Ah, the holidays. A time of twinkling lights, spiked eggnog, and the silent screams of a million shoppers trying to find parking at the mall. But fear not, intrepid gifters. We’re here to arm you with sage wisdom so you can slay the holiday shopping dragon with ease (and maybe even with a little fun). Steer clear of the holiday shopocalypse as we dive into the 10 most common gift shopping mistakes and how to cartwheel gracefully around them.
1. Don’t settle for something generic.
Whenever you’re shopping for anyone, first ask yourself, what are their hobbies? What’s their lifestyle like? Where do they fall on a scale of Krampus to Santa? This will help you narrow down your search and find items they’ll actually enjoy in their everyday lives. Get it right the first time by perusing our holiday gift guides for different interests and personalities, from sci-fi nerds to homebodies who view leaving the sofa as a betrayal:
- Gifts for Nerds
- Gifts for Homebodies
- Gifts for Pet Parents
- Gifts for Art Lovers
- Gifts that Raise Money for Charity
- Weirdly Specific Gifts
2. Say no to last-minute shopping.
Tick-tock, folks. Waiting until the last minute gives you the adrenaline rush of a caffeinated squirrel, but it’s not the best strategy. That perfect t-shirt color your sis would love? Sold out. And the discounts? Bye-bye, sweet savings. Get your holiday shopping finished early and sip hot cocoa while procrastinators wrestle over the leftovers.
3. Don’t let shipping cutoffs pass you by.
We can’t all have a magical sleigh. Know the holiday shipping cutoffs or risk the dreaded “Sorry, your package is still in Narnia” email. Check out our Holiday Shipping Deadlines above to ensure your holiday gifts don’t become belated New Year’s surprises.
4. Don’t guess clothing sizes.
Guessing the size preferences of who you’re shopping for is one of the most common gift shopping mistakes and a game you won’t win. Nobody enjoys the “It’s the thought that counts” shrug as they pretend to love those polka-dot leggings that are two sizes too big. Instead of guessing, just ask someone who you think might actually know.
5. Don’t give an unwrapped gift.
It’s all about effort. Whether you’re a gift-wrapping guru or a tape-and-paper novice, the act of wrapping shows that you care. It adds a sprinkle of magic to your already thoughtful gift. And if DIY isn’t your forte, you can always use our tote bags as both a gift AND a gift bag. Toss in some tissue paper, and voilà! You’re good to go.
6. Don’t let indecisiveness overwhelm you.
Remember, there’s always gift cards! Perfect for the picky, the indecisive, or the “I have everything” folks. A Threadless Gift Card says, “I care enough to let you do you.”
7. Avoid the OOPS of duplicate gifting.
Ever had that awkward moment when you and another well-meaning soul gift the exact same thing? It happens more often than you’d think. To steer clear of these double-takes, employ the power of communication and coordination. Reach out to fellow gift-givers, create wish lists, or start a group chat. It’s not just about avoiding duplication; it’s about ensuring that your gift stands out as a unique treasure in the recipient’s holiday haul.
8. Don’t forget our return policies. We’ll help you get it right!
The only thing worse than a bad gift is a bad gift that’s stuck with you forever. Like a fruitcake. Know the escape routes for every misguided gift by bookmarking the Threadless return policy. If you ordered the wrong size by mistake or encounter any other mishaps, our Customer Support team is ready to help.
9. Don’t be afraid to get personal.
One reason why Threadless is such a magical place to find gifts is the opportunity for personalization. Not only will you find designs that your friends and family will enjoy, but those designs are also available on a vast array of apparel, accessories, and home goods. Whether it’s a tee with a print of their favorite city skyline or a notebook emblazoned with a quote that speaks to their soul, personalized presents show you’ve really thought about the person you’re gifting to.
10. Don’t miss out on epic savings.
The holiday season brings out the biggest sales and promotions of the year. Keep a watchful eye on Threadless, where you can unlock remarkable savings on gifts that will leave your loved ones overjoyed. It’s not about free money; it’s about seizing the opportunity to make your holiday budget go further.
There you have it—a survival guide for the holiday shopping wilderness. By avoiding these 10 common gift shopping mistakes, you’re set to conquer the gift-giving season like the champion you are. Go forth, snag those gifts, and may the odds be ever in your favor. Happy holidays from all of us at Threadless!
