Once you learn some basics . Very low risk <| sep |> Don ' t assume just because you like something a recipient would . If you find something the recipient likes it is usually best not to buy it year after . Don ' t always buy jewelry or always candy , mix it up if possible . If you are buying something for a female find out their favorite store if possible . Buy something similar to what you see them wear but a little bit different . If they always wear silver earrings for example , don ' t but them gold , buy silver with a somewhat different design . Don ' t try to change their style . If they are glitzy stick with glitzy . If sophisticated stick with sophisticated . Make sure you don ' t buy too big of a size or you could insult them . Many people like a gift that is more luxurious than they would buy themselves . For example , a small box of exquisite chocolates would be liked by many unless you are dealing with someone mega practical . I know practical people who have loved a nice cashmere sweater though . Something small from an expensive store can be more appreciated more than something big from a cheap store . If someone is artsy there are sometimes interesting items in a museum gift store . Do not recycle gifts . People can tell . Think about the persons hobbies , interests , favorite sports and sports team . If they are an athlete a gift card to a sporting goods store would probably work . Wrapping a gift nicely helps but make sure you don ' t make the gift look more expensive than it ends up being . You can ask if need be what they might like . Sometimes they might mention things outside your budget , but this can sometimes work . You can say something like , so what are you hoping for from Santa this year . You are not promising it . Also another idea is to ask another person , their best friend , sibling or parent . I find older people really tend to have some ideas of things they might like and since many are on fixed income appreciate being asked outright . Even some younger people don ' t mind being asked and appreciate it . In some cases a gift card can work if you are not positive . Better a gift card to a bookstore than a book they already have . Good luck with your shopping !