Set a budget

Before you start shopping, set a budget for yourself. The amount you decide to spend will depend on the occasion, your relationship with the recipient, and your budget. Don’t feel pressure to spend more than you can afford. Spending more does not automatically mean the gift is better or the recipient will appreciate it more. 

Ask the recipient what they want

For some, the stress of gift-giving occasions comes from not knowing what to get. The easiest way to say goodbye to the pressure is by asking the recipient what they want. This simple solution is direct and gets to the root of your anxiety. Then all you have to do is get what they want as a gift. Sometimes, the simplest solution is the right one. 

Skip the gifts 

Instead of feeling the pressure of gift-giving, you could agree to skip the gifts. Make arrangements to have an experience together. This can be less stressful and more meaningful for you and the other person. It can also give you some free time back into your schedule. This extra time can be invaluable for relieving pressure for gift-giving occasions like the holiday season. 

Shop online 

Driving all over town to different stores as you search for the perfect gift can be stressful. There is traffic to deal with. You could get to the store, but they don’t have what you want. The stress builds as you lose another day and still need to find a gift. 

Online takes all of this away by putting the world of retail at your fingertips. Quickly perform a search for the item you are looking for. You can quickly move on to the next website if you don’t find it. If one online store doesn’t have the item in the right color, you can quickly look it up on another website. 

It’s the thought that counts

All too often, people get fixated on buying the perfect gift. This leads to self-imposed pressure and causes you to lose sight of the purpose and meaning behind gift-giving. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed shopping, take a step back and remind yourself that it is the thought that counts.

Overcome the pressure of gift-giving occasions 

Don’t let the pressure of gift-giving occasions cast a dark cloud over you. With these tips, you can avoid feeling stress and anxiety. Instead, you can freely shop for the perfect gift and feel confident that the recipient will love and appreciate what you’ve chosen. One way to ensure you give a thoughtful gift is to ask the recipient for some ideas or even an online wish list. With a wish list on Giftster, you can both make lists and simplify shopping for gifts year round. This direct sharing of online wish lists keeps the surprise of opening a present while simplifying gift-buying. 

Happy gifting!

The post How do I deal with the pressure of gift-giving occasions? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

What does the recipient want? 

If the recipient directly asked for no gifts and for people to donate, your answer is easy! The recipient has made the decision to donate an easy one by telling you that this is what they want. Typically, in this situation, the recipient will request that you donate to their chosen charity. Simply donate and then give the recipient a card that shares that you donated. 

Recipient’s connection to the charity 

If you decide to donate on the recipient’s behalf without their direction, you will need to choose the right charity. For the donation to have meaning, you should choose a charity they actively support. Perhaps they regularly volunteer somewhere that you can donate to. Or there could be a cause that they are passionate about. Be careful when choosing, as supporting causes can be very personal. You don’t want to offend or insult the recipient by choosing the wrong charity.  In addition, many people think a charitable donation as a gift is the lazy way out because the giver doesn’t have to think about what gift to buy. Donating to a charity with which the recipient has a direct connection can help combat this. 

Consider still getting a token gift 

Try pairing your donation with the token gift. The majority of your gift-giving budget will go towards charitable donation. Then, use a small portion of your budget to buy a small token or symbolic gift. This approach alleviates the common disappointment felt when someone receives a “donated on your behalf” gift. 

Giving a small gift in addition to the donation can help overcome the common assumption that you are trying to be cheap. Many people assume that a donation gift means the giver didn’t want to spend any money on a gift, so they gave a few dollars to a charity. There is also the issue that the donation doesn’t directly benefit the recipient. A small gift can directly benefit the recipient in some way. 

Shop the charity 

Some charities understand that people want to support them but don’t want to just hand over money. To address this, they have online stores where you can buy items. Instead of donating as a gift, why not shop at the charity’s donation shop? This option benefits everyone: the charity receives support, and the recipient receives a present. 

