Most people prefer to give, and to get, the gift of choice in the form of a gift card or cash.
But what can you do to spice it up and make the gift of choice feel a little more special?
There is a way!
My Story
I enjoy giving gifts.
At the same time, most everyone prefers receiving a thoughtful gift card, or cash.
So, what’s a gift giver to do?
Ages ago, I settled on a strategy that satisfies my desire to give a gift, while also enabling me to give the gift of choice.
I give both.
It’s a winning combination!
Spicing up the Gift of Choice!
Start with the gift of choice in the form of a gift card or cash.
Which one you give depends on the situation.
Although there are pros and cons to both gift cards and cash, a gift card is typically my default gift of choice.
Right or wrong, there are times that giving cash just feels tacky, and a whole lot less personal.
However, there are also times when I know the recipient prefers cash. (Hello grandkids!)
Deciding on a gift card or cash is a personal decision.
An important note to remember is, don’t mail either. If you need to mail the gift, opt for a check.
A check may seem a little old fashioned, but in the event it goes missing, a stop pay can be issued (for a fee), and the gift resent.
How much do you give?
How much you give is also a personal choice, dependent on the situation.
Take the thinking out of it and stick to a standard amount per occasion.
Weddings, birthdays, shower gifts; decide ahead of time how much you want to give and stick to it.
You won’t need to rethink the amount every time a gift giving occasion arises.
Next, choose a small, personal gift.
If you get stuck on what to give, think about what you would use as a stocking stuffer.
Something small, not expensive, just a little exclamation point to spice up your gift of choice and make it feel a little more special.
Consumable gifts are a great choice.
Most of us don’t need, or want, more stuff in our homes.
Teas, coffees, and specialty candies all make great consumable gifts.
It’s fun to secretly find out someone’s favorite treat and include it as part of their gift.
Don’t get stuck in a consumable rut though. Any small item that you think the recipient will enjoy is perfectly acceptable.
Whatever it is, give it some thought.
Just grabbing something for the sake of adding it to the gift defeats the purpose.
Treat the combination gift like you would any other gift.
Wrap it, or put it in a pretty gift bag.
Taking the time to make the presentation pretty automatically spices up the gift, making it feel more special.
A nice card, a wrapped box or pretty gift bag can be found at the dollar store for a pittance.
Did you know that tissue paper can be ironed? Yep, it can.
So don’t throw out used tissue paper. As long as you fold it and put it away, it can be used indefinitely.
If all of this causes you added stress, forget it!
If giving a gift card or cash without a gift suits you better, don’t stress over it!
Everyone is different and has different giving styles.
In the end, no matter what you give, it really is the thought that counts!
However, if you like to give gifts, but also want to give the gift of choice, don’t choose.
Instead, do both.
It’s a winning combination!
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