Has your partner recently said something about a bigger dining table or one that isn’t stained and dented? Has one of your kids moved out on their own, and they’re still making do with unopened moving boxes for a coffee table?
Furniture can be a welcome gift over the holidays, but there is a right way and a wrong way to give that perfect piece. These tips should help you make sure your gift is well-received.
#1 No Surprises
Some gifts are best kept a secret until the big day. Furniture is not one of them. Not only are the logistics of delivery something to keep in mind, but furniture is something that the recipient will live with for a long time. Or at least, they will if they like it.
Whether you’re buying it for your spouse or it’s headed somewhere other than your home, you should talk to the recipient about it first, so you can gauge their interest and make sure you find the perfect piece. They might be perfectly happy with what they already have, or they might be planning a move and want to wait before updating their furniture.
#2 Make It Mean Something
Want to make sure your gift knocks it out of the park? The perfect gift is often something the recipient would love but wouldn’t necessarily get for themselves. Look for furniture that’s just a little bit elevated, like handcrafted wooden furniture or reclaimed wood dining tables.
A gift like a reclaimed wood table top is a piece that comes with a story. With materials salvaged from sources like barns and old factories, you’re getting a piece of history. It will quickly become the crown jewel of the recipient’s décor.
#3 Get Measurements
You know what they say: measure twice, cut once. In this case, measure twice, buy once. When it comes to buying furniture, you can never measure enough. Not only do you want to make sure that it fits the space, but you also want to make sure that it fits comfortably and won’t crowd the room.
Don’t forget to measure doorways, hallways, or any other obstruction that the piece will have to get through before reaching its final destination. If it has to go up an elevator, make sure it fits and doesn’t break any weight requirements. It can be a costly shipping mistake to make
#4 Consider Lifestyle
Keep in mind the recipient’s lifestyle when you’re buying them furniture. Do they have kids who are likely to leave spills and stains? They could likely benefit from something more practical than a piece of furniture they constantly have to worry about, constantly cleaning or scolding their children for forgetting their coaster. Make the recipient’s life easy and make sure it’s a gift they’ll actually appreciate, not something that will just cause them unneeded anxiety.
Follow these steps and you can’t go wrong. Instead of buying gifts that will just get dusty in the closet or the garage, get something they’ll really love.
