You actually are an excellent gift giver.

But! This one person, or this one couple has disappointed you one time too many. So now that the tables are turn you don't care and are very content by just gifting whatever is easiest for you (or - for those amongst us capable to hold a grunge - even gifting something you know no-one would possibly love receiving). 

For starters, you reaction is normal. Why invest time and energy? that's a legit question.

And yet, there is something just so graceful in returning or gifting something well intended. Also take this as an opportunity to break this vicious circle and/or just feed your positive karma. 

Shake the negative thoughts off, breathe in, breathe out and prepare yourself to surprise with an act of good faith in the form of a first class gift.

God knows I would never skip a good offer when shopping. I am also all in for waiting patiently for my dream dress to finally hit the summer sales. 

However, I deeply believe that a gift should be a small meaningful luxury, a small object that represents how you think of the other person. And you don't want your thought to be "Oh there is something I found for you that is cheaper than expected" or even "there is this great store where you can find discounts all the way to the back in floor baskets". Trust me, the immediate subconscious connection you ever get to this gift, is the one of you saving on the costs and a tint of embarrassment.

Another big no-no? Discount or outlet stores.

Who has time for this?

And who ever wants to see a red sticker with "%" stuck to their brand new teapot?

The answer is simple. No-one. So don't.

You can always go for an affordable present, or even a no-name brand with good quality.

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Disclaimer! As any of these rules, there are some exceptions. 

01 - Of course go for the offer if the item is something you truly like and believe the other person would enjoy it! Then is not about the saving cost, but on a realistically good decision.

02 - If the present is intended for a family member. Not because it is ok to be cheap towards your family (because it isn't). But because you most likely know exactly what they want and a good sale is the perfect way for you to get it for them. 

03 - Also completely ok if you know what you would like to get them, search and select the best price available online. That is just smart buying. Go for it!

This goes to all of us craft lovers out there.

Trust me I know how much fun you have making your special projects and designs! As well as the time and energy that is put into making them.

I know that as much as I know that when you make something from heart and you believe it to be art worthy to be exhibited in Art Basel, you would need gift that without shedding a tear first.

And so it happens that some of us (wink-wink) find gifting time as a great opportunity to empty the storage shelf of all the unwanted, hard-to-look-at crafts.

Please stop. There are two reasons to it:

01 - We know you don't like it enough to keep it, so its the same as gifting us your old pair of pants. Don't hate enough to throw it, don't like it enough to keep it. Ah! No, please don't.

02 - Knowing that you have made it with your own hands, NO-ONE will ever be honest and virtuous enough to tell you that it sucks. So the recipient is just trapped in a corner where they have to play a performance of appreciation. And now they also have to be respectful of it and keep it somewhere (probably a far-away cabinet or a dark storage) or -even worse- display it when you are around. 

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Writing this I realise, this must be my most unwanted no-no gift.

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Disclaimer again!

There is a difference between you being shy about your craft and an actual ugly craft. And you for sure know where you gift is ranked on this scale.

Same goes with the difference between a failed YET well-intended craft and a leftover craft. The first shows that you truly tried, the later shows you are just making some space.

You are at the gate, ready to return home after a long holiday. You have some time to kill and why not bring some presents back. A scarf with the Eiffeltower, a cup with Sagrada Familia, a hat with Dubai written on it. Leave these money wasters back at their shelf where they belong, grab yourshellf a coffee and a magazine and relax. You flight is soon ready for departure. 

No-one really ever cares about a touristic souvenir of a place you have been (or even they have been). 

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But there are some rare occasions where the travel souvenir is actually a treasure! 

01-  If you are under 18 years old. And this is one of the few trips you have done without your parents. Then absolutely yes, show some love and gratitude for financing you strolling around the world like a maharaja. 

02 - Chocolate and treats. Well realistically yes, these also count also as a souvenirs and can be very lazy gift. But if they taste great, no-one cares and will still enjoy them. 

03 - Silk scarves or any fine material local to the place of travel of course are an awesome gift option. Go for minimal designs and subtle colors so that the chances fitting to your friends taste are higher. 

04 - If your friends actually collect souvenirs from far away places. I personally collect cups from all places I go. You will find me each morning drinking cappuccino out of my "I <3 NY" cup. So feel free to bring me one back from your travels.

You have spent a small fortune on this gift and you think 

"it won't hurt them know how much $$$ this was."...

Let me tell you: There is a solid 90% chance they will check the price anyway online.

So don't bother.

It actually is a bit tacky to force this extra gratitude and it won't be appreciated.

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Time for tips!

01 - If you feel like they should know how much you spend, then you should have gotten them something much cheaper. The people that actually worth this premium gift and effort don't need the proof.

02 - Did you forget the price tag and there is no way to get your hands on it and fix that?! Firstly, take a long breath. Secondly, you gotta to let this go. It's done. 

This bonus DON'T tip doesn't go to the gift givers but the gift receivers. 

It's almost about to expire because you had no time to use it, or is just something you have no intention fitting to your calendar. Its the unwanted and unused voucher.

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In all honesty, yes, a gift voucher might be a last minute gift or a safe thought without much meaning to it. But I must stress here that no matter the expense, effort and complexity, we - as gift receivers - should be respectful of the intentions of the person offering it. They could have come empty handed, or even simply text their wishes. So their thoughts and money they put into it shouldn't be disrespected.  

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You agree but still don't feel like using the voucher? 

Offer it to someone close to you that you know will enjoy it!

Or simply use it! You might have more fun than you expected and even pick up a new interest.