It’s bound to happen that you’ll need to get gifts for someone…whether it’s a coworker, a relative, a partner or even a holiday gift for yourmailman.  And, while you will always be safe with flowers, gifts that are a bit more personal always make a much nicer statement.  The question is, how can you get gifts for someone you don’t know well?  Equally importantly, how can you get a truly great gift for an acquaintance?

Here are 5 ways to make a thoughtful gift selection for anyone, for any occasion.  Want to share your gift-giving secrets?  We’d love to hear (and share) them!

1. Choose something popular. You don’t need to get an iPhone for everyone that you owe a gift to, but getting something that is popular in the moment is always a safe bet.  Ask your mailman if he has a Wii or Xbox, and consider getting him the latest game.  Or, if he has a Kindle, a new download would be a considerate gesture.  A Snuggie may also be a good bet this winter.  Look around, see what’s popular (and in your price range), and don’t be afraid to get something trendy.
2. Go classic. A gift certificate is always a safe bet when looking to get great gifts for anyone.  Who doesn’t love a free dinner, or even a few free cups of coffee at the local gourmet café?  Just make sure that the amount of the gift certificate is enough to get a good dinner, without the recipient having to add for things like a drink or dessert.
3. Do your research. There’s nothing worse than receiving a gift that is thoughtful but not well researched…an online movie subscription, for example, that doesn’t deliver to the recipient’s area, or an mp3 player that won’t last for more than a month.  Take a few minutes to read reviews about the item you’re buying so that you know it will be enjoyed for a long time.
4. Give a gift receipt. Unfortunately, even the best intentions aren’t always perfect, and even things that you think are great gifts may not be appreciated entirely by the recipient.  Gifts that can be returned or exchanged are always appreciated (and, as an added bonus, they prove that you purchased the gift expressly for the recipient, and were not regifting something that you rejected).
5. Purchase off a registry. If you’re looking for great gift ideas for weddings or births, ask the recipient if he or she has registered anywhere.  A gift registry can save you a lot of time and stress as you know that your gift selection will be well-received.