There are many ways to give someone the gift of fashion and style. The important thing to remember is to focus on their sartorial preferences and not your own. Here are some ideas. The list is by no means exhaustive, but it might be a helpful starting point.
- Buy them an item of clothing, pair of shoes, or an accessory.
- Treat them to a pedicure, manicure or facial.
- Buy them a beauty product.
- Get a gift card to one of their favourite stores.
- Arrange a session with a fashion or personal stylist.
- Make donations to non-profits like Dress for Success, or offer your time by volunteering.
- Offer to help them edit and review their closet, take them shopping if you’re a savvy shopper, and have a fun outfit creation session if they’re battling to pull together their look.
Personally, I enjoy gift giving and often give family, friends and colleagues a fashion or style-related gift. After all, I’m a fashion stylist!
My darling 85 year old Dad hates to shop. Since my Mum passed away 17 years ago, I’ve taken over the job of shopping for him. He’s awfully grateful that I can choose well-fitting wardrobe items in colours that suit him, without him ever setting foot in a store.
Keri, my stylish sister-in-law who lives in London loves to shop and is a savvy shopper. My gift of style to her is a closet edit and review, and a few fun and very full shopping days together. Seb, my teenage nephew on the other hand, would much prefer a gift card so that he can spend his money his way, on his own, and with his mates. Brother Hugo enjoys shopping in short spurts twice a year, and gets very into it. My gift of style to him is a closet edit and review, and half a day of shopping because that’s what he prefers.
Hubby Greg enjoys fabulous wardrobe items, but dislikes shopping. He is extremely particular about fit, fabric, quality and colours. Over the years I’ve learned his tastes and preferences, and now often buy items for him. When I travel to Europe I often bring back a few items for him too. I cannot return these items if they don’t work, so they have to be dead right.
I get the fits right because I bring a tape measure, know which measurements work for him, and meticulously measure garments in stores. Sometimes, I bring along a great fitting shirt, tee, hoodie, pullover, or pair of jeans, and use that for comparison. The strategy works well, and most of the time the fits meet Greg’s high bar.
Last but not least, our wonderful Inge has started her own service called Thoughtful Gesture. She provides tailor-made and truly thoughtful gift ideas for any budget. If you’re battling to find a fabulous gift for someone, or simply need more ideas, give it a try. I think of myself as a pretty good gift giver, yet Inge suggested items I wouldn’t have come up with on my own. Fun, practical and delightful.
