Gift shopping 101: How to make sure your Christmas gifts are a hit

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No matter what your love language is, receiving a gift from someone can evoke a sense of joy in you. For the person doing the gifting, it’s about showing you how much you mean to them.  

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Christmas comes with the age-old tradition of gift-giving, and while some people find the practice fun and look forward to shopping for gifts, others might dread it, simply because they aren’t sure what to get for a loved one.  

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Being a thoughtful gift giver is not easy, so we asked some Atlantic Canadian residents for their tips.  

How can you get good at gift giving? 

Start early

Founder and curator of gift and homeware store The Independent Mercantile Co. on Gottingen Street in Halifax, NS, Wendy Friedman keeps a running note on her phone where she can quickly jot down gift ideas for loved ones throughout the year.  

“Then when holidays or birthdays roll around, I check the note to see if I had anything captured for that person. It’s a lifesaver,” said Friedman.  

Ideas aside, it pays to not wait until the month before Christmas to purchase the actual gifts.  

According to Maggie Henry from Oh Hey PEI, the stationery and art boutique in Charlottetown, PEI, holiday gift shopping can happen year-round.  

“I think it’s always more fun to buy gifts for people when you see something that makes you think of them, rather than when you’re on a mission trying to find something. Just make sure you remember what you’ve bought and where you’ve put [them],” said Henry. 

Friedman agreed, adding that circling back for something you saw earlier in the year might mean you miss out.  

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“This has happened to me. If you see something on social media or in person that’s right for someone, don’t wait,” she warned.  

Not about the price tag  

While you might be tempted to give your loved ones something expensive to convey the magnitude of your affection, the price of the present doesn’t really matter, according to these East Coasters.  

What is important, however, is that you pay attention throughout the year to gather clues, said Friedman.  

“Keep your eyes open for what someone might need when you’re with them or in their home. They could use a charger in their car, their gloves are looking poky, [or] they have a favourite restaurant but can’t afford to go often,” added Friedman.  

Down the same line of thought of being thoughtful, Henry suggested that it could be interesting to introduce the receiver of the gift to something new.  

Keep in mind, however, that this “something new” should align “with their usual interests and tastes.” 

Practical or functional gifts are great options too, said the owner and founder of Black Bow Gift Co. in Halifax, NS, Amanda Cluett.  

“Practical gifts that are both stylish and useful are always appreciated.”  

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There’s also something to be said about personalization. If you can find a way to custom package your gift and add touches like handwritten notes, these can add an extra layer of thoughtfulness, said Cluett.  

“It’s all about making your gift as special as the person receiving it.” 

Shop local

Being a good gift giver can take on a whole other meaning if you shop local. Not only are you going to find something unique, you’re also supporting homegrown businesses.  

“It helps your entire community by keeping 60 per cent of your dollar in the local economy, as opposed to 13 per cent if you shop in a big box store,” said Friedman. 

You’re bound to be spoilt for choice if you start close to home and widen your search to include your province, region, and country, added Henry. 

The wrapping matters too

Yes, there are people out there who might not notice the wrapping and peel it right off with no second thought, but that doesn’t mean you, as a gift giver, should disregard the wrapping part of things.  

The collective advice from these Atlantic Canadians was to focus on sustainability but still remain stylish.  

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“Re-use wrapping, ribbons, etc., when possible,” added Henry. 

Consider gifting experiences

This one is kind of creative, plus there are a myriad things you can list under experiences.  

“Experiences make great gifts. Take them for a movie date, a lunch out, or gift them a manicure,” said Friedman. 

Last year, Friedman’s sister went with the experience route.  

“She surprised me with a birthday weekend in New York, full of live theatre, museums, great pizza, and wandering the city. It’s one of my happy places, and there’s nothing better than autumn in New York,” said Friedman.  

Keep it lighthearted and enjoyable (for you)

Although purchasing gifts can feel like work and may involve lists and checking things off from said list, it is important that you remain in the spirit of the season.  

“Gifting should feel like a treat, not a chore or burden. Try not to overextend yourself – spend beyond your means, dream too big, DIY with an unrealistic timeline,” said Henry.  

Buying for someone you hardly know

If you thought shopping for loved ones was challenging, try buying a gift for an acquaintance or someone you don’t really know well (like your brother’s new partner). This can definitely feel overwhelming.  

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Friedman is of the opinion that experiences can be a choice here too.  

“A gift card to a local bakery, cool shop or lunch spot – or if you’re spending a bit more – then tickets for local theatre or live music are great.”  

Henry added that chatting with the staff of the store you walk into could prove useful in this case. Additionally, it might help to play detective.  

“Without getting too creepy, think about what you do know about them (or have in common) and go from there,” she said.  

Or swing the other way — introduce them to some of your personal favourite items. 

“Try to keep it useful and practical and don’t go overboard, just in case they’ll feel pressured to match your effort and spending,” added Henry. 

Going with universally-loved gift items like gourmet treats, premium coffee and tea collections, or self-care items could also work, said Cluett.  

Someone who has everything  

We’ve all probably been there – perusing the aisles for a gift for someone who owns all they could possibly want. Your mental lists can start to feel useless.  

If you’re trying to form a connection with this person, live plants are a nice touch, according to Friedman. You can go the “easy care” plant or succulent route, especially if you think the receiver of the gift can’t handle anything more complicated.  

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“Some friends gave me a live plant arrangement for my birthday five years ago and it’s still going strong, and I think of them every time I water it,” said Friedman.  

The power of gift cards stands true, even in this scenario, added Henry. If you take the time to curate whatever you buy to fit the things they enjoy, you can’t go wrong.  

Another idea would be to give them a gift card that might inspire them to experience something local.  

“Love to cook? Local grocer. Love to read? Local book store. Love to treat themselves? Local artisan boutique,” she said. 

Gift giving is a tricky business but for some of us, they’re well worth the effort of perfecting. 

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