Relations

12 Tips for the Best Gift: How to Find Your Perfect Present

Brenda Casteleyn

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a friend, family member, or colleague? A gift that truly makes an impression often combines originality, meaning, and attention to the recipient. Don't worry — with these practical tips, you'll quickly and easily find the perfect gift for any occasion.

🎁 1. Tailor It to the Recipient

The best gift aligns with the personality and interests of the recipient. Think about what makes them happy. What are their hobbies, favorite activities, or recent interests? The better you know the recipient, the easier it is to find something unique.

💡 Tip: Check their social media profiles for inspiration. What do they like to share? What excites them? These clues can provide valuable insights.

🎁 2. Tap Into Memories and Emotions

A gift that evokes emotions or memories always has a greater impact. It doesn’t have to be grand as long as it’s meaningful. Think about moments you’ve shared or special events from the past.

🎉 🎉 Examples of emotional gifts:

  • A personalized photo collage of your best moments together.
  • A journal filled with memories or letters you’ve written for them.
  • A shared experience, such as a day out or a concert visit.

With these gifts, you’re not just giving something tangible — you’re also sharing a piece of emotion and memory.

🎁 3. Choose an Experience, Not Just an Object

Objects are nice, but experiences create lasting memories. Giving the gift of an adventure or a day out provides moments that stay with someone for years.

🎉 Ideas for experience gifts:

  • A workshop (pottery, painting, or cooking).
  • Dinner at a surprise restaurant.
  • A shared activity like skydiving, hot air ballooning, or a spa day.

💡 💡 Bonus Tip: Add a symbolic touch by creating a "voucher" for the experience. Write a personal note like:
“This voucher can be exchanged for a day full of adventure and fun with me!”

🎁 4. Match the Gift’s Value to the Relationship

The impact of a gift can be greater than you think. A gift that’s too large or luxurious might feel uncomfortable, especially for people you don’t know well. It might create a sense of obligation or imply that something is expected in return. That's why it's important to match the gift's value to the nature of the relationship.

🎉 Tips for getting the value right:

  • Consider the relationship: A close friend or family member can receive a larger gift than a new colleague or acquaintance.
  • Context matters: A large gift at an informal party might feel awkward, while it could be appropriate at a formal event.
  • Focus on symbolic value, not financial value: A handwritten card or a personal note can mean more than an expensive gift.

💡 Practical Tip: If you're unsure what’s appropriate, choose a gift with emotional or personal value rather than financial value. Add a thoughtful message like:
"This gift may be small in size, but it carries a big meaning."  

🎁 5. Make It Personal

Personalization adds a 'wow factor' to any gift. It shows that you’ve put time and thought into it. Thanks to online tools, it’s easier than ever to personalize products.

🎉 Examples of personalized gifts:

  • Customized boeken: where the recipient becomes the main character.
  • Unique jewelry: like a pendant with initials or a special date.
  • Custom prints or posters: like a star map of their birth date.

On Yoursurprise you can find all kinds of gifts to personalize.

🎁 6. Create a Surprise Gift Box

Gather several small gifts into one package. This feels like a treasure hunt, as the recipient unwraps multiple little surprises. Each item can be a small symbol of your connection.

🎉 What to put in a surprise box?

  • Mini-sweets, chocolate, or tea with fun labels.
  • Inspiring quotes like Every day is a chance for a new beginning" – Brenda Casteleyn.
  • A small photo album with mini-pictures of your best shared moments.

🎁 7. Think About Sustainability

More people are consciously choosing sustainable gifts. These gifts show you care about both the planet and the recipient. It’s not just thoughtful but also inspiring.

🎉 Sustainable gift ideas:

  • A tree to plant together.
  • Reusable products like water bottles, coffee cups, or fabric shopping bags.
  • A donation to a charity in the recipient's name.

🎁 8. Give the Gift of Time

Time might be the most valuable gift you can give. Offer to do something together that the recipient enjoys. Or help them with something they don’t have time for. This gift is both meaningful and sincere.

🎉 Examples of "time as a gift":

  • A "day of relaxation" where you handle all the planning.
  • A home-cooked dinner night where you take care of the menu.
  • A "chore day" where you help with tasks they’ve been postponing.

