At this time of year, this is the question we all want the answer to. In fact there are 56 million google search results for ‘meaningful gifts’. We’ve all experienced the joy of receiving a thoughtful gift, a gift which spoke far beyond the tangible present itself and far deeper, a moment of feeling known, thought of and seen. You've likely also experienced the opposite of this. 2.4 billion pounds is spent on unwanted gifts every year in the UK. Recognised is here to change that and are creating beautiful and meaningful gifts to help you express love and compassion to those you love. Ensuring no gift is ever wasted, simply received, but speaks right to the heart of person, helping them to feel seen, valued and recognised.
We spend a lot of time thinking about what makes a thoughtful gift and have outlined 5 elements to consider when searching for the perfect gifts.
We’ve all experienced the joy of receiving a thoughtful gift, a gift which spoke far beyond the tangible present itself and far deeper, a moment of feeling known, thought of and seen.
1. MAKE IT PERSONAL
Shock horror! Or not. 62 per cent of people we surveyed for The Age of Recognition report said a personalised gift from someone makes me feel seen and appreciated. If recognition leaves you feeling seen and valued then it must involve a personal uniqueness as unique as the receiver. While there are enough alphabet purses and mugs for everyone in the world to have one each, there are more meaningful personalisation filters which can be applied to recognition. Even deeper personalisation involves aligning recognition to what someone has experienced or been through. Recognised Statement Popons® are a powerful example of this - every Popon supports an important cause. Whilst 100% of profits are donated to our charity partners, the real impact lies in the recognition the receiver feels when gifted with the Popon.
2. INVEST YOUR TIME
It's often not the size of the gift that counts but the time and effort put into it. Your time shows you care, that someone else matters and is more important than anybody else at that moment. More than anything, it’s impossible to feel forgotten when someone gives you their time. For gifts this could look like baking someone their favourite cake or creating a babysitting voucher for a friend.
3. GIFT AN EXPERIENCE
Some of the best gifts are gifts we share together. Memories last a lifetime. Why not see a musical together, book a weekend away or book an escape room.
4. REMEMBER THE DETAILS
This requires presence (read the Recogniser tool kit for how to become great at this). Presence involves being deeply aware of those around you. Being present requires us to look outwards so we can see what’s inwards, slow down and respond. This helps you to remember the details. It could be as simple as remembering someone's favorite perfume or something much deeper and finding gifts which speak to someone's life experiences. This is where compassion comes in.
5. SHOW COMPASSION
Causes are a big part of recognition because the experiences we go through are often the things we feel unseen in. Whether it be motherhood, mental health or cancer support, our lives are made up of extraordinary highs and lows. Through both, we need to feel seen and recognised. It just so happens when we’re going through the hardest seasons of our lives is often when we need to receive recognition the most. Gifts given through these times or which speak to these experiences or always well received. Sometimes we hold ourselves back from giving such gifts as we think they’re ‘too personal’. On the contrary, they speak far deeper and leave the receiver feeling truly seen.