Fancy hearing some of our top gift choosing tips? We’re a bit geeky here at Wilkinson Goldsmiths and love a good bit of retail research. So, before the mad pre-Christmas purse popping splurge begins we’ve pulled together some top tips from a mix of our own experiences and the actual ‘magic formula’ devised by a Professor of Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire.
So here they are, in no particular order, perfect to accompany that Amazon search on your lunch break, why not try them out…
One. Get practical and get organised. Write a list of who you are buying for and start to put a budget together per person, but be flexible where you can.
Two. Observe. 007-style. Look at the person you are shopping for, think about their own shopping habits. Make a note of the shops they like to purchase gifts and treats from and check out their reactions, remember the last time they came home on Saturday afternoon after lunch with the girls? What was in that bag? Keep a look out for those warm and fuzzy eye glossing moments, when your loved on spots something they love. Chances are they’re massively hinting anyway.
Three. Struggling? Observe more. Think about their personality. Write a list of their hobbies and interests, likes and dislikes. Use these as themes or places to start looking for the perfect gift.
Four. Listen out for hints and take note. Buy a black book if you have to, it’ll save you from those awful “what did they say again” moments. Envisage yourself becoming a ‘Stealth Shopper’ and tune into those conversations when they say they like, or don’t like certain things. Why not ask them for advice on what to get your Sister? Chances are, they’ll give away something that they might be quite keen on, in the process.
Five. Presents do not have to be physical objects – they can be adventures, experiences and opportunities. Are they saving up for a trip of a life time? Why not consider paying for one of their day trips?
Six. Effort adds value. If you’re a chap, chances are you love to research new toys… yes? We’ve seen you on Google, scouring the web for those perfect spec-hitting road bikes and DSLR cameras. You sir, have got the skills. Use them. Research is your friend and this shows EFFORT. Spend time researching, making things, getting something precious or priceless returned to its former wearable glory, so it is usable once more. Effort, is the easiest way to add value to your gift. So if you’re lovely lady has a broken necklace that she once LOVED, come and see us (just saying).
Seven. Finally, be aware. When you do decide to hit the shops or the old world wide web, spend a moment or two before you hit the buy button or head to the check out and think “Who am I buying this for”, “Is it just something I would like?”, “Is it something they would really like?”.
And that’s it, the seven not-so-deadly sins of shopping. Top tips to help you source that perfect gift for that special someone.
Happy shopping and PS, we have lots of lovely gifts to suit a range of budgets for your lovelies. Come and visit us or check out our Products page, for that extra special gift or call us on 0116 2705 375 to discuss your requirements.
To read the full article, in all its scientific glory head to The Telegraph website.
