Think about the recipient’s likes, dislikes and habits. Think also about their relationship to you. Of course you have to think about your budget as well, but within those parameters you’re likely to find something that makes them happy. Thought is key, thought and observation. Attention to detail also matters. Don’t spend a lot of time and energy picking out a gift only to wrap it shoddily and leave the price tag on—unless you know that you can wrap it shoddily and leave the price tag on in a way your recipient will realize is intentional and that they will find humorous.

Let’s say you’re shopping for your significant other. This should be easiest of all. After all, is there anyone else would you know better? Chances are, they’re also the person for whom you’ve gotten the most gifts. Try to remember what has worked well, and what hasn’t. Think also about the things they genuinely enjoy. For example, if your girlfriend has a deep love of movies, and her best friend is a stylist for a magazine (meaning she gets an abundant supply of free clothes, shoes and accessories) then a handcrafted handbag of your own choosing might not be the way to go. Give her instead a boxed set of DVDs by her favourite director. Or even a membership at a video rental shop. For a more exotic approach, perhaps you know of a movie shooting near you. You could contact the producers and see if it’s possible to take her to visit the set.

Perhaps your dad fancies himself a fisherman, regardless of his miserable track record for actually catching fish. Unless you’re an avid fisherman yourself you might find that you’re rather clueless when it comes to fishing gadgets, and fishing being as gadget-oriented as it is, you’re rather clueless when it comes to fishing-oriented gifts. One solution would be to observe where he shops for fishing equipment and petition them for suggestions. Another would be to find some gag gift that will appeal to his sense of humour about his favourite hobby. Yet another approach worth considering would be to send him packing on a fishing holiday to his favourite fishing spot, or even a more exotic fishing spot that he would likely enjoy if he tried it. When taking that approach, wouldn’t it also be better if, regardless of whether or not you happen to detest fishing, you went with him? There’s the gift of a lifetime—a cherished memory.