How to Think of the Perfect Gift Idea

Gift-giving can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you want to find something truly meaningful for the special people in your life. The pressure to choose the perfect present can be overwhelming. 

Where do you start when you have no idea what to give someone? Right here!

Follow the simple steps in the Memory Jogger exercise below to create a list of amazing gift ideas for everyone you shop for.

Grab a pen & piece of paper and let’s begin!

First, think about the person you’re buying for. What do you know about them? Jot down three quick characteristics that are notable to you.

For example: Maybe they like to fish, their favorite color is blue, and they are a college student. 

Or maybe they are 7 years old, love playing pretend, and enjoy cooking. 

Or maybe your recipient travels often for work, prefers going out to eat over cooking at home, and spends a lot of time at the gym.

Next, review each of the types of gifts below while keeping your notes top of mind. 

As you go through, write down types of gifts that stand out to you or any specific gift ideas you think of so you aren’t trying to recall them later. You will have a list full of great gift ideas in no time!

Here are the 28 different types of gifts. 🎁

1- Experience Gifts

Instead of giving a physical item, consider a memorable activity or event. Experiences create lasting memories and meaningful connections that endure far beyond the occasion, allowing the recipient to cherish and relive the joy and excitement long after the event has passed.

2-Emergency Preparedness & Safety Gifts

Gift security with Emergency Preparedness or Safety items. These types of presents can help in the case of natural disasters, medical emergencies, or other unplanned crises. Essentially you are offering them peace of mind and practical support ahead of time for use when they need it most.

3-Heirloom Gifts

Generational gifts can be very impactful. Items that are passed down from parent to child, grandparent to grandchild, or some other familial link carry memories, stories and love with them. Connect a loved one to their family’s history and traditions with a cherished heirloom gift.

4- Acts of Service

The majority of people I know self-report their lives are “busy”, which makes offering your time and effort through Acts of Service very valuable. These gifts often provide practical support and demonstrate care in a way that can be quite impactful.

5- Travel-Related Gifts

Inspire wanderlust in your favorite explorer with a travel-related gift. Whether they travel mostly for fun or for work, these gifts can transform routine trips into unforgettable adventures by making every journey more enjoyable and memorable.

Also included here are souvenirs you bring someone back from your own travels, or a gift to remind your recipient of one of their favorite destinations. 

6- Homemade (DIY) Gifts

I love to sprinkle in homemade gifts to my family and friends throughout the year. Often these gifts have a lower price tag but a much higher “time tag” and are packed full of sentimental value.

You don’t have to be super crafty to try your hand at a DIY gift. There are homemade gift options at every skill-level and many involving different skill-sets. If you can make the time, give a homemade gift a try!

7- Subscription & Membership Gifts

This is a relatively new type of gift, but such a good one. There are endless subscriptions and memberships available today that can improve quality of life. Gifting an annual or even a few months of a subscription or membership is a fun way to give them new experiences or serve them in a way that elevates their day-to-day.

8- Occasion-Specific Gifts

It can be helpful to base the gift on the occasion you are celebrating. Maybe you want to lean on romance for Anniversary/ Valentine’s Day gifts, religion-inspired gifts for a baptism, or themed gifts for holidays. Some events come with registries or wish lists: always utilize those! You will definitely score points with “Asked for” gifts.

9- Gag Gifts

Gag gifts are all about fun and laughter. They’re often quirky and exaggerated items, so they are a good choice for a light-hearted occasion where making someone smile is the main goal.

10- Personalized & Custom Gifts

This is a fairly broad label and often overlaps with other types of gifts, but essentially it’s a gift that is tailored to, or customized specifically for, your recipient. Think about these gifts in the sense that it might be difficult to regift to someone else because they were specifically chosen or crafted with your particular recipient in mind.

11- Corporate & Professional Gifts

The Corporate umbrella covers gifts to coworkers, employees, managers, team members, and clients. It is any gift given in a professional setting or capacity. 

It could also include gifts you give friends or family members to enhance their professional life.

12- Recognition Gifts

Gifts can be a great way to acknowledge a job well done. This would include an incentive your giftee is actively working towards earning, a surprise reward given for an achievement you don’t want to go unrecognized, or maybe an award for a competition, professional accomplishment, or other success. 

