Getting Personal

                What Your Gift Ideas Say about You
            
                There's a saying that it's always better to give than to receive gifts – which most of us will readily admit is not necessarily true; however, if it's gifts that we're giving, then we might as well be giving the best possible gifts around. No matter how hard we try to buy gifts that are personal to the recipient, the things we buy will always reflect the kind of person we are too – so be wary that the next time you're buying someone a present, make sure it says something good about you too.

The Thrill Seeker

Most people can claim to have that one relative who likes to be considered the slightly 'crazy' and outgoing one, or perhaps you have a best friend who somehow always manages to make you look boring in comparison. Well, if it's adrenaline and fun they're after, then why not indulge them with an adrenaline filled 'Experience Day'? Whether it's flying a plane, driving fast cars, a parachute jump or even a 'Face Your Phobia' experience, this could be your opportunity to unearth their weaker side. Many of the experience day gifts are for two people so be sure to go along for the ride as well and retain your role as the biggest thrill seeker of all.

The Thoughtful Friend

Simply remembering to buy someone a gift might graduate you to 'thoughtful' status but to really earn the title requires a lot of thought and consideration and knowledge about the person you are buying for. Perhaps they have a passion for plants or a gift for golfing – something that they enjoy doing more than anything else. But if it's the wow factor that you're after then you really can't go wrong with personalised gifts. From personalised calendars to engraved gifts, there are plenty of ways to show that you're prepared to go that one step further and produce the one present that no one else will have bought. 

The Romantic

Being romantic can come easier to some than others, and there are always going to be differences between men and women in what is considered 'romantic' – sorry chaps but a new set of kitchen pans doesn't really qualify! Being romantic doesn't mean that you have to spend a lot of money – it really is the thought that counts and anything that celebrates a particular memory is bound to be a winner. A Personalised disc is a great way of celebrating a song that is of particular relevance such as a wedding song or the song that was at number one when your loved one was born. Sometimes being romantic means celebrating your loved one in a very special way and what better way to show how much you love them than a 'Name a Rose Gift Box'? But if you'd prefer to go for something a little bit more subtle then fear not, there are plenty of gifts to choose from that would still remind everyone that you are a real romantic at heart. The 'Nuts About You Key Ring' pretty much says it all, as does the 'Lover Duck' Rubber duck – who ever said that romance was dead?

The Joker

 There are far more jokers out there than any of us probably realise – what other reason could grandma have for presenting us with those jumpers at Christmas time if they're not part of some elaborate ongoing joke? Well, for anyone who wants to retain their reputation as being a bit of a comedian when it comes to buying gifts for other people, there are plenty of gifts you could invest in that will not only make your loved ones laugh, but that they can genuinely get some good use out of too. The themed 'Toilet Roll gifts' are bound to raise a few giggles, and the 'Sharp End Cat Pencil Sharpener' is definitely one for the cat lovers out there! Kids will love the 'Little Devil Shower Cap' and most of us will know someone who would proudly display the 'Babe Magnet Car Air Freshener' in their car. 

Cool and Classic

For some people, buying gifts for other people is really just a celebration of an occasion and they are more than happy to go for a traditional, safe and favourite kind of gift. Cool and classic types should relish the fact that people see them as being reliable and dependable; and their gifts will reflect them well. The Cool and Classic types are more likely to present you with a bottle of champagne or a good whiskey. They are the kind of person who will go out of their way to buy you something that they may have bought you before, but that they know you like and see little point in making a change at the risk of getting it wrong. Whether it's your favourite kind of chocolates, a favourite perfume, even a favourite record; you don't have to drop any hints about what you want as they already know!

Related article: Gifts and what they say about you (Gifts)