I Cracked the Formula for a Perfect Holiday Gift

You know who’s on your holiday gift list this season—it’s the friends you have on group text, your mom who you call every morning, and the special someone in your life. But if you’re still trying to figure out what to get them, I’m here to clue you in on some new ways to shop and some shopping missteps to avoid.

The mistake most people make is buying gifts that they personally love, instead of considering what the recipient would actually want. There are also some other mistakes you can avoid, as well as some tricks to follow to end up with a gift anyone is sure to love. Ahead, I’m breaking down the rules I follow to give a perfect gift every time. Scroll on to find out the 4 tricks I follow during for gift-giving over the holidays and shop pieces from my list.

1. CONSIDER EXPERIENCES OVER OBJECTS

In my opinion, experience-related gifts are some of the best present ideas. Here’s where you can get really creative with anything from hard-to-get restaurant reservations to a trip somewhere special.

Book a trip to a special destination. My recommendation? Travel to Monteverdi, a hotel nestled in a hillside in Tuscany. One of the most unique and magical places I've ever visited, the property was converted from a Medieval village into a beautiful resort property. See a photo from my visit above.

Snag reservations at the recently-opened Girafe in Paris for one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.

2. GO OFF OF WHAT YOU KNOW

When in doubt, stick to what you know about the person you’re buying a gift for. Is their most loved designer Chanel? You can’t go wrong adding a new piece to their closet. Do they have a favorite restaurant? Get them the cookbook.

3. GET THEM SOMETHING THEY WOULDN'T BUY FOR THEMSELVES

Whether it’s a non-essential fashion item or an indulgent beauty product, treat them to something they would love but might not purchase themselves.

4. GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT

If you listen closely, you’ll pick up on gift-giving hints that people drop along the way. Whether they chat about shoes they spotted on a shopping trip or mention that they’ve been looking for the perfect travel tote, pay attention to these clues.

Dior Book Tote Toile de Jouy Bag (price upon request)

The perfect travel tote for anyone to use as a carry-on.

Next: nine ways to boost your Instagram selfie likes.