Often, it can be a huge monetary setback to go out and get specific gifts for specific people. Sure, there are definite bonuses to getting things that you know that people will like – but it is also good to have a good stock of items that you know that everybody will absolutely love, regardless of who they are. It can be a thrifty way to live. Forward planning and getting these things in stock whilst they are in season, on sale or just in your mind can be a great way to budget your expenses whilst surprising your loved ones. If you have children especially, having things on hand to use as presents for parties that they may be attending is a great way to stop you from splurging on an emergency gift.
Chocolates
There are not many people who do not have a bit of a sweet tooth. If it is not chocolate that you know that they are into, get a good stash of bags of candy to hand out. Think of it as the ‘forever Hallowe’en’ – if you act as if trick or treaters are about to knock on your door for most of the year, you will always have a good supply to raid when a birthday is coming. There are companies like Chocogram that have certain treats that you can personalize for occasions that are coming up to make them even more relatable. Going for a message that is broad enough to apply to a number of people such as “Happy Birthday” can often work wonders.
Games
You are never too old to love a game. There has been a boom in the board game industry, which has meant that more and more are being developed and sold for you to buy for those who would be interested in receiving them as gifts. Kids especially love them – there is something quite traditional about giving something that is not a piece of technology nowadays, and it is such a fun thing to bond over with other people.
Vouchers
Keeping a backup of vouchers to give in cards is always a safe option. Choose them for stores that you know are popular with the age group that you are buying for. For example, if you are buying for older people, homeware stores or restaurant vouchers are always good options to consider. You can even buy vouchers for experiences now, so instead of thinking what store you would be most likely to bump into them in, try to think which theme park they would love to go to or if they had like to go to a zoo or aquarium. Most of these attractions have vouchers and tickets available online with no set date on them.
Handmade
Everybody loves a handmade gift. There is a certain element to them that cannot be recreated by something that has been bought. Look on Pinterest for things that catch your eye and spend a couple of hours crafting a few items. Things that work well are items that can be displayed around the home such as photo frames and hanging hearts.
