How to choose a birthday present for a friend?

Two days before, my sister grumbled that choosing a birthday present was a very difficult task. It cost her time and money and she was afraid that her friend would not like the present she chose. It was the problem my friends always come across. However, choosing a birthday present was not a difficult task actually. Instead, it was quite enjoyable. Here I would like to share some techniques about how to choose a birthday gift in an easier way.

Firstly of all, it is quite important to set a budget before going to choose a birthday present. After setting a budget, the options costing more than the budget can be eliminated immediately from the list in our mind. Then it can be more efficient and faster to choose an appropriate present and time can then be saved. Concerning the amount of budget, it depends on the relationship between the sender and the recipient. If the recipient is a best friend of the sender, the budget can be more. Sometimes, bearing the budget with other friends is a good idea since an expensive present can be bought by spending only a small amount of money.

Then, to be more successful in choosing an appropriate gift, analyzing the personality of the recipient is vital. Some people may have troubles to choose a birthday present among lots of products which seem suitable for the recipient. The troubles can often cost much time and make the process of choosing a gift become tasteless. However, the process will be faster and more efficient after analyzing the recipient’s personality, because it can narrow the products’ types and colours to be chosen. For example, if the recipient is materialistic, it is better not to choose a brand-named product for him or her, because the product may be outdated in his or her mind. If the recipient is practical, daily necessities such as towels and cutlery may be suitable for him or her. Also, it is good to give the recipient a colourful present with cute patterns such as hearts and stars, when he or she is charming. The gift can then show the sender’s acquaintance about the recipient and it is very warm.

Many people think that choosing the recipient’s favourite cartoon is a good idea. However, in my opinion, it is better not to do this because the probability that the recipient has already had the product is very high. And I had this kind of experience before. Last year, two of my birthday presents, which were from two different friends, were exactly the same and the cartoon was the one I like most. Having the same presents was quite funny but it was in fact a waste to some extent. Therefore, to avoid this kind of co-incidence, it is better not to choose a present which is the recipient’s favourite cartoon.

In addition, it is wiser to choose a small birthday present, since carrying a big present to home is quite inconvenient for the recipient. Besides, if the recipient lives overseas, it is very costly to send him or her a big present. So a small present is preferable.

Lastly, to be sure that the recipient will like the birthday present, nice packaging and wrapping can serve as a safety precaution. For example, the sender can put the present into a lovely box or bottle and then wrap it with beautiful paper and put it into a pretty bag. The materials do not cost much and they can be bought easily, and the present will become very attractive after using them. Besides, I like to write on the wrapping paper. Other than “happy birthday”, I write some blessings to him or her, or some comforts when I know he or she is in adversity or sadness at that time. I think it is glad to receive such a birthday present which shows much concern from a friend.

Therefore, it is not a difficult but enjoyable task to choose a birthday present for a friend. Except the above techniques, the sender’s sincerity is essential to choose a suitable present. The recipient can feel that and he or she will be happy and warm and love the gift. So choosing a birthday present is actually very meaningful. It is not to waste our time and money, but in fact, it helps to bring love and concern to our friends.