Finding the perfect present for a loved one isn’t always easy. You want to give them something meaningful, something they’ll truly love and appreciate. But let’s be honest—sometimes what we think is the “perfect gift” doesn’t land the way we expect.
Take this story from an 18-year-old, for example. She shared that her parents gave her a set of coins minted in her birth year. At first, it might sound thoughtful, but there’s a catch. They had given the exact same gift to her brother on his birthday, and he actually collects coins. Unlike him, she had no interest in it, which made her feel as though her parents hadn’t really put much thought into her present at all.
Birthday celebrations feel extra special when shared with the people you love
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A teenager opened up about how she felt hurt by her parents’ thoughtless birthday gift
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She explained more about her interests and what kind of gifts she would truly appreciate
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If you pay attention, people often drop little hints about what they’d love to receive as a gift
When a birthday, anniversary, or special occasion comes around, the pressure of gift-giving can sneak up on almost anyone. You want the present to feel thoughtful, meaningful, and just right for the person you’re celebrating. But somehow, everything you think of either feels like something they already own or just doesn’t quite measure up. That’s when the panic starts to set in because nobody wants to be the person who gives a gift that feels generic or last-minute. Choosing something memorable takes time and attention, but it’s often worth the effort.
That’s why some of the best gifts come from listening closely. People casually mention their likes, dislikes, and needs all the time, whether it’s in everyday conversation, a quick complaint, or even a passing remark about something they wish they had. By keeping your ears open, you can often find subtle hints about what might make the perfect present. This way, the gift ends up feeling personal rather than random.
To get a better sense of what makes a gift truly special, we spoke with Ankita Chopra, the owner of Ankita’s Fashion Hub, a home-based business that has become a go-to for affordable kids’ gifts and party favors. Ankita has seen firsthand how families put thought and preparation into their purchases. From her perspective, gift-giving isn’t just about the product itself; it’s about the emotions and meaning wrapped inside it. Her insights give us a peek into what makes certain presents stand out more than others.
“Some parents are so prepared and organized,” Ankita explained during our chat. “They come to us two months in advance because they want the product in their child’s favorite color. It might seem like a small detail, but to a child, having something in their favorite shade can make all the difference.” That level of planning shows not just love but also attentiveness.
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Adding a personal touch can turn an ordinary present into something truly special
Personalization, according to Ankita, takes gift-giving to another level. “Parents often ask us to add their child’s name to the item, or sometimes their favorite player’s name,” she said. “It turns the gift from something generic into something unique, something that feels like it belongs only to them.” For children, especially, seeing their name on a toy, accessory, or keepsake creates a strong emotional connection.
And it doesn’t stop at the gift itself. Ankita mentioned that some parents request beautiful wrapping or even ask to include a handwritten note inside. “It’s those extra touches that make the present memorable,” she explained. The way a gift is presented often adds as much joy as the gift itself. These thoughtful gestures remind the recipient that the gift wasn’t just purchased, it was carefully prepared.
When it comes to spending, Ankita has noticed that parents rarely hold back on their children’s gifts. “They want something of quality, something that feels special and lasting,” she observed. This doesn’t necessarily mean buying the most expensive item, but rather choosing one that feels right.
Her advice for anyone struggling with gift-giving? “Put thought into it. Don’t just grab the most expensive thing on the shelf,” Ankita emphasized. “The best gifts are those that feel personal, the ones that reflect what the recipient actually loves or needs.”
That’s why, in this case, it’s understandable that the author felt disappointed with the coins, especially since her brother, who actually collects coins, received the very same gift. It almost seemed like her parents thought more about his interests than hers. Do you think they should have put more thought into her present?
Many people online agreed with her and felt she had every right to be upset
