I was wandering through a market this weekend (you know how I love markets!) when I caught myself saying to a friend, “I wish shopping for other people was as easy as picking things for myself.” Here I was with my shopping list for my friends and family and I kept spying items that I wanted for myself.

And honestly? It’s true. When you know your own tastes, preferences, and routines, choosing something you’ll love is a breeze. But gifting for someone else, especially when you really want it to feel thoughtful, can feel overwhelming. 

So let’s take the stress out of it. If you’ve ever stared at shelves (or websites!) wondering what makes a gift good, here’s a simple guide. These are the same questions and steps we use when designing our baskets at The Gift Designers.

1. Start With the Person, Not the Products

Before you think about items, think about them.

Ask yourself:

• What do they like to do?
• Are they foodies? Coffee lovers? Tea drinkers?
• Do they enjoy savoury snacks, sweet treats, or a balanced mix?
• What is their preferred beverage? Would they prefer a gift focused on an experience?
• Do they share with a family or an office, or is this just for them?

The more personal the foundation, the more your gift feels intentional.

2. Consider the Occasion

A retirement gift isn’t the same as a sympathy basket, and a thank-you gift won’t look like a holiday celebration.

Ask yourself:

• What message do I want this gift to send?
• Should it feel comforting, celebratory, luxurious, joyful, or practical?
• Should it be sized for one person or for a group?

This helps narrow down tone and contents—two things people often struggle with.

3. Pick a Theme

A theme ties everything together and instantly makes the gift feel polished.

Some popular themes include:

• Cozy & Comforting
• Gourmet Indulgence
• Morning Coffee or Tea Break
• Family Movie Night
• Local Artisan Favourites
• Office-Friendly Sharing

Choosing a theme keeps your list focused and prevents “random items in a basket” syndrome.

4. Choose Quality Over Quantity

This is one of the biggest gifting mistakes: thinking more items = better gift.

High-quality, well-paired items feel much more intentional. A basket with fewer, premium pieces often has greater impact than one stuffed with filler.

5. Add Something Unexpected

A little surprise elevates the experience and makes the moment more memorable.

Examples:

• A unique flavour they may not buy for themselves
• A seasonal item
• A handmade product
• Something practical but beautiful (like a mug, candle, or tea towel)

This is where your personality can shine through.

6. Think About Presentation

Half the delight of a gift basket is the first impression.

We design ours with balance, height, colour harmony, and layering; because even the best items lose impact if they’re not presented well.

7. Final Check: Does It Tell a Story?

The best gifts feel like a captured moment or experience and not just a collection of treats.

Before you finalize your gift, ask:

• What memory or message does this basket create?

When your gift tells a story, it becomes memorable.

When in Doubt

If you’re still unsure, that’s exactly why The Gift Designers exists. We know how hard it can be to choose the perfect gift, so we’ve already done the designing, testing, pairing, and presentation for you (and we love doing it!).

Browse our collections or tell us about your recipient and we’ll help guide you toward something that fits perfectly.

Maybe you'd prefer to see the gifts for yourself. Come in to the shop and take a look at our Ready-Now collection and our retail items. We can help you with inspiration and pulling together a gift that makes your recipient feel like they designed it for themself!