There's always a chance you could pick the name of the person you know like the back of your hand, but if you're not so lucky (like myself) you'll pick the name of someone you don't know very well. Last year (and even this year) for my job's Secret Santa I picked someone that I hardly knew at all. But luckily, someone in the office came up with a genius idea to put together a Google Doc where we all could share our likes and interests. For me, this was a huge help! Since I knew nothing about my person, I was able to look at her likes and put together a decent gift for her.
But sometimes you don't get a crutch like a document filled with gift ideas made by your person, even though that's a really good idea. So for those of you struggling to figure out what to get your Secret Santa this year have no fear. Here is what you can do to be the best Secret Santa:
Think About Your Person. This may be an obvious tip but it truly is the best place to start. Close your eyes, picture the person. What's their style like? When you think about them what are they doing? Do you and this person have a memory or a significant event where you two bonded? Little questions like this can help you figure out the core personality of your person which could lead to an amazing gift!
Check Out Their Social Media. This may make you feel like a stalker, but if you do not know anything about your person and have zero clues about who they are this will help a lot. Just by going to their Facebook page you can literally look at pages they've liked and maybe even shared. The same goes with Twitter and Instagram, you can see what they've posted about or even check out other posts they have liked. Sometimes even checking to see what kind of accounts they follow can help you narrow down your search.
Gather Some Intel. Now you don't need to be a spy to complete this task. All you need to do is figure out who knows your person best and ask them for some advice or if they have any suggestions. Or if you're feeling really brave, you can casually talk to your person and try to get to know them a little better. Just be careful and don't let them figure out you're their Secret Santa! If you start eating lunch with them everyday and are constantly playing twenty questions they will definitely figure it out.
Make A List. When you write something down it can help you visualize and think clearly, especially if you are completely stuck. Take the time to gather what you know and write it all down. This will help you come up with some possible gift ideas. Maybe you can even narrow it down to the actual gift!
Stay In Budget. This may be an obvious tip, but remember to always keep to the set budget. Even if you get your best friend, you may want to spend an excess amount because you really care about that person. But it is important to keep in mind about everyone's feelings. Also don't be that person who spends less than half of the amount. If finance is a huge issue for you, you can always opt out. No one will judge you for not participating. As long as you play fair and stay in the budget it will be a great time!
If You're Still Stuck It's Okay To Be Generic. Sometimes there are people who are just difficult to figure out what they could possibly want or even need. And that's okay, because they probably don't know what they want either. In these circumstances a gift card is probably your best bet, and that's perfectly fine. Whether it's for their favorite restaurant, store, coffee shop or even the movie theater, that could be the most practical gift and it will be appreciated.
When in Doubt Listen To Your Gut. If you're unsure or not positive that your person will like what you've picked out, don't stress over it. If something called out to you, trust your instinct. It called out to you for a reason. As long as you do your best and put some thought into it, your person will appreciate the time and effort you put into their gift. If they complain and say you're the worst Secret Santa ever then that's their problem, not yours.
The point of Secret Santa is to have fun! If you received someone you don't know very well don't dread it, look at it as an opportunity to get to know them a little bit better. Be sure not to give any of the secrets away, the whole point of Secret Santa is that it is supposed to be a mystery! It starts to lose the magic once everyone knows who has who. Don't stress, and remember to have fun! And as long as you follow these suggestions, you will slay your Secret Santa gift exchange this year!
Now you tell me, are you participating in a Secret Santa this year? Do you have any tips and suggestions you want to share? Comment below!
Until tomorrow!
No comments:
Post a Comment