Some people have a natural knack for picking the perfect present, while others may find themselves scratching their heads in the effort to give the right gift. If you fall into the latter category, this blog is for you!

Whether it's a little something for your new boss or something to 'wow' that special someone who swears they have everything, you'll be confident to start shopping with this quick guide that breaks down the 5 essentials of unforgettable gift giving.

1. Think Like a Receiver – Not a Giver

Is the gift you plan on giving is more a reflection of you than it is of the receiver? There's nothing personal about that!

Instead, think first and foremost about the person to whom you're giving the gift. What have they purchased for themselves in the past? How have they expressed their personal preferences? What will they actually enjoy?

If you're not sure, there's a lot to be said for simply asking the would-be giftee "What would you like?" Being straightforward and making the effort to understand what another person wants will always be more meaningful than guessing at a random gift.

2. Wrap up a Memory

Whether it's reminiscent of a favorite vacation or fond childhood nostalgia, there's something special about receiving a gift that relates back to a personal memory. Many gifts can encapsulate the meaningfulness and emotion of a happy memory, even if you don't know the gift recipient very well.

For instance, your coworker mentioned their bowling league won a tournament last year – why not get them some novelty bowling socks to celebrate their impeccable pin-manship?

As for gifting an individual closer to you, it may be harder to select just one memory they've shared with you to tie into your present. In this instance, consider giving a gift that creates an entirely new memory rather than calling back to the past. For example, give them a handwritten card that offers them a complimentary dinner at the ritziest restaurant in town, or an afternoon of shopping at their favorite store (on your dime, of course!).

3. Splurge on Their Behalf

We all know at least one person who never gets anything extravagant for themselves, but likely doesn't hesitate to go above and beyond for others. These are the kinds of people who might really appreciate a pricier present, such as a cozy cashmere sweater or an expenses-paid weekend trip at a nice hotel.

In these cases, there's truth to the old suggestion: "Just get them something they wouldn't get themselves"!

4. Don't Discount the Gift Card

Gift cards have sometimes been given a bad rap, labeled as a lazy solution to otherwise thoughtful giving. However, this association isn't really deserved.

Indeed, many people feel more comfortable having the leeway to take the time to search for and find something that they love on their own, and would prefer this to feigning appreciation over a present they'd never buy for themselves in a million years.

If you have a rough idea of what someone likes or where they tend to shop, a gift card can be an easy-to-receive, even easier-to-enjoy offering – and, 'bad rap' or not, it's not as much work on your part either!

5. Prioritize Practicality When Appropriate

There will always be gift-giving instances when utility works better than the 'wow' factor. In other words, considering how much a receiver will use the gift you give them can determine the true value of the tribute – not the actual price tag.

If you're shopping for a person who often espouses the importance of things being built to last, or loves to recommend their favorite product that they use X times per month, seeking out a gift that's more practical than pretty is very likely the way to go.

Feeling inspired? Start shopping for the holidays and more with the SAINT CROIX Gift Guide.