How to Choose Gifts for Someone You Don't Know Well
We've all been in that awkward situation – you need to buy a gift for someone you barely know. Maybe it's your new partner's mum, your colleague's wedding, or your neighbour's birthday party. You want to make a good impression, but you're terrified of getting it wrong.
I remember the first time I had to buy a gift for my boyfriend's mum. I was so nervous about choosing the wrong thing that I ended up buying something completely generic and boring. She was polite about it, but I could tell she was underwhelmed. It taught me that when you don't know someone well, you need a different strategy.
Do Your Homework (Discreetly)
The key to buying gifts for people you don't know well is gathering information without being obvious about it. Ask mutual friends, family members, or colleagues for insights about their interests, hobbies, and preferences.
For gift ideas for women you don't know well, try to find out about their lifestyle. Do they work? Do they have hobbies? What do they do in their free time? Even small details can help you choose something appropriate.
Universal Gifts That Work for Almost Anyone
When you're really stuck, there are some gifts that are almost always appreciated. Books, candles, and vouchers are safe choices that most people can use or enjoy.
Building on our last-minute gift shopping guide, these universal gifts are perfect for emergency situations. A beautiful candle, a book by a popular author, or a voucher for a nice restaurant are all safe bets that show you've made an effort.
Consider the Context
The occasion and your relationship to the person should influence your choice. A wedding gift is different from a birthday present, and a gift for your boss is different from a gift for your neighbour.
For gift ideas for mum (even if she's not your mum), think about what mothers generally appreciate. Maybe it's a beautiful plant, a nice piece of jewellery, or a voucher for a spa day. The key is to choose something that shows respect and thoughtfulness.
Quality Over Quantity
When you don't know someone well, it's better to choose one quality item rather than several cheap things. A well-made candle, a good book, or a nice piece of jewellery shows that you've put thought into your choice.
This ties in perfectly with our guide to when to splurge and when to save – when you don't know someone well, it's worth investing in something that looks thoughtful and appropriate.
Gifts That Encourage Connection
Sometimes the best gift for someone you don't know well is something that helps you get to know them better. A board game, a book you love, or tickets to an event you could attend together can create opportunities for connection.
For gift ideas for men you don't know well, consider something that could lead to a shared experience. Maybe it's a book about a topic you both find interesting, or tickets to a sporting event you could attend together.
Food and Drink Gifts
Gourmet food and drink are often safe choices because most people enjoy them, and they don't create clutter. A nice bottle of wine, a selection of teas, or a gift basket of gourmet treats can be perfect for someone you don't know well.
Just make sure to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences. If you're not sure, choose something that's widely enjoyed, like chocolate or coffee.
Experience Gifts
Experience gifts can be perfect for people you don't know well because they don't require you to know their specific tastes. A voucher for a restaurant, a spa day, or tickets to a show are all good choices.
For gift ideas for kids you don't know well, consider experiences like a day at a theme park, tickets to a children's show, or a voucher for a toy shop. These gifts are usually appreciated by both the child and their parents.
Personal but Not Too Personal
You want to show that you've put thought into the gift, but you don't want to be too personal or intimate. Choose something that's thoughtful but appropriate for the level of your relationship.
A nice notebook, a beautiful plant, or a piece of jewellery that's elegant but not too flashy can be perfect. The key is to choose something that shows you care without being presumptuous.
When in Doubt, Ask
If you're really stuck and you have a mutual friend or family member, don't be afraid to ask for suggestions. Most people are happy to help, and it shows that you care enough to want to get it right.
Just make sure to ask discreetly and respect their privacy. You don't want to make the person feel uncomfortable or like you're gossiping about them.
Presentation Matters
When you don't know someone well, the presentation of your gift becomes even more important. Beautiful wrapping, a thoughtful card, and a genuine smile can make even a simple gift feel special.
This connects perfectly with our gift wrapping guide – taking the time to wrap a gift beautifully shows that you care, even if you don't know the person well.
Follow Up
After giving the gift, pay attention to their reaction. If they seem genuinely pleased, you've probably chosen well. If they seem lukewarm, make a mental note for next time.
This feedback helps you learn what works for different people and situations, making future gift-giving easier.
Remember What Really Matters
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you've made an effort. Even if the gift isn't perfect, the fact that you've tried to choose something thoughtful will be appreciated.
So next time you need to buy a gift for someone you don't know well, don't panic. Take a deep breath, do a bit of research, and choose something that feels appropriate and thoughtful. With a bit of practice, you'll get better at reading people and choosing gifts that hit the mark.
Looking for more guidance on gift-giving? Check out our gift ideas section for personalised recommendations that help you choose the right gift for every relationship and occasion.