Better Gift Ideas Adding & Editing People

You know your friend loves reading. But would they enjoy a crime novel, a gardening guide or a beautiful edition of a book they already treasure?

“They like books” is a starting point. The details make it useful.

The same applies when you add someone to Givumi. A few thoughtful notes can help turn broad suggestions into gifts that feel more like them.

You don’t need to write their life story or get everything right straight away. Start with what you know, then come back whenever something else occurs to you.

Start with someone you’re buying for soon

If you have several people in mind, start with the person whose next occasion is approaching - or the one you always struggle to buy for.

Add their basic details, select the interests that fit and note anything they dislike. Where you can describe them in your own words, use the kind of details you would give a friend who was helping you choose.

For example:

“My brother enjoys cooking” gives you somewhere to begin.

“My brother enjoys cooking outdoors, especially barbecues. He likes trying new sauces, already owns plenty of utensils and doesn’t want more kitchen gadgets” gives a much clearer picture.

Useful details don’t have to be lengthy. They just need to help distinguish that person from everyone else with the same interest.

Go one step beyond the broad interest

Think about what they enjoy within a hobby, rather than stopping at its name.

If they love gaming

Which console do they use? What are their favourite games or characters? Would they enjoy something connected to those games, or do they prefer playing to collecting merchandise?

Someone who enjoys cosy games may want very different gifts from someone who follows competitive racing games.

If they enjoy reading

Think about favourite authors, genres and series. Do they prefer fiction or learning something new? Are they a paperback reader, an audiobook listener or someone who collects special editions?

If they like making things

What do they actually make? Painting, crochet, model building and baking all involve creativity, but the gifts that suit each interest are quite different.

Their experience matters too. Someone trying a hobby for the first time may appreciate a beginner kit; an experienced enthusiast might already own the basics.

Ask questions that feel like a conversation

You don’t need to announce that you’re researching their next present. Everyday conversations often tell you more than asking, “What do you want?”

Try questions such as:

• What have you been really into lately?
• Is there anything you’ve wanted to try?
• What do you enjoy doing when you get some time to yourself?
• Have you seen anything recently that you loved?
• Would you rather have something to keep, something to do or something to use up?
• Is there anything you already have too much of?

Listen for the small details. “I’d love to try pottery” or “I’ve stopped buying scented candles” could be more helpful than another broad hobby.

You can ask directly, too. A thoughtful gift doesn’t have to be a complete surprise.

What they dislike matters just as much

We often concentrate on finding things someone loves and forget the things they would never use.

Perhaps they dislike clutter, don’t wear jewellery or would rather avoid gifts connected to work. They might enjoy a particular character but have no interest in clothing featuring it.

Add those distinctions where relevant.

Be specific when you can. “Doesn’t like floral fragrances” is more useful than “fussy about beauty products.”

Keep notes focused on choosing gifts. You don’t need to include private or sensitive information about someone to describe their preferences.

Come back when you remember something

The most useful profile is one you can update as you get to know someone’s current interests.

You might remember a favourite author while browsing a bookshop. A family member might mention a new hobby over lunch. Someone who loved collecting ornaments a few years ago may now be trying to clear space.

Open their profile and add or edit the detail while it’s fresh.

If an idea occurs to you, record the relevant preference in their description - for example, “has mentioned wanting to try a bread-making class.” When you find a suitable gift in Givumi, save it against that person so you can return to it later.

Refine the details when suggestions miss the mark

If the results feel too broad, revisit the profile before adding more general interests.

Could you name a favourite brand, character or activity? Explain what they already own? Remove an interest that no longer fits?

Use Not interested when a particular product isn’t suitable. It will move into that person’s Never give list and stay out of future recommendations for them unless you undo it.

Rejecting one product doesn’t mean they dislike its whole category. If there’s a wider preference — such as “doesn’t want mugs” — add that to their profile as well.

Give yourself a useful starting point

You don’t need to complete everyone’s profile today.

Choose one person and add three things:

1. Something they enjoy.
2. A detail about how they enjoy it.
3. Something they would rather avoid.

Then choose the occasion and budget, and explore the suggestions. If you’re still unsure where to begin, try Brainstorm ideas for another direction.

A few minutes spent capturing what you already know can make the next gift search feel much less like starting from scratch.