Practical + Personal = Perfect Present

Just because you shelled out your hard earned cash and wrapped it up doesn’t mean it’s a gift. And something that might be a great gift on one day does not mean it is an appropriate gift for a holiday or special occasion.

For instance, a microwave or a vacuum cleaner might make a great gift for your child’s housewarming present. But giving your wife a vacuum cleaner as her big Christmas present? Not cool.

What? Your confused? You know your wife has wanted a vacuum cleaner so why can’t it be a Christmas present?

Let me elaborate. Giving someone something practical (like the aforementioned vacuum cleaner) can actually be a really nice anytime gift or housewarming gift (or check out my ideas below to make them great even for a holiday or special occasion – it can be done, it is just tricky!).

Practical gifts may not always be luxurious but they can be exciting to receive at the appropriate time and, if you’ve gotten someone a practical gift because you know it will improve the quality of their life, then it can be even more special because of that thoughtfulness. Giving a practical but otherwise unexciting gift at the right time makes a difference too. What is the right time? A shopping spree for the grad that needs clothes for their new job, an appliance for the newlyweds that just bought a new house, etc. The gift should be relevant to something current in the recipient’s life. It can commemorate an event or show that you support them in some way.

Holidays and birthdays are not necessarily a good time to be so practical – especially if you are on a budget! A lot of the time gifts should focus on wants and desires, not needs. Sometimes the perfect gift will satisfy wants and needs but when giving a present, try to think of a persons passions not their needs. Thinking about your recipients passions, their style and their likes are all clues to finding the perfect gift.

If you are the type of family that has tons of presents under the tree, then go ahead, put in a practical item or two.

Practical yet Personal Ideas!

• If your husband really needs a new wallet, get him one that he will love and personalize it with a laminated love note. Make it the same size as a credit card and tuck it into his new wallet!
• Give your wife a Roomba followed by a gift certificate to the spa explaining since she will have extra time now that she doesn’t having to vacuum, you thought she deserved to spend it getting pampered.

No matter the holiday or occasion, or even if it is just an anytime gift – the key is to make sure that your practical gift hits a personal note and is really worthy of being a present!

Have you received a practical item that was also a great present? Tell your story – leave a comment!

Happy gifting!