Photo Credit: Sotheby's International Real Estate
To gift someone an item for their home is tricky. As with any gift, you must select the taste and style that works for the giftee, not the giftor. And the stakes are a bit higher with home-décor gift giving because if the item you choose is not liked by the recipient, there’s no re-gifting, wearing it once or keeping it hidden in a draw. What if that vase you gift is not on display when you visit? It means the recipient of that gift did not like it.
So, how to avoid this gift trap? Give one of the following three items - each of which involves ONE-STOP SHOPPING: a gift card, a gift certificate for home décor services or, if you’re handy around the house, gift yourself and your expert services.
Gift Card
Photo Credit: Sotheby's International Real Estate
A gift card may seem impersonal to some, but it remains practical. Your family member or friend will use the card and purchase what he or she wants. It’s a win-win gift situation.
Photo Credit: Sotheby's International Real Estate
To personalize this option, select the store where your giftee most shops. If the recipient of your gift is a tool guy, then choose Home Depot or their local hardware store. If your gift recipient likes to personalize their home with an eclectic selection of home fashions from around the world, select a Home Goods gift certificate. Or, perhaps, just choose an all-in-one store in close proximity to where your recipient lives - Target, TJ Maxx and Marshalls have some unique finds.
Gift Certificate For Home Decor Services
Photo Credit: Sotheby's International Real Estate
If you know that you’re friend or family member has always dreamed about hiring an interior decorator, now's the time to gift to them such services. However, only gift the services of an interior designer who has a renowned reputation. Your gift will surely be a hit for many years to come.
Photo Credit: Sotheby's International Real Estate
Gifting the expertise of interior design is a life-long gift. Of inspiration.
Yourself and Your Expert Services
Photo Credit: Sotheby's International Real Estate
If you’re a carpenter by trade, house painter, electrician or plumber, gift your services to your friend or family member for a project that you know they have wanted to undertake for some time, and perhaps, have postponed for financial reasons.
Photo Credit: Sotheby's International Real Estate
Paint those walls with a fresh coat of paint. Re-stain the interior floors or the outdoor deck. Perhaps, offer your services for that new house addition that’s currently underway or will be soon?
Photo Credit: Sotheby's International Real Estate
Install those sliding doors? Or that coveted fireplace? The ways to gift your services are endless.
And, just to wrap things up, it's worth reiterating that you should remember it’s about the person to whom you’re giving your gift - any and all taste, style and design choices should be made from the giftee's perspective, and not your own.
