You’ve tried gifting everything from the latest hit CDs to jewelry and expensive Belgium chocolates to fine wine and still seem to be receiving no thanks at all. What could the reason be? While some people are simply thoughtless when giving gifts, most of us are actually rather keen that our gifts be appreciated.

If, despite spending time, money and effort you find yourself picking all the wrong gifts then chances are you need some help in buying the perfect gift. Some people are natural born shoppers and manage to pick great gifts no matter who the recipient and what the occasion. Others need to work hard and learn how to buy a gift that’s just right.

Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you want to buy the perfect gift.

1. Buy For The Recipient And Not For.
YouThe first rule of buying a good gift is to keep the likes and dislikes of the recipient in mind. It is essential to remember that the gift is for someone else and not yourself. While you may think a box of Godiva chocolates is absolutely divine, a diabetic or person trying to loose weight may not be quite so enthusiastic.Also, sometimes the current circumstances of the individual may alter his or her preferences. A woman may love a good bottle of champagne but it becomes a no-no if she is pregnant. In some cases, despite knowing exactly what the recipient craves for we avoid buying it for him or her simply because it does not appeal to us. In such cases it is best to put the choice of the recipient ahead of your own so long as the gift cannot cause any harm.

2. Find Out The Recipient’s Preferences.
The million dollar question when buying a gift for someone is - “What does he / she want?” Finding the answer to the question is not really that difficult. All you need to do is keep your eyes and ears open.People are always talking about things they wish they had. The next time you are in a conversation with people you give gifts to make a note of the things they covet. Another great way to find out what someone wants is by going shopping with him or her. Expressive individuals will make it easy for you by exclaiming with delight over things they see and like. Individuals who are more reticent may offer clues only by stolen glances and gentle touches.The easiest way of course is to simple ask the recipients what they want. If you cannot ask the recipient directly, ask close family and friends what they think would make a good gift.

3. Make A Budget And Stick To It.
An aspect of gift giving that is often ignored is the satisfaction of the giver. With every gift as important as it is that the recipient be delighted to receive the gift, it is equally important that the giver should be excited about giving the gift.The primary cause of frustration on the giver’s end is overspending or spending unwisely. It is thus vital that you allocate a budget to the various gifts you want to buy for different occasions. First and second tier family and friends deserve a larger portion of your budget than third tier recipients. Once you have a budget in mind not only does it become easier for you to shop but it also puts you at ease about the money you intend to spend. In special circumstances the budget can be bent a little, but try not to overdo it. The budget becomes essential in situations where a number of people are pooling in and must be created keeping in mind how much everyone can afford to spend.

4. Plan Gifts In Advance
While there will always be occasions that need you to run out and buy a last minute gift, in most cases you have plenty of notice to plan your gift. Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, birth announcements and holidays can all be marked on the calendar. Planning and buying a gift in advance gives you plenty of time to choose a good gift and keep it within budget. It is invariably the last minute purchases that cause all the stress.A good idea to help you buy great gifts is to get a calendar and hang it in a place that you are likely to use it regularly. Mark out all the important gift giving occasions and then shop in advance. Not only will it save you the trouble of heading for the stores only to buy a gift but you can also save big bucks by buying in sales. Leaving gifts to be purchased at the last minute is a surefire recipe for disaster. Murphy’s law demands that everything that can go wrong will go wrong!

5. It Is NOT Just The Thought That Counts
As much as you would like to believe that it is the thought that counts, fact is, it is not enough. If you have an idea for a great gift you must execute it - and execute it well. If you want to surprise your bride with a candle lit dinner then ensure that she does not guess what’s cooking. Send her off and make something that you won’t mess up. Presenting her with a burnt souffl