If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to remember key events better, then it’s time to start getting organised now. Even the most organised of us can be guilty of forgetting an important date – but when it becomes a regular thing, you know you need to do something about it soon!
Planning ahead is the key to remembering special events like birthdays and anniversaries. The big day always seems so far away until suddenly it isn’t. Don’t fool yourself into thinking time is of the essence because your partner’s birthday or your nephew’s graduation is months away. The days creep up on you and if you’re horrible with dates, you need a full-proof plan to put into action! Here’s a few tips to get you started.
1. Set Early Digital Reminders to Remember Important Dates
In this digital age we live in, almost all of us are glued to our mobile phones, laptops or computers. If you’re not using one, chances are you’re on the other. Use this to your advantage and set digital reminders at the start of every month for what gifts you need to organise for the following month. This gives you a good 4 weeks to get creative and find something special. Consider going a step further by adding a link in the reminder to your favourite gift or online hamper company to make life easier for you. Some places will even let you create customised gift hampers to tailor the gift to better suit the occasion or person to really show you’ve put thought into it.
Utilise online digital tools to help you remember key dates too. LinkedIn does a good job of letting you know professional milestones coming up within your network. You can also create a Google sheet to track birthdays, anniversaries and other special events or utilise online reminders and free aps to prompt you.
2. