There are some gift-buying situations where the choice of what we ought to get that special someone is pretty obvious. However, there are other situations that really leave us scratching our heads when it comes to deciding what to buy. To help you when these awkward situations arise, here’s the perfect gift for just about any scenario.
A Coworker or Professor
We almost always feel comfortable buying gifts for our friends and family members. However, buying a gift for someone who we know from a professional or academic scenario can be a bit trickier. After all, we want to show that we care but we definitely don’t want to create a situation that’s awkward of uncomfortable.
First and foremost, consider why exactly you’re buying the gift. Appropriate times to buy a gift for a coworker include an engagement, new baby or other huge life milestones. If your coworker is experiencing a loss in the family or a birthday, a simple card and gift certificate will usually suffice. For milestones, buy a gift appropriate for the situation. For example, if your coworker is expecting, an item for the new baby is a perfect choice.
When it comes to a professor, it’s best to always go with a simple card. Most academic institutions have rules about what students can give professors, but cards are genuinely considered fine, as they’re unlikely to influence a grading decision and have negligible monetary value.
A Couple
It’s easy to buy a gift for one person, but buying a gift for a couple can feel like a real challenge. After all, what’s appealing to him might not be appealing to her and vice-versa. Thankfully, there are many gifts online for him and her that both of them will enjoy. Try something with universal appeal, like a gift basket full of tasty snacks and treats. If the couple lives together, an item for their home such as a serving tray will always be appreciated.
The People Who Provide You Services
If you see your hairdresser six times a year, it seems strange not to buy her a gift around the holidays. Similarly, it’s odd to not buy your postman a birthday gift when you say good afternoon to him each day. In situations involving people who you pay for services, a card including cash or a gift certificate is always appropriate.
No matter what the situation, there’s always an appropriate gift. Sometimes you just need to use a little bit of imagination.