Donate and give a gift 

Take the guesswork out of gift-giving when everyone has an online wish list. When your friends and family have online gift wish lists, you no longer struggle to choose the perfect gift. Anything can be added to the list, like items sold in a charity store. That way, you could support a recipient’s charity while giving them a present you know they’ll love. 

Make sharing your wish list easier with a virtual one by creating an account on giftster.com.

The post Is it okay to give a charitable donation as a gift on behalf of someone else? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Express your gratitude 

You should always show gratitude for the gifts you receive. Despite the disparity in gift values and the awkwardness you feel, it is important to say thank you. The gift giver obviously put considerable time, thought, and money into their gift. They will want to see that you appreciate the gift. Say thank you and try to acknowledge something about the gift that would have inspired the other person to buy it for you. 

Be direct about your discomfort 

If there is a large disparity between the gift values, then odds are the other person has also noticed it. Being direct about the issue can help address and alleviate the awkwardness. How you approach the topic will depend on what you feel comfortable with and your relationship with the other person. You could make a joke to bring some laughter to the issue. Or you can take a heartfelt approach. 

Avoid trying to one-up them

If you can’t afford to match the amount they spent on your gift, consider taking a different approach next time. Time spent and effort can be highly valued. Make them a custom gift if you have a crafty hobby. Prepare them a nice meal if you are a whizz in the kitchen. Because someone gives you an expensive gift doesn’t mean you need to match it in monetary value. And if it’s not in your budget it’s never a good idea to over-extend yourself to do so.

Consider returning the gift 

One option is to return the gift. If you don’t feel comfortable addressing the value issue or the gifter refuses to accept the gift back, returning it could be the best option. You might need to wait a bit for time to pass, and then you can quietly return the gift. If you don’t have a gift receipt, you may need to accept store credit. 

Suggest sharing wish lists for next time 

Sharing gift wishlists can take the guesswork out of gift-giving. By sharing with lists, you can set expectations about gift-giving before it’s time to make exchanges. This is also a good opportunity to open a conversation about expenditure expectations. Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Studies show that recipients appreciate gifts they requested more than thoughtful gifts that they never asked for. 

Happy gifting!

The post What do I do if someone gives me a more expensive gift than I gave them? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Timing is everything 

When you share your wish list with others, it will have a direct impact on how the other person receives it. There is an appropriate moment and an inappropriate time. For example, sharing a wish list before an upcoming birthday or holiday makes more sense than randomly doing it. One time feels relevant to current events, while the other feels like you are just asking for gifts. 

Another option is to wait for someone to ask you what you want or express frustration in knowing what to get. Waiting for the other person to bring up the topic avoids the suggestion of opportunitism. 

Express gratitude 

Before you share a wish list, express gratitude for any previous or future gifts the person gives. Try to explicitly mention a specific gift they gave you. Point out that they have given you wonderful gifts that you love. Your wish list isn’t because you have disliked previous gifts. Your wish list is merely a helpful guide to aid them. 

Include reciprocity

Talk about the idea of sharing wish lists. Discuss sharing or trading wish lists instead of just handing out your list. This focuses on everyone getting what they want, not just you. This is where Giftster can be useful. Everyone can make their own online wish list and share it. You can even set up a group for your family so when you log in you see everyone’s lists anytime you need an idea for them. 

Emphasize thoughtfulness  

When sharing your wishlist, point out the thoughtfulness or practicality of the items on your list. This will help highlight the fact that you are trying to be helpful by providing gift ideas that can bring value to your life. 

Share selectively

Consider who you should and should not share your wishlist with. Selectively sharing your wish list can help you avoid individuals who will not be receptive, no matter how it’s presented. Choose to share your wish list with people who will appreciate the guidance and understand the practicality of it. 

Respect boundaries 

It’s important to be respectful of others’ boundaries. Suggesting a wishlist could be helpful for some. For others, it could induce unnecessary social pressure and anxiety. For example, providing someone with a wishlist of expensive luxury goods would be unkind when you know they are experiencing financial constraints. 

