1. Consider the person's current situation. My daughter has to carry items from building to building on campus, so I figured she could always use a tote bag. But it had to be one she thought was cute, otherwise I knew she wouldn't use it. When I found this cat tote bag, I knew it would be perfect for her.

I recently bought a book of word puzzles for a friend. This friend's husband is in rehab and she spends a lot of time there. I bought her a word puzzle book to work on to help her get her mind off of "rehab stuff" as she puts it. She wrote to me the other day and told me she has done about 25 puzzles so far! 

Maybe your gift recipient has a broken leg? A gift certificate to have someone clean her home may be appreciated. Alternately, skip the physical gift and gift her your time...rake the leaves in front of her house or pick up groceries for her.

2. Consider the person's surroundings. Think about your gift recipient and his or her home. One friend of mine decorates with gnomes inside her home...and has said to me on many occasions that she can never have enough. She's easy to buy for.

What about when you want to gift someone, but you know his or her home is packed to the hilt and they do not need one more thing? Items that don’t have a long shelf-life, like flowers or food, often are perfect for those who have cluttered homes. You certainly don't want to add to their clutter after all.

Perhaps you happen to know that your gift recipient has been looking for an air fryer that doesn't take up too much counter space. If you see one that flips up, you may have just landed on the perfect gift item.

If your gift recipient clearly goes for the minimalist look in his or her home, that's a clue that this person is unlikely to enjoy knick knacks. You're likely best giving them an "experience gift," like theater/concert/sporting event tickets or a restaurant gift card. 

3. Consider the person's nature. Is the person you're buying for always volunteering, giving to charities, or lending a helping hand. This may be the type of person who would love for you to simply donate to his or her favorite charity, in his or her name, in lieu of a physical gift.

Maybe the person you're buying for is an avid quilter? She may love a gift card to her favorite fabric store.

If this person gets great joy just from seeing you, maybe take him/her out for lunch or coffee. 

4. What about the "challenging-to-buy-for" folks? Most of us have people on our list who are hard to buy for. We have no idea what they'd like or may need. Have them fill out a gift form, like the Secret Santa Printable mentioned in this newsletter.

Also, there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking this person. You might say, "I want to get you something for your birthday that you're going to use. Is there something that you might need or want?"

Or, if you like to cook, you might say, "I was planning on making apple butter this weekend. Would you like some when I have it done?"

And if all else fails, most people can use a gift card for fuel or groceries.