🎁 9. Wrap It in a Creative Way

Packaging makes all the difference. The more creative the wrapping, the more exciting the unwrapping experience becomes.

🎉 Creative wrapping ideas:

  • Use multiple layers of paper to build anticipation.
  • Turn it into a scavenger hunt with clues leading to the gift.
  • Hide notes or hints in the packaging, like: "Look under the couch..."

🎁 10. Add an Inspiring Quote to Your Gift

Want to make your gift extra special? Add an inspiring quote. This can be on a card or as a tag attached to the gift.

🎉 Inspiring quotes about gifts and happiness:

  • “Something amazing can happen at any moment.” – Brenda Casteleyn
  • “The best gifts don’t come in a box.” - Unknown
  • “By avoiding today’s rain, you might miss tomorrow’s rainbow.” – Brenda Casteleyn

🎁 11. Use Symbolism in Your Gift

Symbolism adds deeper meaning to a gift. This works especially well with small gifts. The hidden message will be appreciated by the recipient.

🎉 Examples of symbolic gifts:

  • A keychain: Symbol of new opportunities or a new home.
  • A compass: Symbol of direction and guidance in life.
  • A plant: Symbol of growth, new beginnings, or sustainable relationships.

🎁 12. Ask ChatGPT for Gift Inspiration

Loop je na deze tips toch nog vast en heb je geen inspiratie meer? Vraag het gewoon aan ChatGPTStill stuck for ideas despite these tips? Ask ChatGPT! This is the fastest way to get a personalized list of gift ideas in seconds.

How does it Work?
Provide ChatGPT with a clear prompt describing the recipient and what you’re looking for. Here’s an example:

💡 Example prompt:
"I'm looking for an original gift for my best friend who loves art, cooking, and travel. She already has a lot of stuff, so I prefer to give her an experience or a personalized gift. Do you have any suggestions?"

What kind of answers can you expect?
ChatGPT might suggest ideas like:

  • A painting workshop you can attend together.
  • An exclusive cooking class with a top chef.
  • A personalized world map where she can mark her travels.

💡 Bonus Tip: Ask specifically for "unique and creative ideas" if you want something that truly stands out.

🎉 In conclusion


The perfect gift doesn’t have to be expensive as long as it’s personal, thoughtful, and meaningful. Whether you give an emotional message, an experience, or a symbolic surprise, what matters most is the attention you put into it.

With these 12 practical tips, you’ll always find a gift that makes an impact. Make sure to match the gift’s value to the relationship, add something personal, and tap into memories or symbolism. That way, your gift becomes more than just a "present" — it becomes a moment of connection, care, and surprise.

Which idea from this list speaks to you the most? Or do you have your own golden tip for the perfect gift? Let us know in the comments! 🎉🎉🎉 🎉🎉🎉

Looking for the best gift?

Citaat Campbell

🎉 Personalized Books: The Ultimate Gift Where the Recipient Becomes the Hero! 🎉

Brenda Casteleyn

🎉 What is a personalized book? 🎉

Imagine the recipient of your gift being the main character in an enchanting story. A personalized book does exactly that. The recipient's name, hair color, eye color, and sometimes even their hobbies and friends are incorporated into the story. This makes the book not only unique but also unforgettable.

The book revolves entirely around the recipient. They literally become the hero of their own adventure. This makes the book magical, unique, and emotionally valuable. It feels like a tribute to the person receiving the gift.

📚 How does it work?

Creating a personalized book is easier than you think. You don’t need to have any writing skills or come up with your own story. Online platforms guide you through each step. Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Choose a story – Select the type of story you want (fairy tale, adventure, love story, etc.).
2️⃣ Add the recipient's name – The recipient’s name appears throughout the book as the main character's name.
3️⃣ Customize details – Sometimes, you can also adjust features like hair color, eye color, age, and even friends or family members.
4️⃣ Order and receive the book – The book is printed and shipped to you or directly to the recipient.

🎁 Who is a personalized book suitable for?

