If you’re reading this article, you’re probably a gift-phobic guy, or at least “gift-challenged.” I’m not sure? Try this quiz to find out:
o Have you missed your partner’s birthday?
or Have you missed your anniversary?
or Did you forget at least one Valentine’s Day?
or How about Mother’s Day?
o Do you give the same type of gift year after year?
o Do you avoid shopping for your partner until the last moment?
o Do you feel anxious when your partner opens your gift?
If you answered “yes” to more than three of the questions, you need a little help in the gifting department. Listen, it’s perfectly understandable. After all, it’s not like they offer a class on how to shop for your girlfriend or wife in college.
The most important thing is to put the gift-giving disasters of the past behind you. While you’re at it, let go of the anxiety too. The following three gift-giving tips will help you do just that. If you follow them, you’ll be a pro in no time.
1. Ask him to make a “life list.” A Life List is a list of experiences that you would like to have in your life. It can be something as grand as traveling to India or something as simple as learning how to make sushi. This tip has an added benefit: Your partner will be so excited that you asked them to make a Life List with you, they’ll be in a good mood for days. And you just might get closer in the process. Remember, you must also make the list!
Now that you know what your latest dreams and secret wishes are, you can use the list to get clues as to what you’d like to receive as a gift. Of course, you could go all out and make it happen by taking her to India or enrolling her in a Japanese cooking class. But you could also use the things on her list for inspiration.
For example, you could give him a beautiful photo book about India so he can imagine he’s there, or a travel guide so he can plan his trip. A sushi making video or a night at a famous sushi restaurant would also be fun ideas to show him that you are paying attention. That is the key to giving a great gift. be thoughtful
2. Ask her best friend. If anyone knows what your partner wants more than anything else, it’s their best friend. Call your friend (email is too informal) and ask her for ideas. Phrase your request as follows: “I would really love to get ____ something that she really wants, but she doesn’t think it’s practical and so she may not have mentioned it to me. Do you have any idea what she really wants?” wants?” pining for?”
Of course you can put it in your own words, but the idea is to show your best friend that you want to do something special and make sure he or she knows you’re not trying to get information out of them because you’re stumped.
If you use one of the ideas your best friend gives you, send a thank you note (they’re in the greeting card aisle) with a short message. No need to call back and stay away from the meeting to discuss the gift before and after. You don’t want to make your partner nervous or jealous.
3. When in doubt, pet her. A sure way to make your partner happy on any occasion is to give them the gift of relaxation. Today’s women are overloaded with responsibilities and rarely have time for much-needed pampering.
If you know what high-end bath products your wife covets, go ahead and buy her a basket of goodies. If not, don’t try to guess. Scents are very personal and you want her to be able to use what she gives her right away.
If you’re not sure what to buy, go the spa route. Do an online search for day spas in your area. It’s not a Google search or the yellow pages, because that only gives you contact information. Instead, go to your local newspaper or magazine website and look for a top ten list or a “best of” list that includes spas.
Book a full- or half-day spa experience, which allows you to choose from multiple treatments. Let him schedule the day he will attend, and if you both have children, promise to take them out on that day.
When you gift your partner with a day spa experience, be sure to choose at least one of the treatments for her. It will make her feel like you are giving her the treatment yourself. Ask him about it later, so he knows you were paying attention.
By following these three simple strategies, you’ll be on the level of the gift dynamo in no time. Soon, instead of teasing you about your gift phobia, your partner will brag about the wonderful and thoughtful gifts they receive from you. You could handle that, right?