In my circle I’m known as an excellent gift giver. I always give someone the perfect gift that they didn’t even know they wanted. Due to this many of my family members are terrified of getting me gifts. It’s totally not my intent, but I can understand that they just want to get me something as special as what I gifted them in the past. Still I wish everyone would just relax, because after all it’s the thought that counts.

Here are some tips for how I go about getting someone the perfect gift.

-Pay attention to your friends/family members when they are flipping thru a magazine, complimenting a friends outfit, window shopping, adding items or liking items on pinterest. Take notes of what they love. I’ve been know to snap pics with my iphone to remember what they lingered over.

-Never get them something they asked for. That is so the easy way out. I never do gift cards either. You can get inspiration from things they asked for and explore other gifts that work with it or are even better. I always give gift receipts though so if they don’t like what I picked they can pick out what they asked for.

-Don’t be afraid to shop small businesses. I can’t believe how many people are still afraid about ordering things online especially if it’s not a big box retailer with a website. I love supporting small businesses and finding unique items that an owner curated into a shop of things they love and know others will love. I use to work in retailing buying and let me tell you it’s not creative at all. It’s all about the bottom line and who gives you the best deal. Not a lot of original thought going on so what you find at Macy’s can easily be found at Bloomies, etc. One of my favorite online shops for off of the beaten path gifts is UncommonGoods.

Here are some of my current favorites from UncommonGoods:

No.1: Wedding season is upon us and I have been invited to quite a few engagement parties and bridal showers. I love this cheese and cracker board. Pick one up and add a basket of yummy goodies and a bottle of wine and you are all set!

No.2: Inexpensive gifts can always be hard to find, but a lot of times they are typical when it comes to say a co-workers birthday or a grab bag gift where there is a price limit. I love this unique toothpaste wringer. It’s something I would never buy for myself, but I would totally use it and would be obsessed with it if I found it at a friends house.

No.3: Men are super hard to shop for in my book. One thing most men love though is food and when you add that with word survival and it contains spices it’s a win, win. I think Jon would love this mobile food survival kit. Looks a fun addition for when he goes camping.

No.4: Have a hipster in your life? I do and I think these gold leaf upcycled beer bottle tumblers would be perfect paired with a kraft beer. Plus they are pretty and I would probably use them as small vases or a pencil or make up brush holder.

No.5: Has someone in your life gotten a new job? Want to send them a little something to mark the occasion? This notepad roller would look great on any desk, is practical and can taken to a local Things Remembered and have a note etched on it or a monogram.

No.6: Babies, babies, babies. Along with wedding related events my calendar has also been filling up with baby showers. While I always pick something up from their registry I always try to pick something up that is more related to me. Either a toy, trinket, etc that Hudson loved and I know their baby will to, a children’s book that is a favorite of mine or something elephant related like these booties. I want the momma to be to see the item and know it was personally picked out from me.

No.7: A variation on the typical hostess gift of a bottle of wine would be these wine soaps. Your host probably is going to have a ton of wine on hand and even more from guests. These soaps stay within the theme, come in a pretty box and smell delicious.

No.8: Mother’s day is quickly approaching and I’m certain most of you are picking up a gift or two for a special lady in your life. How sweet is this vase? I would love one with a piece of Hudson’s artwork on it to cherish for forever.

No.9: Housewarming gifts can be hard. You never know what the home owners have and people typically just pick up photo frames or go with a bottle of wine. I love this petite flower vase that is magnetic and can easily be placed on any refrigerator and perk up any kitchen regardless of size.

Whew, that’s a whole lot of favorites and some of my secret gift giving tips. Hope it’s helpful!

*This post is bought to you by UncommonGoods a company I personally love and support.