When it comes to gift giving, the options are seemingly infinite. You can – in theory – give anything as a present, from technology through to fashion. The latter is often avoided due to a lot of gift-givers not feeling confident enough to give someone a fashion gift.
Clothes, jewelry and accessories are all very personal and are a direct reflection of someone’s style, and for that reason, most people avoid giving anything along those lines. We’ve all received a fashion-related gift at some point and had to grin through it to hide our horror at what we’ve been given, and the last thing you want to do is inflict that feeling on someone else.
That being said, there are a number of ways you can foray into giving fashion gifts and nail it, but it’s not easy. Aside from knowing the person you’re thinking of giving a fashion gift to on a personal level, you need to do a lot more research.
Choose your recipient carefully
Firstly, don’t give a fashion present to someone who is not close to you. Never give a work colleague a dress or a watch as a secret Santa present – reserve fashion for your nearest and dearest only. The reason for this is that whilst you might think you know your colleague or neighbor like that, you likely don’t. What people wear to work or to potter around the house isn’t necessarily a reflection of their fashion taste, so make sure you’re not falling into that trap.
In addition, you need to know someone on a personal level in order to get their size right. Never gift someone clothes that don’t fit. To small and they could take it the wrong way, too big they’ll take it the wrong way. In short, steer well clear of buying acquaintances and distant friends clothes – you’re setting yourself up to fail.
Start small
Before you dive into getting someone a Chanel bag, a Rolex and some designer cufflinks, start small. You might think you’re doing someone a favor by buying them a high-ticket fashion item, but some people simply don’t like gifts like that. Lots of people prefer to buy their own expensive items, and others only wear specific items and don’t want any more.
So, before you splash out on something pricey, maybe test the waters first. Think scarves, mid-market earrings and accessories like a card-holder. Whatever you choose to buy, make sure you shop to the taste of the recipient, not yourself. You might be glaringly against buying a bright yellow scarf and a polka dot card holder, but if your recipient likes that, follow through with their style.
Keep the gift receipt
With any present you choose to give, there’s always the chance that the person receiving it either won’t like it, or they already have it. With fashion items, this is even more prevalent. The key to giving any gift, especially something like a fashion present, is to keep the gift receipt. It might seem like a kick in the teeth when you pick out a present for someone with the very best intentions, only for them to return it, but that’s a better outcome than stuck with a present that will never see the light of day.
If you’re giving something like a t-shirt or an actual garment, a gift receipt if your safety net in case it doesn’t fit. You might’ve bought the correct size label-wise, but certain stores and types of clothes run a size up or a size down, so even if the recipient loves the gift, they might not be able to wear it. Always include the gift receipt.
Summary
Thinking of giving a fashion gift to someone special this year? With this tips in your arsenal, there’s a good chance you’ll nail it first-time.
