How, in general, to choose good presents for people?

[catsofa]

What tips can people suggest as guidance on how to choose a good present for someone? My DP isn't very good at it and dreads having to choose things, and I want to help him learn the skill rather than just tell him what I want.

I usually try to do it by writing things down that I hear someone admiring or saying they'd like any time from about August, but sometimes get a bit stuck when I have to find something at short notice.

It depends how well you know the recipient but I try to remember the "L's",

Buy (or make) something that they will either
"LOVE, LAUGH or LEARN, no LIMIT"

Obviously everyone would have a financial limit but that L is a reminder to buy something that the person wouldn't really buy for themselves!

I think you have to LISTEN to what people say and take an interest in their lives. This wasn't something that came naturally to me, but once I started to make more of a conscious effort, it became easier and I'm always listening out now.

1. keep a note - I have a notebook and I write down ideas for gifts for people. This could be through having conversations or through things I see in the shops. Then, when I need to buy a present, I check my book.

2. Keep it simple - when I first got together with OH and was clothes shopping for him, I just bought him stuff similar to what he already wore e.g. I know he doesn't like tight jeans, so I would always get a relaxed fit. To mix it up a bit, I may go to a shop he doesn't normally buy from, or go for a slightly different style, but always something I think he may like.

3. get gifts of things people already love - there is nothing wrong with buying something that somebody already uses e.g. their favourite perfume. I would much rather have a tube of my favourite £5 handcream than a £50 one I don't like. I once make a relative a hamper of her favourite items. I asked her Mum for some ideas and make up a hamper o her favourite chocolates, biscuits, soap, magazines etc. It went down really well.

4. consider hobbies and lifestyle - think about hobbies or lifestyles that people have and pick something that fits in with that e.g. a gardener may love some seeds or tools, whereas somebody who commutes may like a travel mug.

Look online- a lot of people have amazon wishlists/pinterest boards/facebook likes which can give you a good idea.

Try to buy where your interests overlap. If you and your friend read different books, watch different TV shows... but have similar taste in clothes- buy clothes. If you know nothing about your brother's favourite sport but love the same type of films buy a DVD.

Thanks these are great, I'll try to have chats about what to get his parents in the next few weeks and ask him questions like this to help him along.

I think the key is not letting your own taste dictate too much.

I've bought things for other people that they loved, which I wouldn't find houseroom for.

I always look hard at gifts and think 'would X really like this, or is it something that I like'.