Many people consider women to be the hardest people to shop for. This belief often stems from a few common (mostly sexist) beliefs: “Women are hard to please,” “They’re cryptic about what they want,” or simply, “I’m not a woman, how should I know?” While some may think that the truth is it’s really not that hard or rather it doesn’t have to be. The true secret is (you’ll never guess it) simply ask the person you are trying to get a gift for what they want.
No, Really it’s that simple. No one knows someone better than they know themselves, so asking the important people in your life directly what they want for a gift, whether for Christmas or a birthday, is the most effective approach. Every individual (regardless of gender) has unique preferences, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” gift that can satisfy everyone’s wants and needs. Except a million dollars (I think everyone would want a million dollars as a Christmas gift), in reality, the most thoughtful presents come from paying attention to the person’s true desires and needs. From my experience, the best gifts are just the simple ones that people saw while walking through the Walmart and then they thought of me.
For example, it’s important to steer clear of generic, stereotypical gifts that (while they may appreciate) they may not use or even want very much. While many people associate women with certain gifts (candles, chocolates, or beauty products) these items may not be what every woman actually wants, however, many women may have these items on their wish list.
Take, for instance, a girlfriend who isn’t particularly invested in skincare routines. If you were to buy her the latest luxury skincare item, (even if it’s expensive) she may not be as thrilled as if you had picked something more in tune with her everyday life. However, she may want skincare products or those “stereotypical gifts for women”. It is all personal to the person you are thinking of.
Think about it: How would you feel if someone bought you a gift that you wouldn’t use or have no interest in? It’s not that the gift was bad, it’s just that it missed the mark. Personalized gifts show that you’ve really thought about the person and put effort into selecting something they’d actually enjoy or use. This thoughtfulness can make all the difference in making a gift memorable.
If you’re unsure about what someone might want, sometimes the key is in the little details. People often drop hints without even realizing it, whether it’s talking about something they need for work or a hobby they’ve mentioned wanting to explore. Perhaps she’s always wanted a specific kitchen tool but never buys it for herself, or maybe she has mentioned a book she’s been meaning to read. Paying attention to these subtle cues can guide you to a perfect gift, one that isn’t just another stereotypical present.
At the end of the day, it may be as simple as asking them what they want as a gift or it may be that it’s not about the gift itself but the thought and effort that go into choosing it. Thoughtful (and wanted) gifts, whether big or small, expensive or cheap always have the most lasting impact. And if all else fails, a million dollars still wouldn’t hurt.
