Does shopping for Eid gifts stress you out? With the enormous amount of choices out there, it can be challenging to pick out gifts. These tips will help set you in the right direction so that you are actually excited to buy Eid gifts instead of dreading the task.
1. Be informed. Do you really know the child you’re buying the gift for? Likes and dislikes? Favorite hobbies and recent interests? Taking a couple of minutes to “interview” your recipient will shed a lot of light on the direction to take when purchasing the gift. If you generally have a difficult time picking something out, the child’s answers will narrow down your search considerably.
2. Be prepared. Gift items can be bought year round. No need to wait until a week or so before Eid to begin your gift shopping. Whenever you see an item on sale earlier in the year, scoop it up and save it for Eid. This will help save money and avoid last minute shopping trips. I tend to find a lot of great items on sale or clearance when I’m not particularly looking for them.
3. Shop around. Do not limit your self to one store, aisle, or shelf. Wander into other parts of the store to find unexpected items that would enhance or complete your gift. Try the kids bedroom section for fun accessories and small paintings. Check the craft section for fun stickers to personalize a frame. Try a store that you wouldn’t normally consider. Last Eid my sister found really great decorative storage boxes at a discount store that were perfect for tween girls to put away their special belongings while adding some style to their rooms.
4. Pick a theme. Instead of a set of random items, consider a specific theme. This will make more of an impact, be more unique, and feel custom-tailored for the recipient. Plus it’s much easier to shop when you have a specific theme in mind. Some themed sets can include:
- Baking or Cooking: A kid’s cookbook, an apron, interesting or fun ingredients, mini utensils.
- Reading: A gift card to a local book store or an application for a library card in their name, a book light, fun bookmarks, a cute tote to carry around their books on the go.
- Art (e.g. painting): Blank canvases, set of paints, brushes, a mini easel, sketch pad for ideas.
- Animal lover: Book on animals, an animal plush doll, gift certificate to the local zoo.
- Room Decor: Wall decals, decorative pillow, wall art specific to the room’s theme.
5. Think outside the box. Make your gift box or gift bag work for you and the gift. I am horrible at wrapping gifts. It’s just not a skill I can master. I feel like gift bags are wasteful. Instead I like to find decorative storage boxes that will work with the theme I’m going for. They are available in so many shapes, sizes, and price points. It’s possible to find one that works for you that will enhance your gift and contain it all at the same time. Another great option are the reusable totes that can be found everywhere now. They work the same as gift bags but can be reused over and over!
6. Make your own. Even with all of the choices available in stores, sometimes homemade gifts are the perfect way to go. It ensures a gift that is 100% unique and completely customizable. Stick with a project that you can skillfully complete with confidence. With the internet at our fingertips, there are thousands of free tutorials for great projects for any child you have in mind. Your entire gift doesn’t need to be handmade. A small handmade item can add a special touch to complete a store bought item.
7. Include a gift receipt. Whenever possible, always include a gift receipt. Even our best efforts and most creative attempts can yield a gift that possibly may not interest the recipient. Don’t take it personally! We can’t always expect others to like what we do. Each person has their own personal tastes. A gift receipt will allow the recipient to exchange their items that better suits them without having your money go to waste.
These are some really good tips! I’ve recently stated buying my gifts in advance as I see them. I really like the theme idea!