Gift-giving should feel good—like a high-five in wrapping paper. But too often, it turns into a stressful guessing game, or worse, a last-minute dash to the shops for something “that’ll do.”
The good news? You can avoid the most common gift-giving mistakes with a little planning, some observation, and a shift in mindset.
Let’s unpack the top five mistakes people make when buying gifts—and how to dodge them with style, thoughtfulness, and a good dose of common sense.
1. Going Too Generic
You’ve seen it. Maybe you’ve done it. A candle. A mug. A basic gift card with “Enjoy!” scrawled on it.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with these gifts… but they don’t exactly scream, “I thought this through.” Generic gifts often feel like placeholders—fine in a pinch, but forgettable the minute they’re opened.
What To Do Instead:
Add a personal twist. If they love reading, don’t just buy a book voucher—pair it with a bookmark you’ve customised, or a list of your top five recent reads. You’re not just giving a gift—you’re showing you see them.
2. Forgetting Who the Gift Is Actually For
It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying something you like. That trendy kitchen gadget, that bestselling book, that luxury candle you’d love to get. The problem? It might not suit them at all.
Case in Point:
A mate once bought his outdoorsy brother a high-end leather journal… that promptly sat in a drawer. Meanwhile, his brother would’ve loved a durable water bottle or a campfire cooking set.
Solution:
Ask yourself, “Would they actually use this?” Tailor your gift to their lifestyle, not your preferences.
3. Waiting Until the Last Minute
We’ve all been there—standing in the “gifts” aisle at 8pm the night before a birthday, hoping inspiration will strike. But rushed gifts rarely hit the mark. They feel like exactly what they are: a last-minute scramble.
Worse still, you miss out on options like personalised items or shipping something meaningful if you’re in a different location.
Fix It:
Set a reminder two weeks before key birthdays or holidays. Even better—keep a running note on your phone with ideas that come up during casual chats. When someone says, “I’ve always wanted to learn pottery,” pop it into the list.
4. Ignoring the Power of Presentation
You might have nailed the perfect gift—but if you hand it over in a crumpled Coles bag, it loses impact. Presentation adds anticipation, care, and joy to the experience.
We’re not saying go full Pinterest. But a neatly wrapped parcel, a handwritten tag, or even just thoughtful packaging shows you took the time.
Pro Tip:
Even a gift card feels more special when presented in a box with a note explaining why you chose it. It’s the little things that elevate the moment.
5. Overthinking (or Overspending) to Impress
Sometimes people panic and try to outdo themselves—or others. They buy something expensive or elaborate just to seem generous. But the best gifts come from connection, not competition.
Big doesn’t always mean better. In fact, some of the most memorable gifts are modest in cost but rich in meaning.
Example:
One client gifted her sister a photo book filled with captions like “Remember this?” and “You made this moment better.” Total cost? Under $40. Emotional value? Off the charts.
Wrapping It Up (Literally and Figuratively)
Great gifts don’t come from your wallet—they come from your awareness. Listen. Plan. Keep it personal. And most importantly, focus on meaning over impressing.
Avoid these five common traps and you’ll not only find better gifts—you’ll also enjoy the process more.
Because when you get it right, a great gift is more than just a thing. It’s a memory. A moment. A message that says, “I get you.”
