Giving gifts is one of the most common love languages. No matter what the occasion is, there’s something special about channeling your affection through a present. Gifts are a great way to show your loved one that you know who they are and what they like. The perfect present can provide your favorite person with something that makes their days a little brighter—and makes them think of you. When birthdays, holidays, or other gift-giving occasions come around, you want to find a gift that carries the perfect message. Learn how to choose the best gift for your loved one with these tips and ideas.

Keep Track of Your Loved One’s Interests

The best gifts show that you pay attention to your loved one. Find a gift that’s uniquely suited to them by focusing on their favorite hobbies and interests. What is your loved one a fan of? Would they enjoy gear from their favorite sports team? Can you find a special edition of their favorite movie or the next book by their most beloved author? You can also think about how your loved one spends their free time. Find a gift that suits their favorite hobbies, such as a painting set or new plants for their garden. Similarly, your gifts can encourage new experiences. Have they expressed interest in wanting to try something new? Help them pursue that interest by jumpstarting it with the perfect gift. For example, if your loved one has mentioned wanting to learn how to draw, a sketchbook and pencils would be a fantastic gift. This will let them know that you’ve been paying attention and that you want to see them happily pursuing their interests.

Check Out Their Wish List

Many people keep a wish list of items they’ve been eyeing for a while. Do you have access to your loved one’s wish list? Check out their profiles on various shopping sites to see what you can find. Even if a physical or online list doesn’t exist, you can still get an idea of the items they’ve looked at or considered. Keep your ears open as well. It’s not uncommon for friends and family members to offhandedly mention things they want. If your loved one is considering a purchase but ultimately decides against it, write the item down. Keep a list of things you notice them wanting, either in your phone or written down somewhere they won’t find it. This will help you come up with great ideas when birthdays, holidays, or “just because” days come around.

Pick a Gift That’s Useful

Some people consider practical gifts to be boring, but that isn’t necessarily true. If you want to give someone a gift they can use, simply make sure it’s something that they will enjoy using. Say you have a friend who loves cooking. They spend a lot of time experimenting with recipes and ingredients, but their tools are a little outdated. When you buy them new kitchenware, you’re getting them a practical gift that they will get a lot of use out of. You’re also getting them something that suits their personality and helps them enjoy their favorite hobby more than ever before. Instead of being boring, this practical gift becomes something that brightens your loved one’s day every time they use it—and because it’s something they need, they get to use it a lot.

Give Experiences Over Presents

Gifts don’t have to be physical objects. You can show a lot of affection by giving someone an experience rather than a tangible present. Tickets to a concert, game, or show can give your loved one a fantastic memory that they’ll never forget. It doesn’t have to be an outrageous experience, either. A date night with dinner and a movie, a day trip to their favorite park, or a mini staycation are all great ways to give your loved one a good time without breaking the bank. You can even make an experience out of giving them a physical gift, such as creating a scavenger hunt to help them find their present. The best part of gifting experiences over physical objects is that the two of you get to enjoy the present together, making it even more special.

Make It Personal

The more personal your gift is, the more meaning it holds. There are countless ways to make your presents more personal to your loved one. You can find a gift that relates to an inside joke or a shared experience between the two of you. This might be a fun knick-knack, a scrapbook, or a shadow box containing reminders of a memory the two of you have. You can also personalize your gift by attaching a handwritten note or letter. Alternatively, you can personalize the gift itself with an inscription, initials, or other customized features. This will help you create a perfectly unique present that only your loved one has, making it all the more special.

Use Your Own Two Hands

Another way to personalize a gift is to make it yourself. Remember to lean into your own talents to create something that your loved one will enjoy. Are you a talented artist or writer? Do you like crafting? Can you bake delicious treats? No matter what it is, a handmade gift is the culmination of thought, effort, skill, and love, making it a present your loved one is sure to enjoy. You can surprise them with a homemade breakfast in bed, bake their favorite sweet treats, or create a decorative piece to adorn their walls. The personal thought and effort you put into your present will mean just as much—if not more than—the physical gift itself.

Remember That Size Doesn’t Matter

When it comes to how to choose the best gift for your loved one, it’s easy to want to make as grand a gesture as possible. Don’t let the size of the object (or its price tag) fool you. Big gifts aren’t necessarily better. Thought, personality, and care are far more important than size and cost. When choosing a gift for your loved one, focus on the meaning it will have. There are plenty of small unique gifts that pack a lot of personality. These will be far more impactful for much longer than a large but generic present.

When you put thought and personality into your gifts, you’re sure to find the perfect present for your loved one. If you’re looking for cute little gift ideas, Little Obsessed wants to help. Browse our selection of unique, charming, and useful presents to give to your loved one on any occasion. Let them know you care by finding the perfect gift today.