13- Consumable Gifts

Consumables are meant to be enjoyed and used up over a short period of time rather than stored for years. That can be appealing because the recipient doesn’t have to find a permanent place for the gift in their home. In addition, they’re often ‘luxury’ items that might not fit into a weekly budget, so they would be relished as special indulgences.

14- Hobby-Based Gifts

Support your giftee’s favorite hobby with new equipment, supplies, or accessories. You could also help them hone their craft with educational opportunities/resources or gift them an experience related to their hobby. 

15- Social & Environmental Gifts

This type of gift encompasses a few unique areas.

• Charity Gifts: Donations made in the recipient’s name/anonymously or other gifts that support charitable causes.
• Fair Trade Gifts: Items sourced from fair trade organizations that support ethical practices.
• Eco-Friendly Gifts: Sustainable products like reusable bags or eco-friendly home items.

16- Health & Wellness Gifts

Anything that promotes physical health, mental health, or overall wellness and healthy living belongs in this slot. A gift that supports exercise, encourages self-care, or contributes to the well-being of your recipient in any capacity shows you care about them and their quality of life.

17- Wearable Gifts

Wearable gifts are items that can be physically worn or adorn your person. These presents extend beyond clothing to jewelry, accessories, and even tech such as smartwatches and allow for unique expression of your giftee’s style and personality.

18- Seasonal Gifts

You can theme your gifts around the current or upcoming season. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter each come with their own temperatures, events, and traditional aspects. Focus on flavors, iconic images and activities characteristic of that specific season. 

19- Educational Gifts

Bolster learning and intellectual growth in both children and adults with educational gifts. Items or experiences that stimulate curiosity and enhance knowledge on any subject can foster a love of learning, develop new skills, and support academic or personal development.

20- Age (Life Stage) Gifts

Sometimes you can find the best gifts for your recipient just by considering their age and stage of life! Items that cater to happy, healthy infants, trendy gadgets for teens, comfy or joy-bringing presents for older adults, etc. Do a little research on what someone your giftee’s age would enjoy the most.

21- Toys & Games

Toys and games make delightful gifts by providing entertainment, fostering creativity, and encouraging social interaction in giftees of any age. From classic board games and educational toys for children to intricate models and strategy games for adults, these gifts spark joy, stimulate imagination, and are great leisure activities.

22- Needs

When someone is down on their luck, behind on bills or otherwise struggling to make ends meet, luxury gifts might not hold the same meaning to them. It’s hard to truly appreciate a fancy contraption when you don’t have the basic necessities you need to get by. It might be more fun for you to give a pair of AirPods, but the toilet paper, grocery delivery, or kids’ shoes they need might be more appreciated by your giftee.

23- Home Improvement & Decor

These gifts enhance living spaces by adding functionality and style. Home Improvement + Decor presents could include renovating part of a home, tools to make home maintenance easier, or stylish decorative items to elevate the aesthetic of an existing space.

24-Free Gifts

When money is tight, it can be challenging to splurge on gifts for others. But just because you don’t have the budget for expensive gifts does not mean you have to show up empty-handed. There are many meaningful, free gifts that can still express your affection.

25- Tech & Gadget Gifts

Is your giftee someone who likes to stay ahead of the curve with new technology or enjoys checking out interesting gadgets? Items with cutting-edge features and innovations can enhance productivity, entertainment, and connectivity with those around you.

26- Pet Gifts

When shopping for someone who is really invested in their pet, consider a pet-related gift. You could order accessories or care products for the animal itself or browse for a present for your recipient that represents or features their beloved pet. 

27-Money/Cash

Giving cash as a gift is practical and flexible, allowing the recipient to use it as they see fit. It might not have the personal touch of a physical gift, but a well-written card or creative presentation can still make it feel special.

28- Gift Cards

Gift cards combine the practicality of cash with a personal touch, reflecting your knowledge of the recipient’s favorite brands or the excitement of introducing them to something new you think they’ll love. They offer more direction than cash, guiding the recipient toward a specific gift choice rather than leaving it completely open-ended. Enhance the gift card with a thoughtful note or creative wrapping to make it extra special.

That’s the end of the Memory Jogger! Hopefully you now have a list full of present ideas for your recipient. Make sure to consider: Does it “PASS” the GiftEd test?

If you are still struggling with what to get them, browse through some of my gift guides to shop for unique gifts they’re sure to love. 

Now go out there and gift joyfully!❤️