5 tips for creating the perfect wish list

Your birthday is coming up and your aunt has asked, again, what you would like. If you do not know either, you will probably end up with another set of bath salts. The perfect wish list fixes that. It shows friends and family what you like, for your birthday, the holidays or any other occasion, so the people who want to give something can choose well. Creating a wish list that works takes a little thought, so here are five tips.

1. Start your wish list from what you love

Before you add anything, think about what you enjoy. Your hobbies, and anything new you would like to try, point you to things that really fit you. Once you know what excites you, the perfect list is easy to fill.

2. Put your favourites first

Not every wish is equally important. Decide which things you really need and which would just be nice to have, and put the first group at the top of your wish list. That tells the people buying for you what would make you happiest.

Keep the list to things that matter to you instead of collecting random items. One good kitchen knife beats three novelty mugs.

3. Mix the prices

Being specific helps, but give people choices for different budgets and tastes. Add small, affordable treats as well as a few bigger items, so there is something for everyone who wants to give.

4. Keep it up to date

Your taste changes, and your list should too. Add new things and remove what you no longer want. An old wish list gets you gifts you wanted two years ago.

Take off what you already own as well. When the list only shows what you are still hoping for, the same present rarely turns up twice, and the list stays useful all year.

5. Be grateful

A wish list is a helpful hint for whoever wants to use it. Be thankful for every gift you receive, whether it was on your list or not.

What your list does for the people who give

The people who use your list get the most out of it. Anyone who wants to give you something can open it, find a present they know you will like and be done in a few minutes, without the guessing. The list also shows your taste, so they can choose something that really suits you, and the gift feels more personal to them too.

Take ten minutes tonight, keep these tips in mind and start your wishlist with three things you would really like.