How to Choose a Gift That Makes Someone Feel Seen.

Have you ever given someone a gift that made them pause, smile, and say, “Wow… how did you know?” Almost bringing them to tears.

Those kind of gifts that land. The ones that stick in someone’s memory long after the wrapping paper’s been recycled. They don’t have to be big or flashy, but they send a powerful message: "I see you!". A gift that makes people feel seen in a world that often feels rushed and impersonal.

If your answer is no, grab a seat and some popcorn maybe; this would be a fun read for you 😌.

So how do you do it? How do you pick a gift that feels like it was made just for them and not like it was grabbed in a hurry from your local supermarket's counter? A gift that says "make e no be like say I no buy you gift sha"🌝

Let’s break it down.

First off, let’s get one thing out of the way: thoughtful doesn’t always mean expensive.

A gift doesn’t have to cost a lot to be meaningful. In fact, sometimes the most touching gifts are the simplest ones: a copy of a book from your favorite genre with a sticky note that says, "I know you'll love this one," a playlist of songs that remind you of them, or a handwritten letter you didn’t rush.

Effort and intent are the most important things.

When people say, “It’s the thought that counts,” they’re not just trying to make you feel better for not spending 🆖200,000 on a gift. They’re actually right.

That being said, let's get to the main point of this conversation.

Pay Attention—The Clues Are Everywhere:

The best gifts aren’t found on a top-10 list; they’re hidden in everyday conversations. People drop hints constantly without even realizing it.

Maybe your friend mentions they’ve been trying to get back into journaling or how much they miss baking like they used to. Maybe your coworker’s always talking about how they can’t keep a plant alive but wish they could. Maybe your sister complains about her feet hurting every time she travels.

That’s your window. That’s the opening to say, “I was listening.” I remembered. I care.

When you give a gift that connects back to something small and specific they said weeks (or months) ago, it tells them they matter enough for you to notice.

Think Beyond Tangibles:

Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things you can hold in your hands. They’re experiences, gestures, and memories.

Da-Princess Kitchen Culinary Concept

Maybe you surprise someone with a cooking class voucher not because you care about them learning how to make their already perfect jollof rice smoky, but because you remember them saying they’ve always wanted to learn how to make smoky jollof. How about babysitting for your bestie, who never gets time to herself, and giving her the gift of peace and quiet for a few hours?

Gifts that make someone feel seen often give them what they didn’t know how to ask for. Time. Help. Joy. Rest. Permission.

Avoid the "Usuals":

There’s nothing wrong with chocolates, candles, or parfait (I love parfait!). But if you give the same candle to everyone on your list, it starts to feel like you're sharing a souvenir. Such a beautiful attempt but feels impersonal.

Default gifts say, “I had to.”

Thoughtful gifts say, “I wanted to. I had you in mind."

Even if it’s something small or practical, add a layer of personalization—a note, a favorite scent, or a specific color. This takes it from generic to genuine.

Let’s say you’re giving someone a journal. Cool. But instead of picking the first one you see, maybe you get one in their favorite color because you remember how obsessed they are with purple. That’s the difference.

Don't Make It About You:

It is easy to fall into the trap of giving something you love, hoping they’ll love it too, but thoughtful gifting isn’t about converting someone to your fandom or taste in music. It’s about meeting people where they are.

That friend who’s all about quiet evenings and herbal tea might not want a front-row concert ticket.  The minimalist in your life doesn’t need another decorative tray, no matter how chic it is, and the person who keeps their space ultra-neutral may not want a pink cookware even if you think it’s beautiful.

This is why gifting well requires empathy. You have to step outside your preferences and really see the other person. Their style, their values, their vibe.

It's Okay to Ask:

If you’re truly stumped, there’s no shame in asking. In fact, some of the most thoughtful gifts come from a simple question:

“What would you like?"

This question can open the door to something meaningful and show that you care enough to get it right, not just wing it.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to wow someone with extravagance. It’s to make them feel known. The magic is in the details.

A well-chosen gift says:

“I’ve been paying attention.”

“I get you.”

“You matter.”

That’s the kind of magic that brings one to tears and has them say, “Wow… how did you know?”

So this coming Christmas, skip the frantic scroll through 'gifts for men/women' and take a moment to reflect.

Think about the people you love.

What lights them up? What comforts them? What’s something they’d never ask for but would totally adore?

Start there.

Because the best gifts aren’t things.

They’re reminders: You are seen. You are known. You are loved.

Guess who else is an expert at helping you get gifts that make you feel seen?

🥁🥁🥁 ... SincerelyYoursNG!

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