I asked my friend, Haley, one of the most thoughtful and fun gift givers I know to share all of her gift-giving tips, tricks and picks.

“I like to think about the person and what makes them calm or content. I try to find something that would be a special addition to that.

I don’t mind spending a little bit more for folks who I know give so much. Like if I get flowers for a girlfriend I’ll want them to be perfect. This may be the only flowers that she doesn’t buy herself.

Keeping a theme is nice, if you’re going to give a mug make sure you are also giving something to go in it.

I always include a card. I think of a time that the person saw me as a whole person and I write it then from the heart.

•I don’t mind if people open gifts in front of me or not, I actually prefer not. It makes me anxious.

•A sweet gift or thoughtful card can change the trajectory of my day or week. I like to give gifts when folks aren’t expecting it. I find some of my ideas looking at Instagram and following shops that are stand alone or unique. Such as the Yo Store in Portland. Otherwise, I like to look at local shops/ persons interests and see if I can expand on an idea. If I see something and think, “That looks like TLC,” then I think, “How could I make that into something she’d like?”