What kinds of gifts do people appreciate?
Are you unsure what gifts will be truly valued by others? Giving the wrong gift can feel impersonal and a missed chance to show you care.
People appreciate gifts that are thoughtful, practical, and personal. The best gifts are often not the most expensive ones, but those that show you understand the person and what they need or enjoy. A great gift makes someone feel seen and valued, going beyond a simple item to create a real connection.
I've learned that gifting is a form of communication. It's a way to say, "I see you." A good gift says, "I thought about you and what would make your life better." This can be a simple item or a grand gesture, but the key is the thought behind it. Let's look at what makes a gift truly appreciated.
What are good appreciation gifts1?
You want to give a gift that truly shows appreciation. You are looking for ideas that are both special and meaningful.
Good appreciation gifts are those that are personal and practical. Think about gifts that make a person's daily life easier or more enjoyable. You could give a gift that relates to their hobbies, a subscription box, or a high-quality item they use every day. These gifts show you have taken the time to notice their needs and interests.
I once helped a client choose appreciation gifts for their top employees. Instead of giving them a generic gift card, we chose gifts based on what they liked. For one employee who loved to read, we gave a subscription to a book club. For another who was always on the go, we gave a high-quality portable charger and a nice water bottle. The employees were so happy. They felt seen as individuals, not just as a part of a group. This kind of thoughtful gifting2 builds a stronger relationship. It turns a simple gift into a lasting memory. The best appreciation gifts are things that the person would not buy for themselves but will find very useful or enjoyable.
How do you choose a great appreciation gift?
| Gifting Strategy | Example Gifts | Why They Are Appreciated |
|---|---|---|
| Focus on Hobbies | A custom golf towel for a golfer or a high-end art set for a painter. | This shows you pay attention to their personal interests outside of work or your relationship. |
| Solve a Problem | A meal delivery service subscription for a busy parent or a comfortable ergonomic chair for a friend working from home. | It shows you care about their well-being and want to make their life easier. |
| Give a Personal Upgrade | A premium pen for a writer or a high-quality coffee machine for a coffee lover. | These gifts upgrade a daily ritual, turning a routine task into a small moment of pleasure. |
| Create an Experience | Tickets to a concert or a voucher for a cooking class. | Experiences create memories that last a long time, making the gift more meaningful than a physical item. |
A good appreciation gift is one that makes the recipient feel understood. It's a sign that the giver has taken the time to think about their life and their needs.
Do not give gifts to the rich?
You might think that it's pointless to give a gift to someone who has everything. You are worried that your gift will not be valued.
It is not true that you should not give gifts to the rich. A gift to a wealthy person is not about the money; it is about the meaning. A gift is a way to show you care. When giving a gift to someone who can buy anything, the most important thing is the thoughtfulness behind it. Focus on a gift that is personal, unique, or shows a shared memory.
I’ve seen many people struggle with this. They feel that if they cannot give a gift that is expensive, it is not worth giving. But the value of a gift is not its price. It is the thought. A gift to a wealthy person is a chance to show that you value your relationship, not their wealth. I had a client once who gave a simple, framed photo of a shared memory to a very rich business partner. The partner told him it was the most meaningful gift he had ever received. It was not about the money. It was about the memory. A gift that is personal and heartfelt is always valued, no matter how much money a person has. It shows that you care about the person, not about what they have.
What are some good gift ideas for someone who has everything?
| Gift Idea | Why It Is a Good Choice | What It Represents |
|---|---|---|
| A Personalized Note | A handwritten letter3 or card that shares a specific memory or expresses genuine gratitude. | It is a gift of your time and your thoughts, which are priceless. |
| A Charitable Donation | A donation to a charity in their name that they care about. | It shows you understand their values and want to support what is important to them. |
| An Experience | Tickets to an art exhibit, a cooking class, or a special dinner. | It creates a new memory and provides a unique experience that cannot be bought with money. |
| A Unique, Handmade Item | A custom-made piece of art or a handmade item that is one of a kind. | It shows that you put effort into the gift and that it is truly unique to them. |
The best gifts for a rich person are those that money cannot buy. They are gifts of time, thought, and personal connection.
What are the blessings money cannot buy?
You are looking for gifts that are more than just a physical item. You want to give a gift that has a deeper meaning.
The blessings money cannot buy are feelings, experiences, and connections. A great gift taps into these things. It can be a gift of time, like a special trip together. It can be a gift of support, like helping someone with a project. It can be a gift of presence, like just being there for someone when they need you. These are the gifts that are truly priceless.
I’ve learned that the most important things in life are not things. They are the moments we share, the people we love, and the feelings we have. A gift can be a way to show these things. A gift of time can be a special dinner or a day out together. It shows that you are willing to give your most valuable resource—your time. A gift of support can be a gift certificate for a service that helps someone, like a cleaning service for a busy friend. It shows you care about their well-being. A gift of presence can be as simple as a long phone call to listen to them. These are the gifts that create a strong, lasting bond. A gift is at its best when it communicates a feeling of love, gratitude, or appreciation.
How do you give a gift that is not about money?
| Gifting Method | Example | Why It is a Great Gift |
|---|---|---|
| Gift of Time | Take a friend out for a homemade meal and spend the evening talking. | It shows that you value their company and want to create a new memory with them. |
| Gift of Service | Help a family member with a difficult task, like moving or organizing. | It is an act of kindness that shows you care about their life and are willing to help. |
| Gift of Support | Offer to watch a friend's kids so they can have a night out. | It provides them with a break and shows you are a reliable and supportive friend. |
| Gift of Presence | Give a handwritten note that expresses your feelings for them and your gratitude for their friendship. | It is a deeply personal gift that shows your appreciation and love. |
The best gifts are those that are a part of you. They are gifts that show your care, your time, and your attention. They are the blessings money cannot buy.
Conclusion
People appreciate gifts that are personal and thoughtful. The best gifts are not about the cost, but about the meaning behind them. They show you see and value the person for who they are.
