Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Christmas Decorating, Tips & Traditions

How to pick the perfect gift for anyone

In 5 easy steps. - by Laura Barry
  • 16 Dec 2019

WATCH: How to wrap a gift when you run out of paper

Is there anything more stressful than the pressure to buy the perfect gift for each and every friend and family member? There’s nothing more disheartening than witnessing a look of disappointment briefly flicker across the face of your loved ones as they open your gift, only to quickly cover it up with a big smile and a thankyou.

Fortunately, we have the solution to bad gifts. It’s all about ensuring your gifts meet a certain set of criteria, which you can read below.

gold gifts on purple background
Getty

How to pick the perfect gift in 5 easy steps.

#1 Demonstrate how well you know the person

The best types of gifts are those that speak directly to the personality and interests of your intended gift receiver.

#2 Think practical

While you may think bigger is better, more people appreciate a practical gift they will actually use, than a fancy one. We aren’t talking about socks and jocks, though. Think of items that may be useful to the person you are buying for. That could include a gift card to their favourite restaurant, or an experience such as cooking classes if they’re a foodie.

#3 Homemade items are in

Gifting friends and family with fresh cookies, cakes, preserves or other homemade edibles is a wonderful idea, particularly if you know that person hates to cook – but loves baked treats!

#4 It’s not about you

It’s less about the gift you want to give or receive, and more about what git would truly make the recipient happy. Don’t get too wrapped up in finding a ‘desirable’ gift that you think may impress others, and focus on finding a useful gift. It really is the thought that counts, not the money spent.

#5 Hand down family heirlooms

If you’re a parent or grandparent of adult children, this Christmas may be the time to gift them with a family heirloom or treasure that’s been in the family for generations. Whether it’s a piece of jewellery, furniture, art or some quirky family treasure, if your child has always admired it – then it would make the perfect sentimental gift that symbolises trust, love and family.

You might also like:

How to pick the perfect Secret Santa gift 

  • Better Life
  • Christmas Decorating, Tips & Traditions
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

16 of the best Christmas crackers in Australia

16 of the best Christmas crackers in Australia

 When is the ‘correct’ time to open Christmas presents?

When is the ‘correct’ time to open Christmas presents?

These are the 3 most popular Christmas gifts of 2020

These are the 3 most popular Christmas gifts of 2020

Study finds a badly-wrapped gift makes the gift seem more impressive

Study finds a badly-wrapped gift makes the gift seem more impressive

{headline}

{headline}

Chocolate Semifreddo with Raspberries and Honeycomb

Chocolate Semifreddo with Raspberries and Honeycomb

Spruce Up Your Home With These Exclusive Wooden Decorations!

Spruce Up Your Home With These Exclusive Wooden Decorations!

This is the one gift one quarter of Aussies don't want for Christmas

This is the one gift one quarter of Aussies don't want for Christmas

{headline}

{headline}

The best personalised gifts for pets and pet owners

The best personalised gifts for pets and pet owners

Johanna meets Bella Taylor Smith and Penny McNamee

Johanna meets Bella Taylor Smith and Penny McNamee

Coconut and mint crepes with Christmas cake and ricotta

Coconut and mint crepes with Christmas cake and ricotta

15 best Advent beauty calendars for 2021

15 best Advent beauty calendars for 2021

How to wrap your Christmas gifts like a professional

How to wrap your Christmas gifts like a professional

7 eco-friendly ways to enjoy Christmas

7 eco-friendly ways to enjoy Christmas

9 best Christmas ham recipes

9 best Christmas ham recipes

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription