On The Same Paige

A guide to what your gift lover really wants

What does that mean?

As a fellow gift lover, it is often misunderstood. On the surface, it does sound shallow, but it’s not about expensive jewellery or high-end designers. The reason gift-givers love receiving gifts is because of the thought that goes into them, whether it costs £100 or 0, knowing that someone took the time to think of, find or create something that they’ll love makes them feel seen. I always think it’s like another branch of acts of service, because it’s the effort behind a gift that matters. I would much rather you make me a Spotify playlist than buy me a generic Pandora necklace that has no meaning. That’s not to sound ungrateful, but just to make a point. With this in mind, I am going to give you a guide with tips and ideas for expressing your love towards your gift-loving companion.

Step 1

First, you need to come up with an idea. What are their interests? Hobbies? Favourite shows, music, flowers, etc. If you don’t know any of these things, then it’s time to start paying attention. Alternatively, is there something they need or could benefit from, whether they say it out loud or not? Listen and observe.

Step 2

Next, do your research. I think this is where a lot of people get stuck thinking, I know that they love this thing, but I don’t know anything about it. Guys, it’s so simple! Tiktok, Google, eBay, there are so many ways to find merchandise relating to your person’s interests.

For example, my friend is a dog groomer, but I know nothing other than that it hurts her hands. So, I go to Google and research what causes pain in dog groomers’ hands and how other dog groomers resolve it, bam, a selection of helpful and thoughtful things I can buy my friend. It’s that simple.

I’m not saying buy something crazy expensive unless you’re sure your person will want/use it, but a smaller gift that you don’t have to ask for goes a long way, and hey, you’re in the right place because I’m about to give you some easy and general ideas.

Free gifts (aside from supplies required):

• mixtape
• homemade food
• scrapbook
• print of their favourite quote
• edit of you guys
• letters/notes
• themed movie night (go all out with decor/snacks)

Low effort gifts:

• Merchandise of a favourite TV show, artist, etc.
• Something in their niche that they don’t already own (e.g. new book by their favourite author)
• An experience they would enjoy (e.g. massage, hotel stay, class, etc.)

Simple gifts:

• Bouquet (incorporate flowers with something they love in a bouquet setup, such as books, their favourite chocolate or drink, etc. Pinterest has lots of ideas.)
• Flowers (buy a few bunches of supermarket flowers and make your own bouquet, finishing with some brown wrapping paper and ribbon.)
• Highlight a book or song that reminds you of them
• Create a basket of their favourite things

Step 3

Give little gifts on a random Tuesday. Don’t go breaking the bank; cheap flowers, a Post-it, or an unprompted homemade dinner will do. The same way you might need a cuddle or words expressing love, people whose love language is gifts might want a little gift every now and then to make them feel appreciated or comforted, especially on a bad day.

Of course, still celebrate the big occasions, and the way to make those different from the day-to-day isn’t by spending more but by making it special! Birthday? Blow up some balloons, maybe make their gift a treasure hunt or give them little ones throughout the day. Valentines? Make sure those gifts are extra lovey-dovey and focused on your relationship.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gift lovers don’t expect you to spend more money on them than you would on anyone else, just that you put thought into anything you’re going to gift them. Plus, if someone’s love language is gifts, you can also expect excellent gifts from them!

On a final note, don’t get sucked into giving somebody something you would want. If your love language is words and theirs is gifts, then still do that, but make sure you are expressing your love the way they need it too, and if you’re getting someone a gift, don’t just buy something you would like!