Tactfully suggest a wish list 

Creating and sharing wishlists can be a helpful tool for ensuring everyone gets what they want. However, how you go about sharing your wishlist will significantly impact how it’s received. To avoid appearing greedy or opportunistic, express gratitude, highlight thoughtfulness, and respect others’ boundaries. Think about the other person before you share your wishlist. This will help you selectively share your list with those most likely to appreciate it and give you theirs. 

Make sharing your wish list easier with a virtual one by creating an account on giftster.com.

The post How can I tactfully suggest a wish list without sounding greedy? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Presentation matters 

Some cultures highly emphasize how you present and give a gift. In Japan, what the gift looks like matters, so you will want to put extra effort into the wrapping. In many Asian countries (China, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan), it is customary to refuse the gift before ultimately accepting it. This gesture shows you are humbled to receive their gift and did not expect it. Initial gift refusal is also customary in Russia. Only here, you should expect to leave the gift on the table when you leave. Most gifts aren’t opened in front of the giver. 

In Yemen and Saudi Arabia, it is a sign of respect for the recipient to inspect the gift closely. While we might find that off-putting in America, it is customary, and you should consider it a compliment.  

Know what hand to use 

Many East Asian countries expect you to use both hands when presenting your gift. In contrast, you should never use your left hand when gifting in India or the Middle East. 

Consider your relationship 

We have unspoken rules in America about what is and is not appropriate based on your relationship with the other person. Other cultures have their own version of these relationship gifting rules. For example, in China, it is common to give small gifts of appreciation for favors done. This can make gifting common. Yemen and Saudi Arabia are at the opposite end of the spectrum, with gifting only appropriate for very close relationships. Meanwhile, Russia is somewhere in the middle with the United States. Gifts should vary in value and extravagance based on your relationship with the other person. 

Avoid certain items 

Those who practice Judaism or who are Muslim wouldn’t appreciate pork or items depicting pigs. Muslims are also not allowed to drink alcohol, making this inappropriate. In many cultures worldwide, gifting a sharp object, like scissors or a knife, signals you want to end the relationship. Handkerchiefs are also potentially problematic, as they are associated with funerals in Japan and Italy. 

Look out for gift giving customs 

Learning about other cultures and customs encourages a deeper appreciation and closer relationship with others. It shows you took the time to learn because you care and prioritize your relationship with them. It also ensures you don’t want to unknowingly send the wrong message.

Embrace your differences. Who knows, you just might find yourself celebrating life’s many amazing moments in a new way too!

Happy gifting!

The post How do I navigate cultural differences when giving gifts? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Recognize milestones 

Long-distance relationships are hard work. They require more effort because you are physically unable to spend quality time together. This makes reaching relationship milestones that much more important. So celebrate even the smallest of milestones with a token gift. Little milestones only need a small gift, so don’t go all out for every milestone. Perhaps you send flowers, a coffee gift card, or arrange for dinner delivery.  

Create anticipation and excitement 

Part of gift giving when in a relationship is the experience you two have together when giving the gift. When you are in a long-distance relationship, you don’t have this. Instead, create anticipation and excitement leading up to your long-distance gift-giving. This helps build the experience and creates a stronger connection between you two. You could give hints or have them guess what the gift might be. Or you could mail several packages that have hints or parts of the gift that will arrive in the days leading up to the final gift. 

Properly time your gift 

Timing can be crucial when giving long-distance gifts. You want the gift to get to the recipient in time for the occasion that you are giving it for. For example, a birthday gift that arrives the day before or on the day of is more meaningful than one that arrives a week later. It shows you pay attention and prioritize your partner. Otherwise, it may seem like you forgot and rushed at the last minute to send something. 

Don’t skip wrapping 

You can and should wrap your gifts before you mail them. Yes, this is an extra step. However, it is one worth doing. When your partner opens their package, they still have a beautiful gift to unwrap. This helps to build anticipation a little more and make the gift feel more special. 