This gift is suitable for people of all ages. You can customize it to fit almost any occasion or relationship. Here are some popular options:

  • For children – Children love to see themselves as heroes and enjoy reading their own name in the story.
  • For couples – Romantic stories where you and your partner are the main characters. Perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or weddings.
  • For adults – Create a funny or adventurous story where friends or family members play the starring roles.
  • For special occasions – Births, graduations, retirements... any moment can be immortalized in a personalized book.

✨ Why is a personalized book a great gift?

  • Unique and personal: No two books are the same, as each one revolves entirely around the recipient.
  • A lasting memory: This is not a throwaway gift – it’s a keepsake that the recipient will cherish.
  • Surprise factor: Since this gift concept is still relatively unknown in certain regions, it has a true "wow-factor."
  • Magic for children: Children are enchanted to see themselves as the hero of a story.

📘 Examples of personalized stories

Would you like a better idea of the types of stories you can create? Here are a few fun examples:

  • For children:
    • “The Quest for the Magical Treasure” – The child is the hero who must find a hidden treasure.
    • “The Little Boy Who Lost His Name” – The child embarks on a journey to retrieve their lost name.
    • “A Day with the Animals in the Forest” – The child meets talking animals in a magical forest.
  • For adults:
    • “The Story of Our Life” – A romantic love story where you and your partner play the main roles.
    • “The Adventure of [Recipient's Name] and [Friend's Name]” – A thrilling adventure where you and a friend embark on an exciting journey.
  • For couples:
    • “Your Love Story” – Turn your love story into a romantic narrative starring you and your partner.

📚 Where can you create personalized books?

There are several platforms where you can easily create a personalized book. Just type “personalized books” into Google, and you’ll find a range of providers. Here are some recommended options:

For adults and children: yoursurprise.be

Specifically for children: wonderbly.com

🎉 When should you give a personalized book as a gift?

There are so many occasions where this gift will be a hit:

  • 🎂 Birthdays – For children, friends, or partners.
  • ❤️ Valentine’s Day – Give a romantic story where you and your partner play the main roles.
  • 👶 Birth – Give a baby book where the baby's name appears in the story.
  • 🎄 Christmas and Sinterklaas – Give children a personalized fairy tale book.
  • 🧓 Retirement or farewell – Create a book about a colleague's career with a playful twist.

💭 💭 Inspirational quote about personalized books
"You are the hero of your own story." – Joseph Campbell

This quote perfectly summarizes what a personalized book does: it makes the recipient a true hero.

🎉 In conclusion

A personalized book is more than just a gift – it’s an experience. The recipient sees themselves in the pages, feels special, and often keeps the book as a treasured memory. For children, it’s pure magic. For adults, it’s a thoughtful and unique gesture. And because this concept is still relatively new in certain regions, your gift will truly stand out.

So, the next time you need a gift for a child, friend, partner, or family member, think of a personalized book. It’s creative, surprising, and deeply personal.

📘 Curious about making a personalized book? Discover how you can create one through providers like Wonderbly and Yoursurprise.

💭 💭 Who would you put in a personalized book? Let us know in the comments! 📚💖🎉 📚💖🎉

Wereld Lach Dag: 5 Manieren Waarop Lachen Jouw Leven Verrijkt

World Laughter Day: 5 Ways Laughing Enriches Your Life

Brenda Casteleyn

“A day without laughter is a day wasted.” – Charlie Chaplin

Laughing does more than just brighten your day; it has powerful effects on both your physical and mental health. World Laughter Day is the perfect opportunity to explore the many benefits of a good laugh session. Here are five ways laughter can enrich your life:

1. Laughter Improves Your Physical Health

Lachen verhoogt de zuurstoftoevoer, stimuleert je hart en longen, en activeert en ontspant je spieren. Het verlaagt stresshormonen en verhoogt de immuuncellen, wat jouw weerstand tegen ziekten verbetert. En wist je dat je door te lachen al je spieren in je gelaat aanspreekt. Het maakt je dus ook jonger.

2. Laughter Strengthens Your Relationships

Lachen is een universele taal die mensen samenbrengt. Een lach delen kan helpen nieuwe vriendschappen te smeden en bestaande relaties te versterken door een positieve, gedeelde ervaring te bieden. Misschien was je levensgezel ook diegene die je vaak liet lachen?

