?
This question will definitely give you an idea of what they particularly like buying. But if they’re not a shopper, you can always check back on your gift questionnaire for more ideas.
Do they prefer something they can keep or something they can do?
Some people prefer experience over material things, and that’s fine! So, when looking to buy something for someone, don’t forget to consider this in your gift questionnaire. For those who are experience seekers, you can choose to buy them concert tickets or cooking or any special skills class.
What do they have on display?
One tip that can help you think of something to give is looking around their home or own space. This will more or less give you an idea of what they like having around them. If they have a record player, maybe you can get them a new vinyl record of an artist that they’re listening to.
What’s their go-to snack?
Let’s be honest. Receiving your favorite snack on a special day is guaranteed happiness! So when going through your gift questionnaire, think about your recipient’s favorite snack and consider including it in your present.
Here’s a tip: if you can make it, go for it! Any freshly baked and homemade goods are foolproof options to put a smile on their face.
Do they have any charity or cause that you could help or support?
Most of the time, people already have a lot of stuff they don’t like receiving gifts anymore. If that’s the case, you can look into their favorite charity and maybe donate on their behalf. You can also further support a cause by buying something, with a portion of the proceeds going towards the charity.
Tips to Remember: Your Questionnaire for Giving Gifts
- What’s your budget? When looking for gifts, it’s essential to consider the amount you can spend. Know your budget and actually stick to it. You don’t need to empty your wallet! Often the perfect gift is the opposite.
- Who can I ask for more intel? Let’s face it: sometimes, we need all the help we can get. And in getting the perfect gift, asking the people closest to the recipient is the key. It may be awkward to contact a random person, but most will appreciate your effort and thoughtfulness.
So, where do I begin?
With all these, where do you start? The number one answer to that is, brainstorming. Consider all the questions (and their answers, of course!) and think about where you can start looking. If you’re thinking of a personalized or handmade good, consider the time it takes to make it. And if it’s a surprise, remember to keep hush.
Browsing online is also an excellent way to look for presents. You can easily see the prices and compare different brands, not to mention the convenience of shopping at home. If you’re going to buy your gift online, try using Carrot , a free automatic cart collection extension for Chrome. With Carrot, shopping is easier as you can easily come back to the stuff you previously browsed through and create collections or a gift registry for specific occasions. You can also track prices, get price alerts, and even organize wishlists. Carrot is an essential tool when gift-hunting, so try it out now!