Share the experience virtually 

Once the gift is with the other person, arrange a time to open it together. That way, both of you can share in the excitement and experience of opening the gift. The giver can see the joy on the recipient’s face and the recipient can properly thank the giver. 

Become a pro at long-distance gift-giving 

Show the special person in your life that you care about them by mastering long-distance gift-giving etiquette. Don’t be afraid to celebrate milestones, build excitement, and share the experience of opening the gift with them virtually. Show them you care through your actions of properly timing your gift and wrapping it before packing it up to mail. 

Make long-distance gift-giving easier for both of you by signing up for Giftster (it’s totally free!). With online wishlists, you can easily see what the other person wants most. Then, secretly select an item from their list and give them the perfect gift. 

The post How do you give gifts in a long-distance relationship? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Start by thanking them

Before you say anything, genuinely thank them for their gift. Recognize their thought and the effort they put into it. You want them to know you appreciate them and are grateful, but the gift isn’t quite right for you.

Be honest

It can be tempting to sure and soften the blow or sugarcoat things by telling a white lie. Don’t do this, as it will only complicate the issue. The other person needs to know why the gift isn’t right so they don’t repeat the mistake with a future gift. Try to include something positive you like about the gift while explaining why it won’t work. Remind them how appreciative you are that they went out of their way to give you a gift.

Consider the relationship

How you handle returning the gift and speaking with the gifter will depend on your relationship with them. The closer you are, the more honest and upfront you can be with them. You know your friend, so approach the topic in a way that they will receive the best.

If you aren’t close or you’re worried they may take it the wrong way, it might be best to simply thank them and move on.

Consider the gift

You may not need to return the gift to the gifter at all. Check for a gift receipt. This signals that the gift giver knew you might not like the gift. They included the receipt so you could easily exchange it for a different size, color, or style. You could let the gifter know, but wait until you have the exchanged item.

Consider the time

If you decide to speak with the gifter, do it sooner rather than later. The more time that goes by, the harder the conversation will be. It doesn’t have to be in the moment of receiving the gift if you are in a group. Wait until you are in a quiet place to speak with the gifter privately.

If you don’t want to speak with your friend about the gift, consider waiting before passing the gift along. They may want/expect to see you wear/use the gift. You could do this a few times over the following weeks. Then, when they have moved on, you can quietly pass the gift to someone who would appreciate it more.

Artfully navigate returning a gift

Even the best of friends don’t get the perfect gift every time. Honesty is the best policy when you have a close and open relationship with your friend. Show gratitude for their gesture and then explain the gift isn’t a good fit.

Consider making a free friends wish list sharing group on giftster.com. You can create and view each other’s wish list at any time. That way, everyone can give a gift that is wanted or needed for any occasion. It just might be a subtle way to avoid tough gifting moments down the road!

Happy gifting!

The post How do I navigate returning a gift without hurting my friend’s feelings? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Why decline to participate in office gift-giving

There are several reasons why you should not participate in office gifting. While other individuals may feel the need to give gifts, you shouldn’t feel pressured to participate in this often inappropriate practice.

Perceived favoritism

Gift-giving in a professional setting, when it is between employees at different levels, can create perceived favoritism. This can lead to tension among employees and hinder the fostering of a positive company culture.

Unequal financial burden

Employees have different pay rates. This puts everyone on an unequal footing when giving gifts. This also doesn’t take into account their personal financial situation. Requiring employees to participate in gift-giving can create financial tension and pressure on employees who do not have the budget for it.

Professional boundaries

While you can be friendly with your fellow employees, you should maintain a level of professionalism. Gift-giving may cross the line of professionalism and overstep established boundaries.

Potential for misinterpretation

You may feel that your gift is innocent or sends a certain type of message. However, that does not mean that is how others will perceive your gift. Your boss or fellow employees may misinterpret your intentions, which can create awkwardness or tension in the office.

