Christmas is incomplete without an exchange of gifts. Gifts hold special importance as they fulfill the recipient’s requirements and express warmth and affection. Therefore, selecting the right gift is vital to ensure complete satisfaction and avoid the possibility of the recipient returning the gift. Simultaneously, one should set a budget for the gift to ensure it is within one’s purchasing power. Here’s a compiled list of mistakes to avoid while buying a gift this Christmas.

Gifting something that adds to the recipient’s expenses
When buying a gift, it is important to make sure that the gift can be used right away. Buying a gift that requires the recipient to buy something more expensive in order to use it may not be a good idea. For example, buying a video game accessory will not make sense if the recipient does not own a video game console. Therefore, one should avoid giving gifts that require the recipient to buy something else unless they own the necessary item required to facilitate its use.

Not considering the recipient’s perspective
It is important to put oneself in the shoes of recipients to understand the type of gift they prefer the most, in terms of utility and visual appeal (style, design, etc.). This technique is useful because each one has unique tastes and preferences, and a gift that one believes is ideal may not be preferred by the person it is being gifted to.

Regifting a present
Regifting is a common trend during festive occasions like Christmas and Easter. Although regifting may be a convenient way to get rid of the gifts that are of no use to one, it does not involve any thought on what the recipient prefers. Moreover, it does not involve personal touch, an essential aspect of gifting. Hence, it is always a better option to purchase a gift based on the recipient’s preferences and needs rather than pass on a gift that one is not likely to use.

Ignoring the recipient’s tastes, interests, and needs
Directly approaching the recipient about what gift s/he would like for Christmas is sure to spoil the surprise element; however, buying a gift that one is likely to return is not only a disappointment for the recipient but also a waste of money for the gifter. One way to determine what to present a family member, friend, or colleague for Christmas is to get to know their interests, hobbies, and preferences better through casual conversations. Such discussions are likely to help one come up with ideas regarding the type of Christmas gift most suitable for the recipient.

Not setting or exceeding the budget limit
Overspending is one of the most common gifting mistakes, typically resulting from failure to set a definite budget range and limit. Exceeding this limit can cause one a financial crunch, regardless of how useful the gift may be to the recipient. Therefore, it is best to set a budget range right at the outset and buy a gift that integrates utility and affordability.

Ignoring design for utility and vice versa
Design and utility are two of the most essential factors to consider when buying a Christmas gift. For example, a dress may be extremely comfortable and suitable for everyday use, but it is not likely to be worn by the recipient if it is aesthetically lacking or is not in line with the recipient’s style and fashion preferences. Similarly, a spectacular home decor item is a white elephant if the recipient does not end up using it. Hence, one should check out what designs and styles the recipient prefers and the items s/he requires, which can help balance the two aspects optimally.

Forgetting to collect the gift receipt
One may be highly confident about a gift’s usefulness to the recipient; nonetheless, collecting the gift receipt from the store allows the recipient to exchange the gift for something else just in case it falls short in some aspect. If one is planning to wrap the gift receipt along with the gift, it is important to ensure that the receipt is fastened securely with tape or placed inside the gift if presenting a bag, purse, etc.

Buying a commonly presented Christmas gift
Gifts such as crockery sets, glassware sets, and mugs are ostensibly perfect gifts, as they are visually appealing and useful. However, these gifts have become so common over the decades that they are currently among the most returned, exchanged, or regifted items. Therefore, it is best to steer clear of such presents unless one is extremely sure about a particular type of crockery set, mug, etc. that the recipient plans to buy.

Not buying batteries, chargers, and other essential accessories
Gadgets, kitchen equipment, and electronic toys require accessories such as batteries and chargers. Forgetting to buy these accessories implies that the recipient would need to spend some money to be able to use the gift. Hence, one should check beforehand what accessories are needed to ensure the optimal functioning of the gadget or electronic item and include these in the gift.

Not checking the expiry date in case of a food item or beverage
While foods can make for excellent Christmas gifts, one needs to be cautious about expired foods and beverages as they can pose a potential health risk. Therefore, one should ensure that the expiration dates of such products are checked before purchasing them. Make sure to buy items that have expiration dates that are not too close to the date of gifting.