Christmas presents are a special time to "give shape to your feelings"
When choosing a gift, do you ever find yourself wondering, "What is the right gift to give?"
While it's fun to imagine the happy face of the recipient as you choose, there are also moments when the more you think about it, the more difficult it becomes, such as choosing the right size and color, balancing practicality with something special. I myself have struggled with this many times, and sometimes even thought, "I've made a mistake." However, as I have had more and more experiences, I have come to realize that "Christmas gifts have more meaning than just material things."
So why do Christmas gifts seem more special than other gifts?
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Christmas presents are a time to "give shape to your feelings"
As Christmas approaches, the whole town becomes more and more glittering, and your spirits naturally become excited. The time you spend looking at the tree and illuminations and thinking about what gift you should give this year is itself part of the joy of Christmas.
Choosing a present is not just about giving something, but a special act that embodies your feelings for the other person. Even if it is not an expensive gift, if it is filled with the thought that "I chose it with you in mind," it will be a very memorable gift.
I have chosen gifts many times myself, but the moment I see the smile on the recipient's face, I feel glad that I made that choice, not because of the price or the brand, but because the thought behind it is conveyed. In other words, Christmas presents are more valuable than everyday necessities, and are a small way to convey your feelings.
The "extraordinary feeling" that Christmas has gives it a special feeling that is different from birthdays, anniversaries, etc. That's why many people seriously worry about what to give, and sometimes make small mistakes, but I think that even the time spent wondering about it is what makes Christmas presents so meaningful.
Even small mistakes become memories.
Everyone has experienced a "Christmas gift fiasco" at least once. In fact, when you look back on it, it can become a funny story or a hint for the next year. Here, we will take a light-hearted look back at some of the most common "common" stories.
Remove size and color
As a fashion lover, I often give shoes and clothes as gifts, but the size and color can be difficult. One year, I chose a pair of sneakers for someone who normally wears black, thinking, "Let's try something adventurous with red," but they never ended up being worn. This incident taught me that the giver's "spirit of adventure" doesn't necessarily translate into joy for the recipient.
Just barely making it in time
If you start looking in December, popular items are already sold out. Even if you have no choice but to order online, delivery may be congested and the item may not arrive until the day after Christmas. Even if the gift wrapping is perfect, it's pointless if the moment to give it is off. Now, I've made it a habit to "find my pick in November."
A classic item: "overlapping"
I once thought I'd chosen a safe scarf, but it turned out to be the same brand as my brother's. We laughed about it at the time, but I regretted it and wished I'd chosen something a little more unique. Because we tend to choose classic items, the trick is to add a little individuality with color and material.
Swept away by trends
Even if you choose a gift that uses a popular brand or trendy color that year, the enthusiasm for it may have completely died down by the following year, and it may not be used much anymore. It can be a little heartbreaking to receive a gift and then hear, "I think it's hard to use anymore." After all, it's reassuring to choose a design that can be used for a long time.
Even these small mistakes will ultimately become memories with the recipient, and they can also serve as an opportunity to think, "I'll try to do this better next time," and improve your gift-giving technique. In fact, the more you experience "common mistakes," the more accurate your gift-giving may become.
4 tips for choosing a Christmas gift that will be appreciated
So, how can you choose a gift with a high success rate? Here, I will summarize the four points that I consider important, while imagining an actual situation.
They're all simple, but the more you give them, the more "Christmas presents" will become a part of the recipient's daily life.
1. Can it be used on a daily basis?
Gift givers tend to prioritize the feeling of something special, but what really makes them happy is whether or not the gift can be used every day. Imagine whether the gift will be available naturally in your daily routine, such as commuting to work or school, shopping, or a short walk. For example, the satisfaction level is far higher if you find yourself using the gift every day than if you only use it once a week. The trick is to choose a color, material, and size that will fit in with the recipient's wardrobe and easily combine with items they already own.
Additionally, items that can be used in multiple scenarios tend to be hard to miss. They can be used both on and off the job, are useful across all seasons, and can be used on rainy days without hesitation -- this "versatility" directly translates to satisfaction.
2. Things I wouldn't buy myself, but would be happy to receive
"I was interested in it, but I almost bought it" - aiming for this delicate line is easy to succeed. "Slightly better" elements such as a slightly higher-quality material, a unique design, or a size larger for comfort create a special feeling that is unique to gifts. Items that can be used as an extension of everyday life and that can update your lifestyle just a little are best.
The trick to choosing is to deviate just half a step from what the other person likes and often uses. For example, if someone usually chooses black, choose a similar dark tone or a nuanced color that blends well with their skin. By keeping the silhouette and usability the same and just making the color fresh, the hurdle to taking on the challenge will be lowered.
3. Consider the situation in which you will give it
Christmas memories are complete right up to the moment of giving. Whether it's casually handing it over on the way home from seeing the city's illuminations, quietly placing it under the tree, or deliberately writing a handwritten message card...
YUEN's recommended gifts for this Christmas
The perfect Christmas present is an item that will naturally blend into the recipient's daily life and be loved for a long time. Not only will it feel special, but it will also be appreciated if it is something that can be used often in daily life. So, here are some gifts I would like to recommend for this season from YUEN , the company I run.
"SOON" sneaker series
YUEN's classic model "SOON" is a simple pair of shoes with attention to detail. The design is basic, yet extremely comfortable to wear, making them a popular choice for people of all ages. Black is a versatile color that goes well with any outfit, but for Christmas gifts, we recommend choosing softer colors like beige or sax. Because it's a color that you wouldn't normally choose, it can be a fresh surprise and an opportunity to make the recipient think, "Maybe I should give it a try."
A pair of shoes that can be enjoyed by both men and women
Sneakers can be worn by both men and women, so the appeal of giving them as a gift is that you don't have to worry about the recipient's style. It's fun to get different colors for your partner, and coordinating them together can create special Christmas memories. Another benefit of choosing sneakers as a gift is that they are less likely to be worn by other people than scarves or accessories.
A design you can love for a long time
Christmas presents tend to be trendy, focusing on what's appropriate for the current year, but YUEN sneakers feature a timeless design that's easy to wear next year and beyond. They're not influenced by trends and blend naturally into your everyday outfits, so before you know it, they'll be the pair you wear all the time. We believe that such "pairs of shoes that can be enjoyed for a long time" are the perfect gift.
By choosing a gift that takes into consideration the recipient's lifestyle, it will not be a one-off gift, but one that they can spend a long time together. Why not choose YUEN sneakers this Christmas to add a little extra color to your everyday life?
What's important is the "feeling." Create memories with a special pair of shoes.
When you think of Christmas presents, some people might be hesitant to choose something expensive and luxurious. However, what's really important isn't the price or the brand, but the time you spend thinking about the recipient when choosing a gift, and the feelings you put into the occasion.
For example, even if it is something that is useful in daily life, if you feel that "it was chosen with you in mind," it will become a special and memorable gift. If it is a pair of shoes that brings back memories every time you wear it, it will not only remain as a physical object, but will also be treasured as a memory for a long time.
With a little ingenuity, you can choose a gift that can be used for a long time and has a special feeling. This Christmas, why not give a pair of sneakers like YUEN sneakers that will make everyday life a little more comfortable and also create special memories?