Ah the sentimental type. The dictionary definition of the word “sentimental” uses adjectives like tender, nostalgic, emotional and affectionate. If this is not you, having to buy a gift for someone who might be described as tenderhearted can be a BIG challenge. Not to worry! In this month’s Wednesday Wardrobing Series, I am going to give you lots of ideas for those tricky people on your holiday shopping list.

Tenderhearted people want gifts that touch their emotions and let them know you actually thought about them when you purchased the gift. Any Christmas present that says “I see you” will make this person’s holiday very special. And, if it is a gift she can wear and/or use every day, all the better. The tenderhearted person will think of you every time she sees that item and be reminded that you care.

Here are my top 5 gift giving rules for buying the prefect sentimental gift for the tenderhearted:

1. Choose a gift that she can use or wear: Because a sentimental person is inherently nostalgic, you will want to pick a gift that she will use often. Examples of this include: jewelry, devotionals, candles, a sweater with a sentimental saying or icon, a fragrance, and something for her car. The more she sees it and uses it on an everyday basis, the more the gift will come to mean over time. Consider the picture of Kendra Scott necklaces on the bottom right at the top of this blog. Choosing hearts, crosses, her initial, or even a necklace that says “mama” are all examples of items she could wear that would remind her of your loving gift.
2. Choose a gift based on something that is happening in her life right now: Sentimental people often wear their emotions near the surface, so if she is feeling discouraged, challenged, or stressed, giving her a gift that encourages her to keep pressing on will be very encouraging. Some examples include: inspirational signs, coffee mugs, books, etc. Making bundles is a great idea here. Consider the picture at the top left of the blog which includes a sign, candle and coffee mug all with encouraging messages. Giving these gifts with a nice package of coffee or tea (and of course taking the time to figure out her favorite brand is a must), a pretty dish to set her coffee mug on, and a little hand written note of encouragement will make the heart of a sentimental person sing.
3. Choose a gift that solves a problem in her life right now: Similarly to option number two, you could go beyond just speaking to an issue and actually providing a solution. For example, if she is exhausted from life, buying her a cozy pair of pajamas, a wonderful smelling candle, some bath salts and a great lotion says, “I am giving you permission to relax and here is everything you need.” Or maybe she needs a night on the town so you gift a lovely new outfit, some perfume, a pretty necklace and a dinner gift certificate.
4. Surprise her with a gift she did not ask for: Being a sentimental type myself, I can tell you that the gifts that mean the most are the ones I did not ask for but that show me the gift giver was really thinking of me. I may want a lovely lamp for my office and have that down on my list. Were I to get something that I didn’t ask for and that demonstrates the gift giver not only knows me but sees what I am going through and how I am feeling, it would mean more to me than that pretty lamp. I know it is hard to go out on a limb when buying a gift, but for the tenderhearted, this is just the type of gift that means the most.

For more ideas of gifts and gift bundles for this person, please watch my Wednesday Wardrobing Live Video tonight at 6 p.m. on my Facebook Business Page.