Curators are one of the happiest career groups in the US, according to a new survey by CareerExplorer. But how do they curate the perfect gift card happiness?
Giving the right gift can be a great way to show someone that you care. But finding the perfect present can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you find the right thing for everyone on your list this year: 1. Consider their interests.
1. Consider the Recipient’s Interests
When choosing the perfect gift, consider the recipient’s interests and hobbies. This will help you find something that is uniquely them and that they’ll love. For example, if they’re a foodie, you might want to buy them a cookbook or kitchen gadgets. Alternatively, if they’re into music, you could get them tickets to a concert or an in-home music lesson. These are great options that will show them how much you care and that you took the time to think about their interests.
If you’re unsure what to get someone, try asking them what they want. This can be a tricky task, but it will ensure that you’re getting them something they’ll truly enjoy. You can also ask their closest friends and family members for recommendations. They might have insights that you’ve never considered, and their opinions can give you a fresh perspective.
In addition to considering the recipient’s interests, you should also think about their personality. Do they tend to be more introverted or outgoing? Are they more practical or sentimental? What is their general outlook on life? Do they like to spend money on themselves or others? All of these factors can impact the type of gift that is right for them.
Another thing to keep in mind is that research suggests that people are happier when they spend money on experiences than when they spend it on material items. So if you’re debating between buying your loved one a new TV or taking them out for a wine tasting, go for the experience. It will likely make them much happier in the long run.
Lastly, be sure to consider any hints or clues that they might have dropped in conversations or in their social media feed. For instance, if they frequently mention wanting a particular book or accessory, you might want to purchase it for them. Similarly, if they’re always complaining about their sore neck, you might want to purchase them an appointment with a physical therapist or Alexander Technique lessons. By taking all of these things into consideration, you can ensure that you’re getting the perfect gift.
2. Think About Their Personality
It’s important to consider your giftee’s personality when choosing a gift. For example, some people prefer more sentimental gifts, while others are more practical and enjoy functional items. By considering your giftee’s personality, you can find a perfect gift that will suit them perfectly.
Another thing to think about is your giftee’s hobbies and passions. For example, if they love to bake, you could give them a new baking tool or cookbook. Or, if they live a healthy lifestyle, you could buy them an exercise-related item like a new pair of workout shoes or an upgraded water bottle. These types of gifts are not only thoughtful but also reflect your giftee’s personal interests and help to show that you care about them.
A good place to start is by making a list of all their interests and things that define who they are. Spend at least two full minutes writing down as many of these things as possible, and then brainstorm a gift that goes with each one. You might be surprised by how many ideas you come up with—and your giftee will appreciate the thought that went into your selection.
Then, once you’ve made a list of all their interests, you can begin to narrow it down by focusing on the most relevant ones. For example, if your friend Mary loves to read, you might choose a book or magazine subscription. Or, if she’s an artist, you might get her some new paint brushes or a sketchbook.
Lastly, you’ll want to consider their personality type. For instance, Cholerics are very practical individuals who enjoy functional gifts. They tend to avoid trinkets and “World’s Best XYZ” paraphernalia, so you might want to go with something more utilitarian like a tool kit or a new coffee mug.
Phlegmatics, on the other hand, tend to be more emotional and empathetic. This makes them more likely to be moved by sentimental gifts. You may find it easier to pick out a gift for a Phlegmatic relative or friend, as they will appreciate a more emotional and meaningful present.
3. Consider the Occasion
There are a variety of gifts that can be used for different occasions, from romantic celebrations like Valentine’s Day to religious holidays like Christmas or Hanukkah. Choosing a gift that’s appropriate for the occasion is an excellent way to show your recipient how much you care.
If you’re not sure what to get, try asking your recipient what they would like or paying attention to hints they may drop. They may mention a specific item they’ve been eyeing, or you might hear them talk about a particular interest. Once you’ve gathered some information, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect gift for them.
Once you’ve considered the recipient’s interests and personality, the next step is to consider the occasion for which you are buying them a gift. Are they celebrating a birthday, holiday, or special event? Are you looking for a gift that will be useful or sentimental? The answer to these questions will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect present.
The cliche “it’s the thought that counts” is definitely true when it comes to gift giving. However, it’s also important to make sure that the gift is something that your recipient will use and enjoy. For example, expensive beauty products might be appreciated, but they’re likely to end up in a drawer or cabinet, while a pair of cozy socks is a more practical and useful option that will continue to bring them joy.
Consider a more experiential gift: a ticket to a concert or sports game, a restaurant gift card, a spa day, or even a subscription to a magazine or streaming service are all great gifts that will keep on giving. You can also give a more traditional gift, such as a new outfit or jewelry, if that’s what you know your recipient will appreciate.
Curation is a practice, much like yoga, guitar, or basketball. It’s not always easy to hit the perfect shot, but if you keep practicing and focus on what matters most, you will get better over time. With a little effort, you can give the perfect gift that will be well received and remembered.
4. Add Your Own Personal Touch
The old adage, “it’s the thought that counts,” is true, but adding a special touch to a gift can make it even more meaningful. Whether it’s an extra thoughtful card or a unique wrapping job, putting some extra effort into your present can help make it feel more personalized. This is especially important when buying gifts for friends and family, as it can make them feel more connected to the giver.
A popular trend is to include a personal note or card with a gift. This adds a personal touch that shows the recipient that you took the time to select their gift specifically for them. It also increases the likelihood that they’ll open and read it, which will increase their happiness. If you’re unsure of what to write, consider asking them what their hobbies or interests are to help guide you.
Another way to personalize your gift is to include a message of love and encouragement. This can remind them that you care about them and will be there for them in hard times. It can also create a positive feedback loop that will encourage prosocial behaviors like giving and compassion.
Experiences can be a great gift option because they can last longer than physical gifts, and they can create powerful memories that will last a lifetime. Consider gifting a new cooking skill, such as cake decorating or sushi rolling, or a relaxing spa day. This is a great way to show your friends and family that you care about them and want to see them happy.
While the idea of buying yourself a gift might seem counterintuitive, it can be a great way to boost happiness and show yourself that you deserve a treat. This can be an especially important step if you’ve been working towards a goal that you set for yourself, such as hitting a savings milestone or accomplishing a fitness goal. A gift of a service, such as a cleaning or babysitting service, can also be a great way to treat yourself and free up your time so that you can focus on other priorities.