I love giving gifts, but my favorites are meaningful and even better if the recipient understands the reasoning and love behind the gift. I have a friend who is the very best gift-giver I know. Everything I have received from her in my life I absolutely love and still own, 20 years later in some cases. I have plenty of things in my life that I have bought and thought I loved, and long discarded. So how does she do this?!

Tips to Gift Giving

1. She is well organized and plans ahead. 
2. She thinks about what she knows about that person, their interests, what is going on in their life, what they need most (which may not be a "thing"), and what they would appreciate.
3. The last point of what they would appreciate is crucial. If you have not read The Five Love Languages, I highly recommend it. The cliff note's version of the book is that there are five ways in which we give and receive love:

• Quality time and communication (lunch, dinner drinks)
• Words of affirmation (you're the best, good job, etc.)
• Gifts (self-explanatory!)
• Acts of service (cooking food, helping with shopping)
• Physical touch (hugs, holding hands)

You may not be able to identify someone’s love language immediately, but reflecting on past experiences—what has made them feel seen or appreciated—can offer clues. For instance, some people view flowers as a waste of money because they die quickly. If gifts aren’t their primary love language, you could give them the sun and moon, and it still might not land as meaningfully as you’d hope.

However, if quality time and communication rank high for them, giving an experience—like a concert ticket, a spa day, or a night out together—can be the most meaningful gift of all. A thoughtful, personalized present like a fun tea towel, beverage napkins, and their favorite chips and salsa—or an Entry Envy custom sign featuring their last name and the year they married or built their home—can show heartfelt intention beyond the typical store-bought gift.

For those who love gifts but seem to have everything, try focusing on usables and consumables. Think high-end wine, Nest diffusers, luxe shower gel, indulgent hand soap and lotion sets, or even a Capri Blue kitchen cleaner paired with their signature candle.

People who align with the acts of service love language can be trickier. (I’m in this category myself!) We’re often terrible at asking for help and usually decline when it’s offered. My mother learned this early and just does the thing—no questions, just action. I love her for that. And honestly, I don’t tell her enough.

One last note: how we give love and how we receive love are often different. Even though I feel most loved through acts of service, I usually show love by giving gifts. Let’s be real—it’s sometimes easier to give a thoughtful item than carve out the time to help someone with a task. But knowing someone’s love language can transform even the simplest gift into something deeply meaningful.

Don't stress

Choosing gifts shouldn't be hard or stressful. At the end of the day, it truly is the thought that counts, and the purpose of this article is to make sure you are gifting something meaningful to your recipient and "worth your money." 

P.S. Entry Envy custom home signs welcome guests and help delivery drivers validate they are at the correct house. There are so many styles available! If you haven't ordered yours yet, please SHOP HERE to design your unique sign.

Quarterly home decor subscription boxes make it easy and convenient to keep your sign in style. You'll never have to think about how to update your front porch for the next season or holiday again!