Four experts on mastering the art of thoughtful, memorable presents.
The latter is a skill that many think is easy to master; buy someone what they’ve explicitly said they want and, yes, you’ll likely be thanked. But that kind of giving is reactive rather than considered. True generosity lies in anticipation – in understanding someone well enough to delight them without a hint or a wishlist. That is the sign of a master at work.
To help you become a better gift giver, we’ve asked the professionals for advice. Quite literally. This group of modern tastemakers run gift concierge businesses, advising clients on everything from milestone celebrations to just-because gestures. Here, they share their tips so you can achieve expert status, too.
Be observational
“A good gift-giver pays attention long before the occasion arrives. They listen for preferences, notice lifestyle cues, and choose something that feels considered rather than convenient,” says Mandi Ford, director of ES Concierge. “The best gifts make the recipient feel seen.”
She adds that “Empathy [makes a great gift giver]. Being able to step outside your own taste and imagine what would genuinely delight someone else is the foundation of thoughtful gifting.
“Taste helps, but emotional intelligence is what elevates a gift from nice to memorable. Keep a running mental or physical note of the small things — favourite brands, passing comments, milestones, or upcoming moments worth celebrating. Gifting becomes effortless when you’re collecting insights all year-round.”
Timing is important
Lucy Sancho, co-founder of the Luxe Bureau, believes that “A great gift giver is someone who knows the importance of timing. A gift that arrives at just the right moment and makes the receiver feel instantly special. It signals that someone is with you in a moment that matters, expected or unexpected.”
“Start with the moment, rather than the gift,” she says. “Ask yourself what is needed right now – celebration, comfort, encouragement, gratitude. Then choose a gift that suits that feeling and ensure it arrives as closely to this moment or occasion as possible. When the timing is right, the gesture lands with far more meaning.”
Have stationary at the ready
“Be organized. Look at your diary a month ahead and keep a stash of beautiful cards, stamps, and gift tags on hand,” says Imogen Beresford, co-founder of Colford. “A handwritten, short and sweet note is always appreciated. [As is] time spent on wrapping and presentation – it never goes unnoticed. Theme your wrapping to the recipient and what they would love.”
To make the recipient’s life easier, she also recommends attaching gift tags securely, so they can easily identify who the gift is from when it comes time to send thank-you notes.
Go local
“A good gift giver values thoughtfulness over spectacle,” says Nathan Cole, co-founder of Colford. “When in doubt, something homemade or locally sourced always carries meaning – the provenance is known, the footprint lighter, and it’s unlikely to be duplicated. And when objects fall short, offering a considered experience can be the most memorable gift of all.”
Добавить комментарий