The Age-old Question of “What to give?”

The bigger our family grows (kids, their spouses, grandkids, cousins, both sides of our families, more kids), the harder it is to find gifts that don’t get quickly set aside. I’ve learned a few things over the years about how to choose gifts that win.

When it comes to the Christmas season, You have to ask three questions. This is all assuming you know your recipients likes and dislikes already. If not, you’ll need to backup a few steps and learn a little bit about them (hint: if it’s a child, ask the parents what they get excited about). I’ll explain what I mean and then I’ll list a few things I’ve given, how they fit my criteria, and how much of a win they ended up being.

How Old is the Recipient?

When buying a gift, of course the first thing to consider is the age, whether for adults or children. I always begin my Amazon gift searches with the age range I’m searching for… especially for kids. Some things can overlap for age groups, which could be a win for when siblings or cousins are involved (parents love things that promote group play without help from adults).

When buying for adults, the age isn’t quite as important. I believe the most important thing would be the thought put into it. You don’t have to spend a ton of money. People want to feel seen. If you’ve taken the time to notice what they are collecting or things they need, or something you know would be used by them often, then they will know you’ve seen them. That means more than putting extra money into something that will just get stuck in a drawer somewhere.

Where will the Gift Will be Opened?

It Is always good to consider the setting of the gift occasion. When our family gets together, it’s a crazy time. Kids are all over the place and want to interact with each other. I always include at least two gifts. Even if one is really small. One gift is something you know they really like and will either cherish as a keepsake or use to create something with later. The other is something they can play with immediately and could include others at the same time. This makes it fun for the moment. If they only get the gift that they love but have to wait until they get home to play with it, it can make for a very frustrating time. On the other hand, if they only get the small gift that provided a quick attention fix, the gifts don’t seem as special in the days that follow.

For adults, this thought process can also be helpful. Home baked goods are thoughtful, but often are shared when given in a group setting. Add something thoughtful and/or useful for them to take home when all the rest is gone.

What is the Goal of the Gift?

While the age of the recipient and the place of the gift opening are determined by the circumstances, the goal of the gift is in your hands. Think about what you want the recipient to feel, do, or learn when they open your gift.

For example, since you will be thinking about something that the recipient will enjoy, think about how they might react when they open something that will go perfectly with their new passion. Excited? Surprised that you knew about it? Or, if you want them to be able to do something with the gift (something that works with a hobby or in the kitchen) will they immediately begin thinking of how they will use it? When you begin to think in these terms, it’s much more fun to find gifts for others.

For kids, I like to see their surprise, of course. But it makes my heart happy when they come up to me later and tell me all the things they want to do or ways they can use their gift. This kind of gift makes it more memorable than a simple toy that will find its way to the bottom of the toy box by the end of the week.

Bonus tip: While learning games can be great, I’ve found that moms appreciate the simple items with very few pieces (less to lose)! And I always ask permission before buying something that makes noise (musical instruments or loud dingy things). Unless I have an ulterior motive to settle a score. 😜

Amazon Finds That Win the Gift-giving Game

Note: the links below are affiliate links and I receive a small commission when you make a purchase after clicking them. This incurs no extra cost for you and the gesture is much appreciated!

The gifts I list for adults are generally small because we limit our Christmas giving to stocking stuffers. I have birthday ideas for larger items, but that’s another post.

• The most appreciated gift I’ve given at Christmas was this Access Denied Slim Minimalist Wallet. Given to guys from ages tween, teenage, twenties, thirties, and fifties! They all told me later after using them that they loved them. This one came as a surprise.
• Stainless Steel 18-in-1 Snowflake Multi-tool. This is a silly little stocking stuffer that does everything! Entertaining to pull out of the stocking and can come in really handy. It’s got multiple screwdrivers, a bottle opener, and a wrench! All bundled up on the snowflake key chain.
• Cell Phone Stand with Wireless Bluetooth Speaker and Anti-Slip Base HD Surround Sound. This one was a hit with tweens and teens. I think adults would like it too. Heck, I would love one!
• This Universal Socket is a game-changer for men (and women) who don’t want to carry a full set of tools around. It’s exactly what the name implies. Check out the video reviews to understand the extent of this tool’s usefulness.
• For guys and gals, this one adds fun to a very functional item. I have the Sunflower Neoprenes Insulated Sleeve, but there are so many to choose from. They were a hit in the stockings for sure!
• Illumination Lip Gloss was a hit with the girls. Who wouldn’t love a pretty lip gloss that includes a mirror on the bottle and a light on the application wand!

These are just a few items that proved to be winners with the recipients. Let me know how you decide what gifts to give at Christmas!