Ethical concerns

Some companies choose to avoid all of the potential issues that come with professional gift-giving by establishing policies that discourage it. Ignoring company policy and giving a gift can create ethical concerns for you and the recipient. Your boss won’t appreciate you violating company policy and putting them in a questionable position.

Creating a precedent

Once you give one gift, you have now set a precedent. This can quickly become problematic for future occasions. There will be an expectation of participation, requiring you to continue to participate.

How to decline

Once you decide you don’t want to contribute money, you need to have an elegant way of declining. Your response to requests for participation needs to clearly communicate your desire to not contribute while also not offending or alienating your fellow employee asking you to participate.

Keep your response polite, simple, and honest. You don’t need to get too personal with the details or overshare. Share a reason or two mentioned above.

Finally, have tact and consider how the other person will respond to your declining to participate. It may also be helpful to be prepared by reviewing your company handbook for any policies that would prohibit gifts.

How to practice proper office gift etiquette

Office politics may have you feeling as though declining to participate is not an option. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can give gifts while maintaining professionalism. Consider a thoughtful small gift that puts the focus on effort and not on monetary value. Choose a gift for your boss that won’t cross the professionalism boundary.

These funny gifts are perfect for your boss’s birthday as they are thoughtful and office-appropriate.

The post My co-worker asked me to chip in for a group gift for our boss, how do I politely decline? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

Factors required to feel good 

Going through the motions of gift-giving is not enough to experience the positive mental health benefits. Three factors determine whether or not you enjoy the positive mental health benefits of gift-giving. First, consider your relationship with the gift recipient. The closer your relationship with the recipient, the more likely you will feel positive feelings. Giving close friends and family gifts helps strengthen and deepen your relationship with them, creating a stronger bond. 

Second, you will feel more positive about your gift-giving experience when you can see the impact of your gift. Instead of giving someone a gift card to their favorite restaurant or store, take them there yourself. Instead of dropping a gift off for them to open later, make an effort to give the gift in person so you can enjoy them opening it.

Third, consider why you feel the need to give a gift. When you feel obligated to give a gift, you are less likely to feel the positive mental health benefits. In contrast, if you feel self-motivated to give the gift, you will experience more noticeable mental health benefits. 

Release of feel-good chemicals 

When you give a gift and the recipient responds positively, it activates your brain’s reward center. When these neuropathways get activated, it signals your body to release “happy chemicals” or hormones. Serotonin helps to regulate your mood. Dopamine will then increase your feelings of happiness and pleasure. Finally, oxytocin solidifies these positive feelings by creating a sense of connection with the other person. 

Your positive experience will encourage you to give another gift so you can enjoy the positive experience again. These positive feelings can become addictive, leading you to give more and more gifts as you seek out that “warm glowing” feeling. This is similar to experiencing the positive mental effects of eating your favorite food, working out, or having an intimate moment with your significant other. 

Strengthened social connections 

Gift-giving can strengthen your social connections with the people in your life. To get the most out of this benefit, you can’t just give any gift. Practice intuition and empathy by giving gifts that can benefit the recipient or are something they need. This is a great way to practice gift-giving when the recipient does not expect it. Perhaps you deliver a thoughtful gift to a new mom and baby. Or you deliver a gift to someone who is sick or injured and in the process of recovering. It could even be a small gift to celebrate someone’s accomplishment of reaching a goal they set for themselves. 

These gifts mean more to the recipient because there is no obligation on you to give the gift. While the gift is important, it is the thought and gesture that comes behind it that means more. Your gift tells the recipient that you thought about their needs and went out of your way to support them. This message strengthens your connection and relationship with them. 

You benefit from these stronger social connections. Humans are social creatures, so these strong connections help you feel grounded. 

Increased self-esteem 

Nothing is more satisfying than knowing you are the master of giving the perfect gift. You feel accomplished when you get the gift right, improving your confidence and self-esteem. This primarily happens when you see the joy and appreciation on the recipient’s face. These positive feelings about yourself can translate to other areas of your life, encouraging you to try new things and go after your goals. 

