You might think you know what they want and be totally wrong.
I’d rather see somewhat put in thought and effort and be wrong, then ask me to put in thought and effort and be right.
Asking never hurts. They can give you a list of options or say “whatever”, but you don’t have to be a baby about it.
You’re literally putting all the gift giving work on them by asking them to think of a gift that they might like, that someone else isn’t likely to get them, and that would be in an appropriate price range for you.
If it’s a one-off like ‘hey, I’m really racking my brain this year and struggling coming up with a gift for you, got any ideas I can use as a jumping off point?’ then it’s one thing, if you’re doing it for everyone, every year, then you’re just throwing money at relationships, trying to give gifts without actually putting in the thought or effort that counts.
I’d rather see somewhat put in thought and effort and be wrong, then ask me to put in thought and effort and be right.
You’re literally putting all the gift giving work on them by asking them to think of a gift that they might like, that someone else isn’t likely to get them, and that would be in an appropriate price range for you.
If it’s a one-off like ‘hey, I’m really racking my brain this year and struggling coming up with a gift for you, got any ideas I can use as a jumping off point?’ then it’s one thing, if you’re doing it for everyone, every year, then you’re just throwing money at relationships, trying to give gifts without actually putting in the thought or effort that counts.
Well not everyone thinks like you
Everyone gets defensive when they feel criticized though.
You keep feeling superior, I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing