In between birthdays, holidays, and random acts of kindness, the act of gift-giving is more than simply exchanging material things. When you decide to give someone a gift, it needs to come from the heart. That isn’t to say that they can’t also be silly or fun. The gift you give needs to reflect both their personality and how you feel about them.

For some people, choosing the perfect gift is easy. They might drop hints or mention something they’ve been wanting, and your work is done. However, for others, finding the right gift isn’t always cut and dry. If you’re trying to figure out what to buy that special someone, read on to learn the best way to pick the right type of gift.

Set Your Budget

Your budget is probably the most important thing to keep in mind. Regardless of whether you buy a light-hearted gag gift or one from the heart, you need to stay within your budget. Spending an exuberant amount of money won’t show that special someone how much you care. It’s not about the price tag; it’s about the feeling behind the gift.

Give it Some Thought

Personalization goes a long way when buying gifts. It shows the recipient that you know them well and cares about them and their interests. Take some time and think about what the recipient likes and dislikes. If you are family or close friends, think about what they like to do in their free time. Also, think about which causes they believe in and if applicable, find a way to incorporate that into your gift.

If you’re having trouble thinking of ideas, you can look online for help. Searching for phrases like “gifts for readers” or “birthday gifts for wife” can help you find whole lists of ideas. Search through those lists, and find something they’ll really appreciate. You can also use those lists as a starting point and put your own spin on a suggestion to personalize it.

Make a List

When it comes to giving the right gift, writing down what that special person likes, dislikes and needs is a must. For example, if he or she is always complaining about not being able to organize their paperwork, you can invest in products that make life just a little more organized. The goal is to give a gift that is thoughtful and shows them that you do take inventory of how they feel.

Step Outside the Norm

If you’re buying gifts for your better half or family member, avoid buying the same thing repeatedly. While it’s easy to fall into the habit of buying what you already know they like, sometimes it’s better to think outside the box and buy something that is new and exciting, yet still something they would want.

Giving gifts is one of the best ways to show someone you care. Whether you go for a silly present to make them laugh or sentimental one that makes them tear up, give it some thought. Make sure the gift you ultimately choose has a positive tone behind it and makes them smile.