How to Choose an Unforgettable Gift

Giving a special gift is a thrilling experience. There’s no greater feeling than watching the look of happiness on a loved one’s face as they reveal what’s inside the box. However gift giving can also be stressful. When presented with too many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. What if they don’t like the gift you choose?

Before you start searching for the perfect gift, it’s important to know what occasion is being honored or celebrated. Is it a wedding, a retirement, a housewarming? Something that’s ideal for one occasion might not be received as well for another occasion. Can you imagine how the expectant parents might react if you brought a personalized money clip to a baby shower?

Below we’ve included a list of some of the most common gift-giving occasions and some ideas to help make your gift unforgettable.

Anniversary Gifts

Looking for a timeless gift to express your everlasting love? Jewelry is probably one of the first things that come to mind. Anniversary rings, watches, and pearls make great anniversary presents. You can also look for a gift that represents the number of years you’ve been together. Celebrating your five-year anniversary? Wood is customary for the fifth-year anniversary. You might consider wooden serving ware or wood-carved home decor. Twenty-five years of wedded bliss? Silver symbolizes brilliance and radiance in your marriage. Consider a sterling silver picture frame or an engraved watch.  

Other Ideas:

• China dinnerware
• Fine ink pens
• Contemporary flatware sets
• Elegant flower vases
• Stainless steel serving ware
• Barware and glasses

Baby Shower and Children’s Gifts

Whether you’re welcoming an infant to the world or celebrating a first birthday, thanking a young flower girl or commemorating a christening, there are plenty of gifts children will appreciate. New baby? Shop for a baby-friendly feeding set or fun decor for the nursery. Maybe even a customized sterling silver feeding spoon or cup.

Shopping for an older child? Cute piggy banks, themed dishware and place settings, and dainty tea sets can make great gifts. Even though these aren’t exactly gifts for the toy box, they’ll cherish them for years to come.  

Other Ideas:

• Picture frames
• Music boxes
• Waterglobes
• Bronzed baby shoes
• Brush and comb set
• Tooth fairy box

Corporate Gifts

If you want to show your clients or employees your deep appreciation, choose a refined and dignified gift. You might be celebrating a first sale, congratulating an employee on a successful career, or thanking a client. There are a variety of gifts business professionals from all walks of life can appreciate.

Consider a fine ink pen or dress watch for the employee moving up the ladder. Have an important client? They might appreciate a table server or wine chiller. Personalized stationery is perfect for making an elegant first impression, and a crystal desk clock will ensure that the recipient never loses valuable time. Many corporate gifts can also be engraved to add a more thoughtful personal touch.

Other Ideas:

• Engraved plaques
• Money clips
• Cufflinks

Housewarming or Entertaining Gifts

Not sure how to welcome your friends or neighbors to their new home? Want to impress the gracious host or make your dinner party a hit? Sleek and innovative barware, cheese trays, and table servers are sure to add an air of refinement to any get-together. Wine toppers, taper candles, and stemless wine glasses can be enjoyed long after the party is over.

For the couple or family turning a new house into a home, consider giving a sterling silver picture frame, artful vase, or long-lasting scented candle.

Other Ideas:

• Barware
• Cookware
• Table linens and placemats
• Napkin weights and napkin boxes
• Metal artwork

Graduation Gifts

For countless hours spent studying, nothing says ‘congratulations’ like a distinguished graduation gift. Consider an elegant watch for the graduate entering the workforce, or an exquisite personalized pen for those moving on to graduate school. Stationery for personalized correspondence is always valuable, as is an engraved money clip or cufflinks for more formal occasions.

Celebrating a Hawkeye grad? Find a specialty Hawkeye-themed item that will allow the graduate to proudly represent their alma mater wherever they go.

Other Ideas:

• Engraved jewelry and watches
• Personalized cufflinks and tie bars
• Money clips

Just Because

Who says you need an excuse to give a gift? Surprise your recipient and make their day with something dazzling and delightful. Maybe you have a wine lover in your life. Get them unbreakable stemless wine glasses for summer days outdoors or elegant champagne flutes for more formal gatherings. Art lover? Consider a modern flower vase or decorative art glass to adorn their home. Picture frames are perfect for commemorating special occasions. Candles, tapers, crystal and glassware, fine ink pens, and stationary are great for gifting whenever the mood strikes.

Wedding

This is an occasion that calls for a unique, high-quality gift. If you’re buying for a newlywed couple that enjoys fine dining or entertaining, consider china, flatware, or table servers—and you can never go wrong with barware. Waterford crystal glasses will wow the wine aficionados, while vases, picture frames, and fine home decor will welcome the couple to their new home. And don’t forget personalized stationery for those hand-written thank-you notes!

Buying for an occasion not on the list? Still don’t see a gift that catches your eye? The associates at Hands Jewelers can help you find the right gift for the occasion. Browse our selection online, or stop by the store and take a look around.