An estimated 140 million Americans get an unwanted gift every year, with the total cost of these presents amounting to a whopping $10.1 billion a year. The statistics indicate that many people buy items that tickle their fancy while failing to take receivers’ wishes into account. They also speak to a need to embrace greater thoughtfulness and sustainability when gift-giving. What if, the next time a birthday or holiday celebration came around, you gave your loved one an item that clicked with their inner child while also prioritizing environmental friendliness or another meaningful goal?
Looking at the Larger Picture
Say you know a loved one needs a new sweater, what is the first thing you do? Do you jump on an online site and buy an item that looks good and is the right size and leave it at that? One of the things that makes gifts meaningful is the thought that goes behind them. This often requires a little more time, but with just a few extra minutes online, you can find a gift that makes a difference to the planet and pleases a loved one. If you’re thinking along these lines, know that you are not alone. One recent study shows that around 71% of consumers prefer sustainable over non-sustainable purchases. That means that when shopping for a sweater, it pays to look into chosen brands’ policies on everything from recycling to ethical employment. Just a few companies known to go above and beyond when it comes to eco-friendliness include Patagonia, Reformation, and People Tree. Patagonia, for instance, uses 98% recycled materials and promotes Fair Trade Certified practices and all these companies have transparent sustainability policies that consumers can freely consult.
Studying Demographics
It pays to be a bit of a marketing pro when shopping for a gift for someone who isn’t in the same demographic group as yourself. Say you are in your 30s and you’re into luxury, beauty, skincare, and fashion. It is important to keep in mind that someone in a different age group may be into totally different things. For instance, A younger family member may show little interest in beauty but crave a new phone, app, game, or tablet. In this case, it would be ideal to check out key shopping trends for younger buyers. Currently, some of the most coveted gifts among young Americans include headphones and earbuds, mobile devices, and game consoles. Of course, before making an expensive purchase, it helps to research weeks or months in advance. Find out the type of tech, games, and other activities your loved ones enjoy, and aim to obtain specific information on the devices and items they wish to add to their collection.
Personalizing Your Gift
There are so many options for those wishing to give a bespoke gift, ranging from a tailored suit to a custom piece of jewelry or a book signed by a favorite author. Perhaps your loved one has always wanted to enjoy an experience like scuba diving, waterskiing, or snowboarding. The art of personalization simply involves aligning your gifts with your loved ones’ interests. If what they most want in the world is time with you, you can consider gifting an experience you both enjoy, such as concert tickets, cooking classes, or a relaxing spa day.
Americans waste billions of dollars buying unwanted gifts every year. To ensure your cash doesn’t get wasted needlessly, keep sustainability and purchasing trends in mind. Find ways to customize items or experiences so your loved ones know that you take the required time to think of something they truly desire.
