Some of us are great at buying the perfect gift for other people, while others have no idea what to buy. Why is that? Typically, the person who always knows the right thing to give does so, because they are practicing mindfulness.
A special side note. We should all be grateful that anyone thinks of us at all and buys us gifts. Of course, it makes us feel good that someone cares enough to buy for us. However, if you are the person who wants to buy the perfect gift that will be used and cherished for each person in your life, keep reading.
Not very long ago I was informed by a loved one that I was hard to buy for. It was no surprise to me that they said this, but what did surprise me was when my guy agreed with them.
Most generally, he gets me the perfect thing. This is because he always pays attention to the little things about me. He takes the time to know me and what I love.
I’m actually very easy to buy for. I love to learn new things and I have many hobbies. These include my love of nature, photography, reading, journaling, fishing, and gardening. However, I am a minimalist. I prefer experiences over material things. I love to keep things simple and only keep things around that provide use.
Most people buy for others what they themselves love. I get it I’ve done it before. You don’t know what to buy so you buy something that you love, hoping they will too. However, we should be putting ourselves in the mind frame of the person we are buying for and what they love and find useful. That is how we mindfully buy a gift for others.
When we are mindful and present with others is when we learn who they are.
How do you learn about others?
You ask them questions about themselves. Most people are so wrapped up in their own minds that they never take the time to learn about others. We want them to know who we are, so our conversations tend to lean toward talking rather than listening. You will know when you are around another mindful person, they ask as many questions about you as you do them. And they listen!
Here are some examples of questions you can use to learn more about others:
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
Do you have any past times or hobbies?
What are some of your favorite experiences you’ve had?
Are you a collector of anything?
What calms you or makes you feel less stressed?
Are there any family traditions that you miss from your childhood?
What are your favorite foods and drinks?
If you received three wishes, what would they be?
What smells (or fragrances) do you love?
Are you allergic to anything?
Any open-ended question that requires the other person to answer with a response about themselves will help you learn more about them. The more you know about someone the easier it is to buy them the perfect gift each time.
Still unsure of the perfect gift to give?
If you have tried your best to learn about this person and you still have no clue what to get them, then ask! Asking them what they need is far more acceptable than trying to surprise them with something they don’t need.
No what do you do with all this new information you acquired? You go shopping.
To find out where and the best gifts read these articles:
Mindful Gift Giving Ideas from Small Businesses
Mindful Gift Giving Ideas for The Minimalist
Peace & Love,
Ela
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