3. Laughter Boosts Your Mental Health

Laughing can help reduce anxiety and stress and alleviate symptoms of depression by boosting the production of serotonin, a natural feel-good chemical. Did you know that it's nearly impossible to feel down when you are laughing?

4. Laughter Builds Your Self-Confidence

Lachen kan jouw zelfvertrouwen opbouwen. Het helpt je om minder angstig te zijn in sociale situaties en maakt je meer benaderbaar en aantrekkelijk voor anderen. Wist je overigens dat het bijna onmogelijk is om je down te voelen als je lacht?

5. Laughter Enhances Your Response to Pain

Regular laughter can decrease your perception of pain by releasing the body’s natural painkillers, making it easier to handle physical discomfort.

In Conclusion

So, laughter is not only a source of joy but also plays a crucial role in both your mental and physical health. If you want to do something special this World Laughter Day, consider joining a laughter yoga session offered by Katrien Meys, an expert in laughter yoga atWandel met Gevoel She offers a wide range of options, from individual sessions to special team-building activities for companies, all designed to reduce stress and promote happiness through the power of laughter. She also offers forest walks in the soothing nature. Moreover, for those who want a taste first, freebies are available. Find out more about her sessions and how to participate on her website: Wandel met Gevoel.

What are your experiences with laughter as a way to improve your health and happiness? Share your stories in the comments below!

Kerst of oudjaar alleen

7 Tips for Celebrating Christmas and New Year When You're Alone.

Brenda Casteleyn

“I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone.” – Robin Williams

These days can be challenging if you are alone or missing someone. However, there are ways to get through them unscathed. Here are 7 tips for celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve alone.

Tip 1. Go for a Walk or Do a Solid Workout

Start with a brisk walk or engage in some sports. Not only is it healthy, but it also improves your mood. Choose a beautiful natural area for your walk, or surprise yourself by blindly picking a spot on the map. This might lead you somewhere new, starting your day with fresh impressions. If a walk is physically challenging, consider a lighter activity like a short walk in your neighborhood or some simple exercises at home. The goal is to keep your body active in a way that is comfortable and refreshing.  

Tip 2. Pamper Yourself

This is the perfect time to pamper yourself. Take a long bath or a warm shower, and make self-care a pampering ritual. Dress in a way that boosts your confidence - whether it's something festive or your favorite comfortable outfit. Also, pamper yourself with food. Prepare a special dinner for yourself with all your favorite dishes, or order something special. And don't forget to give yourself a small gift as a token of self-love.

Tip 3. Make It Cozy

A neat and cozy environment can improve your mood. This doesn't have to mean a big clean-up; sometimes tidying up a few small things can make a big difference. Add some extra atmosphere with candles, soft lighting, or your favorite music in the background.

Tip 4. Choose a Favorite Activity

Whether it's reading a good book, watching a movie or series on Netflix, or listening to your favorite music, make sure you do something you really enjoy. If you're creatively inclined, consider drawing, painting, crafting, or writing.

Tip 5. Do Volunteer Work, Go on a Date, or Seek Contact with People

If you're looking for interaction with others, volunteering is a great way to be meaningfully busy and meet new people. If you're feeling adventurous, try a dating app and see what new connections you can make. Virtual contact with friends or family can also provide a sense of connection.

Tip 6. Cherish Memories and Maintain a Positive Mindset

Take the time to be grateful for happy memories and focus on the positive aspects of your life. This can help you feel more connected to what you're currently missing and focus on the good things you've experienced.

Tip 7. Reflect and Plan for the Future

Use this time of peace and solitude for self-reflection and future planning. Think about what you have achieved in the past year and what your goals are for the coming year. Write down your thoughts and goals in a journal. This can help you process your feelings and map out a positive path for the future. Reflection can also help you realize what's important to you and how you want to shape your life. Creating a vision board or making a list of New Year's resolutions can be an inspiring activity to focus on hopeful and positive aspects of your life.

