How do you figure out what birthday present to get a loved one ?

[TristanIsolde]

It is hard, you want to put some thought and effort into it and get something meaningful, but you don't want to overdo it.

Any strategies ? I have 9 days.

[sandensea]

1. Gift certificate/card

Can't go wrong.

Put it in a nice greeting card - with flowers if it's a lady.

[LakeArenal]

7. Not a good idea at my house.

Less thoughtful than a card.

And don’t get a card that is about you...
Like “I may be forgetful, I may leave shoes one the floor but you are great”.

I hate those.....

[sandensea]

13. Sorry to hear that.

At home, and with (most) of the relatives, a gift card in a greeting card with dogs usually saves the day.

Basset hounds if it's my mother.

[janterry]

2. I usually make something

knitter

[TristanIsolde]

3. 9 days is not enough to learn knitting and then proceed to knit something

[Sanity Claws]

4. Something that showed that you listened

Did you ever hear that person say they would like this or that? Or that they needed something? Or maybe you heard them admire someone's jewelry or other item?
My family never got me anything I wanted. It was either nothing or money. I had relationships when I was always given something that they thought I should want. I remember being truly, truly touched when someone gave me a gift because I had said I liked it.

[TristanIsolde]

6. Yes, they did mention something in passing...

Alas, its this newfangled electrified skateboard thingy that goes for $950. Not sure I want to spend that much.

[Phoenix61]

9. Is there a place you can rent one? nt

[soothsayer]

18. Highly rated one for $519

https://www.amazon.com/SKATEBOLT-Electric-Skateboard-Longboard-Controller/dp/B07F6QXYL7


https://bestreviews.com/best-electric-skateboards

[Sanity Claws]

21. Did that person express an interest in traveling somewhere?

I'm not suggesting that you pay for a trip but maybe you can get that person some guide books and/or treat him/her to a restaurant with that country's cuisine and help him/her envision the trip.

[LakeArenal]

5. I listen to them all year.

Anytime I hear

Wish I had that....
Oh that is soo cool
Mary got a .... I really liked

Remember.

Also, you can’t buy a perfect gift every time. If you hit perfection once or twice a decade that’s the greatest gift.

Thoughtfulness beats pricey here.

Most women do like flowers. Men say they don’t last. But if you think about, flowers can last a week if you care for them. Dinner lasts until the am in your toilet.
Dinner is for two or more. Flowers are for her.

Good luck. Tell her she smells great if she does.

[Phoenix61]

8. Does she like things or experiences?

I’m better at the second one. The best of something she likes, chocolate, alcohol, etc. Gift cert for class at local community art center, dance studio. Anything that supports a hobby she already has. Something that lets her know you really know her.

[TristanIsolde]

10. I would say experiences , but with the Pandemic options are limited

[Phoenix61]

11. If you're somewhere the weather is nice

rent a convertible for the day.

[Arkansas Granny]

12. This probably won't help you very much right now, but during the year, if I find something that

I think would make a great gift for someone, I buy it and put it away until it's needed. Then, when the big day comes, all I have to do is wrap it or put it in a bag. I take care of at least half my Christmas list that way and no big bills all at once.

[LakeArenal]

14. Ditto. It always is fun that way.

Each gift is a thought about someone you love. It sends a good vibe into the stratosphere. ❣️

[smirkymonkey]

15. How about a day of pampering at a spa?

[soothsayer]

16. Virus?

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

17. Does the person read books?

If so, lots of possibilities there.

Garden? Maybe some plants?

Women often like candy. I'm a Godiva girl myself.

[TristanIsolde]

19. Yes ! Thank you ! She does

But never ventured into an e-reader ! Perhaps a Kindle will be good gift.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

22. That sounds like an excellent solution!

[cayugafalls]

23. Does she have a ipad or android device? Or is her cellphone large enough to read on?

If so, they have kindle for android and IOS and you can get a amazon gift card for more money and they can download lots of books.

Just an idea...

We like getting Amazon gift cards as we don't have an Amazon account and we then purchase books and items we would usually not get.

The new amazon gift cards are easy to purchase and you print them off on your printer.

[tblue37]

24. I just gave my sister a Kindle for her birthday, so she can listen to audiobooks. nt

[SamKnause]

20. I start quizzing the person 2 or 3 months before their birthday.

I like to buy presents that I know people want.

Has the person mentioned anything they would like to have ?

My brother quizzed my mom for Mother's Day.

She wanted binoculars.

He quizzed her for her birthday.

She wanted a new paper shredder.

She was thrilled to get both.