5 Signs You're Giving the Wrong Gifts (and How to Fix It)
Ah, gift-giving—an art form that some people master with effortless flair, while others, well… let’s say their enthusiasm doesn't always match the results. If you’ve ever wondered why your well-meaning present didn’t get quite the reaction you were expecting, you’re not alone. Many people make the same gifting missteps time and time again, often without even realising it. So, how can you tell if you’ve fallen into the trap of giving the wrong gifts? Here are five tell-tale signs (and more importantly, how to fix them).
1. The Blank Stare of Confusion
You hand over the gift, heart pounding with anticipation, and they unwrap it slowly. They look at it. Then they look at you. And there it is—that half-hearted smile accompanied by a polite “Oh, wow, thank you!” What they’re really thinking is, What on earth is this? The blank stare is your first clue that the gift has missed the mark.
How to Fix It:
The key here is personalisation, but not the kind that just involves slapping a monogram on something generic. Consider who they really are. What do they love? What makes them unique? Gifting is about the connection between giver and receiver, and when you hit that sweet spot, there’s no mistaking it. A gift that reflects someone’s true interests or passions (no matter how niche) will always beat another pair of generic socks.
2. The Gift That Gets “Re-Gifted”
Let’s be honest—there’s a reason those fancy candles and boxed chocolates seem to circulate endlessly from one gift-giver to another. If you find yourself opting for the kind of gifts that could easily be passed along to someone else without the original recipient shedding a tear, you might be taking the “safe” route. These are the gifts that feel impersonal and, frankly, a little forgettable.
How to Fix It:
Ditch the easy way out. You don’t want your gift to be part of the re-gift relay! Instead, consider creating a memorable experience. A gift doesn’t have to be an object—it can be an event, an adventure, or a curated experience that the person would never think to plan for themselves. Think weekend getaways, cooking classes, or even a subscription to something genuinely tailored to their tastes (no, not that random coffee-of-the-month club—unless they’re genuinely obsessed with coffee). Tailored, personal, and unexpected—that’s the magic formula.
3. The Gift Card Gambit
Gift cards. They’re convenient, universally accepted, and oh-so-forgettable. Yes, they technically allow the recipient to “choose” something they want, but they also scream, I didn’t know what to get you, so here’s the equivalent of cash. While they might be practical, they lack the thoughtfulness and excitement that a well-chosen gift can bring.
How to Fix It:
Swap the gift card for something more personal but still flexible. If they’re into jewellery, for instance, rather than giving a voucher, take the time to source a unique piece that reflects their taste. If they love art, find a piece that matches their style. It shows you’ve put thought into it, even if you had to consult an expert (like a gifting concierge, perhaps?) to find that perfect something. This small shift can turn a transactional gesture into a memorable one.
4. The “Just Because” Gift That Feels Like an Afterthought
We’ve all been there: you want to show someone you’re thinking of them, so you grab the first thing you see while out shopping—a box of generic chocolates, maybe, or a candle that smells vaguely of vanilla. These gifts feel safe, but the truth is they often end up collecting dust or, worse, getting passed along to the next person on the gift-giving chain (see point #2).
How to Fix It:
If you’re going for a “just because” gift, make it feel like it was chosen just for them. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it should be personal. Something like a beautifully bound edition of their favourite book, or even a set of gourmet teas from a country they’ve always wanted to visit. The key is making it feel like you know them well enough to choose something that truly resonates.
5. The “One Size Fits All” Gift Trap
Finally, one of the most common mistakes: the idea that one gift can suit everyone. Whether it’s an all-purpose bottle of wine or a predictable luxury item (hello, generic jewellery), these gifts often miss the mark because they lack individuality. High-end doesn’t necessarily mean well-received.
How to Fix It:
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the art of gifting. Even if someone has “everything”, a little creative thinking can go a long way. Consider their hobbies, interests, or even upcoming life events. Are they into hiking? Maybe they’d love a beautifully crafted walking stick. Do they have a penchant for art? A bespoke piece from an up-and-coming artist could make their day. Think outside the box—and remember, the goal is to make it feel special and unique to them, not just something that screams “luxury” for the sake of it.
How to Make Every Gift Perfect?
At the end of the day, the best gifts are those that show thought, care, and an understanding of the recipient’s personality and tastes. That’s where a bespoke gifting service like At Present can help. We take the time to curate gifts that are as unique as the person receiving them—so you can avoid those awkward moments, re-gifts, and blank stares.
Next time you’re staring down a gift-giving occasion with no idea where to start, let us take the pressure off. Because the right gift is out there—it just needs to be found.