In Conclusion

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. For all those who are spending these days alone or missing someone: lots of hugs and warm thoughts

Benjamin Franklin-effect

Improve Your Relationships with the Benjamin Franklin Effect

Brenda Casteleyn

“Do good to your friends to keep them, to your enemies to win them.” – Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, discovered a fascinating psychological phenomenon: asking for a favor can lead to greater sympathy from the giver. This paradoxical effect, known as the Benjamin Franklin Effect, remains relevant today in our daily interactions, from personal relationships to professional environments.

Historical Context: How Franklin Discovered It

Franklin stumbled upon this effect after borrowing a rare book from a political rival. Remarkably, this improved their relationship. This anecdote not only provides insight into Franklin's personal relationships but also illustrates a larger psychological principle that continues to be studied.

Understanding the Benjamin Franklin Effect

Understanding the concept of 'cognitive dissonance' is crucial to grasping the Benjamin Franklin Effect. When one helps another, the brain seeks a reason for this behavior. If you wish to assist someone whom you previously viewed negatively, it helps to adjust your opinion of that person somewhat positively to maintain consistency. We sometimes think that we do good for people we like. But the Benjamin Franklin Effect also means the opposite, namely that we come to like people for whom we do something good.

Of course, asking for help can also be seen as a compliment because you acknowledge that someone can do something better than you.

How to Utilize the Benjamin Franklin Effect

When you ask your employees for advice, it can lead to a better working relationship because the employee feels valued. But even if you ask your friends to help you move, it can strengthen your bonds. Or consider neighbors who ask each other for help and how it strengthens the social fabric of the community. Even businesses use it to make customers more loyal: they ask their customers for feedback on customer service. But today, with the numerous surveys, the request for feedback may have gone a bit overboard. This can, of course, have a counterproductive effect. Asking for help has also become a useful tool in online communities and social media. And even among business competitors, seeking help can lead to fruitful collaborations.

But be aware, this effect can also be used for clever marketing. For example, there have been marketing campaigns, such as those by Lays Chips, where customers are invited to give their opinion on a new flavor, leading to increased engagement and a more positive perception of the brand, ultimately resulting in more sales.

Do You Sometimes Struggle to Ask for Help from Someone? Consider that the Benjamin Franklin Effect may lead to a better relationship with that person.

Recommended Reading: David McRaney, You Can Beat Your Brain, How to turn your enemies into friends, how to make better decisions and other ways to be less dumb, 2013.

Gekookte Kikker Syndroom

"The Boiled Frog Syndrome: Why You Often Notice Change Too Late"

Brenda Casteleyn

The Boiled Frog Syndrome is a metaphor used to describe people's tendency to ignore or belatedly notice changes in their environment, even when those changes could be potentially dangerous. The idea behind it is simple: if you were to throw a frog into boiling water, it would immediately jump to escape. However, if you place the frog in cold water and gradually heat it, the frog will simply sit there until it's too late.

Now, you might be thinking, "Well, I'm not a frog, so this doesn't apply to me." But the Boiled Frog Syndrome is actually a quite apt analogy for human behavior. You've undoubtedly experienced moments when you ignored changes in your life, whether related to your health, finances, relationships, or work.

Here are a few examples:

1. The Sneaky Weight and Stress Gain

  • When I had successfully completed a diet, it was just a matter of "maintaining my weight." But after a while, I gained a little weight back. It seemed insignificant compared to the pounds I had lost, so I didn't pay much attention to it. But before I knew it, my favorite pair of jeans no longer fit. The Boiled Frog Syndrome in action! But what if you let your stress build up in the same way? After some time, you might realize that you've fallen into a full-blown burnout .

2. The Financial Hangover

  • You start ignoring your monthly credit card bills because the amount is slightly higher than usual. You continue to spend, thinking it's not a big deal. Until you notice that you're deep in debt and have no idea how it got to that point. And if you continue to bury your head in the sand, you might even lose control to the extent that you can't afford to pay your rent anymore. In the worst-case scenario, you could end up completely homeless. This is the extreme worst-case scenario of the Boiled Frog Syndrome in financial matters, where all those minor financial setbacks lead to life on the streets.