Reduced depression levels

While gift-giving won’t cure your depression, it can help you manage your condition. Because giving a gift activates the pleasure center of your brain, your body releases “feel good” chemicals. These chemicals help to regulate and improve your mood. The benefit is reduced feelings of depression. As you give more gifts, these positive feelings become more consistent. Over time, you can help your body and mind find a new, more optimistic, normal. 

Lessen the signs of stress

This benefit may be unexpected, as many of us feel increased stress levels during the holiday gift giving season. However, your stress levels actually reduce once you give the perfect gift. You may feel a sense of peace and accomplishment, which is a sign that your stress levels are dropping. Stress also reduces when we spend quality time with the people we care about most, which is what happens when you give a gift. 

Lower blood pressure 

When you reduce your stress levels, you also begin to relax more. Releasing hormones and chemicals in your body can also help reduce your stress levels. An added benefit that results from this is lower blood pressure. When you reduce your blood pressure, you also experience heart health benefits. All of this can combine to help you live a longer and healthier life. 

Experience the mental health benefits of gift-giving

When you give thoughtful gifts to the people you care about, you can experience positive effects on your mental health. While we describe the benefit as a warm and cozy glow, we now know many different things are happening behind those good feelings. Positive endorphins are released in your brain to impact your mood, relationships, and outlook. The positive feedback we receive strengthens our relationships and improves self-esteem. 

Encourage your family to sign up for Giftster so that you know the most important people in your life will gain all of the health benefits too from giving gifts that are truly needed or wanted.

The post Can Giving Gifts Really Impact My Overall Health and Wellbeing? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.

1. Personalization

Giving a personalized gift shows that you put in more effort and thought. You didn’t just go to a store and buy the first thing you saw. Instead, you purchased an item and had it customized specifically for the recipient. Perhaps this means putting their name or initials on the gift. Or it could mean you had the gift made in their favorite colors. Going the extra step to personalize the gift shows you thought about what the recipient likes and used your knowledge to create a truly unique gift. 

2. Intent

There is a reason the saying “It’s the thought that counts” remains relevant throughout the years. Sometimes, it isn’t about the value or flashiness of the gift. Consider if the gift is truly something the recipient desires or needs. It is the thought and intent behind the gift that matters the most.

3. Timing 

Your gift-giving timing can mean the difference between a lackluster response and an overjoyed one. If your gift is highly personal or intimate, the recipient will appreciate you waiting until you are alone to give the gift. Other times, a gift may be best received when gift-giving in a group. The gift can inspire conversations of a beloved family member or shared memories of good times. 

4. Surprise with a thoughtful gift 

One way to surprise someone is by giving a gift when they don’t expect it. You don’t have to wait for a birthday or holiday to give a gift. Another way to surprise someone is by giving them a gift they would never expect. They may expect to get a gift, but they would never expect you to give a specific gift. This comes with really paying attention and finding something that’ll hit the mark.

5. Memorable

Thoughtful gifts strongly impact the recipient by touching them in a way that stirs their emotions. When people have an emotional reaction, it creates a strong memory for them. There are several ways you can make a gift memorable: 

• Incorporate a shared memory 
• Make it yourself 
• Include a meaningful message 
• Choose a rare or unique gift 
• Make it interactive 
• Gift an experience  

6. Useful or practical

Give a gift that will make someone’s life easier. If you see them struggling in some way, take note. When you give a useful or practical gift, you show the recipient that you care. By paying attention, you take an interest in those around you. This attention to detail shows that you are thoughtful beyond just when it’s time to give gifts. 

Give your loved ones thoughtful gifts  

When you give thoughtful gifts, you show your friends and family members that you care about them. By using what you know about the recipient, you can give gifts that mean more and will have a bigger impact. Register for an account with Giftster to make giving thoughtful gifts easier for you and your family.

Happy gifting!

The post What Are the 6 Key Ingredients For a Thoughtful Gift? appeared first on Giftster and was written by Giftster.