3. The Relationship Disaster

  • You've sensed tension in your relationship for a while, but you choose to ignore it, hoping it will go away on its own. Spoiler alert: it usually doesn't. The Boiled Frog Syndrome can let relationships simmer just like slowly heating water. An extreme case of the Boiled Frog in relationships is when you get entangled with a narcissist because these individuals are exceptionally skilled at using this syndrome to slowly ensnare their victims. A narcissist may begin with subtle manipulation and gradually take control without you even noticing. Before you know it, you're deeply trapped in a suffocating relationship, and you're unsure how to escape .

So, how do you avoid becoming a "boiled frog"? It all starts with awareness and proactive action. Be attentive to changes in your life, no matter how small they seem, and take them seriously. If you notice something is amiss, act before the situation reaches a boiling point.

In short, don't be a "frog" ensnared by the Boiled Frog Syndrome. Recognize changes in your life, take action, and prevent yourself from getting burned, or in this case, burned by life itself. Because, let's be honest, who wants to end up like a frog? ??

When was the last time you were a victim of the Boiled Frog Syndrome?

Twee mensen in een restaurant lachen terwijl ze hun technologie gebruiken, een illustratie van technologie in relaties

Technology in Relationships: 7 Tips to Find Digital Balance

Brenda Casteleyn

“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” – Christian Lange

These days, I catch myself constantly checking my phone. With my watch also connected, I'm alerted with every post on any platform. It feels like I spend more time in the digital world than in the real one. But what exactly is the impact of technology on our relationships? I've gathered 7 tips to make the most out of the digital world while avoiding the pitfalls.

Tip 1. Enrich Your Communication

Thanks to technology, you can now chat with your loved one even if you're thousands of miles apart. You can have deep conversations online with friends or even your psychologist. However, there's a danger in replacing physical interactions with digital ones, losing real intimacy and depth. Use digital communication as a supplement, not a replacement. Remember, text messages can lead to misunderstandings. For important conversations, it's sometimes better to call or meet in person.

Tip 2. Be Aware of Selective Information

Nowadays, all information is easily accessible. But the photos of your friends on that exotic beach don't tell the whole story. Make sure you don't solely rely on what you see online. Take the information you get from (social) media with a grain of salt and occasionally ask your friends how they're genuinely doing.

Tip 3. Digital Introduction, Authentic Connection

Dating apps have transformed the way we meet people. While it's easier than ever to meet new people, it can also foster superficiality. Use technology as a tool to connect, but transition to personal meetings to discover the real person behind the profile.  

Tip 4. Find Your Availability Balance

The pressure to always be reachable can be overwhelming. Maybe you feel it's essential for your kids, boss, or partner to reach you at all times. But what's the downside? There's no longer a moment where you can truly be in the 'now', free from being 'available'. Perhaps consider letting your contacts and family know that you won't be online all the time, so you can schedule 'phone-free' zones or times, allowing you to truly enjoy the moment.

Tip 5. Cherish Moments of Silence  

You never have to feel bored nowadays. Waiting for the tram? Scroll through social media or play an online game. Your phone is always there to entertain during moments of boredom. But boredom serves a purpose; it allows you to slow down and be mindful, reducing stress. Ensure you occasionally schedule empty moments to enjoy the stream of thoughts passing by, rather than filling them with the noise of the internet, freeing you from constant notifications.

Tip 6. Joint Technological Activities

Sometimes, I text my significant other, who's just a floor above, to ask something. It's convenient, but if you're continuously sending messages from different rooms in the same house, you might slowly lose real contact. Use technology for joint activities: play games together, watch movies, or listen to music. Discuss your thoughts about using technology in your relationship. Consider taking a walk without phones for genuine contact with each other and the surroundings.

Tip 7. Conscious Online Shopping

Almost anything can be purchased online nowadays - groceries, meals, books, or kitchen gadgets. It's undoubtedly convenient, but there are downsides. Maybe you're tempted to buy things you didn't really need. Or you get your food delivered instead of enjoying shopping and cooking together. Shopping and cooking can be enjoyable shared experiences.

Conclusion

Technology can indeed enrich your relationships, but it's essential to use it consciously. Actively reflecting on your digital habits can let you enjoy its benefits while steering clear of its pitfalls.

I'm also curious about your experiences. How does technology influence your relationships? Share your thoughts.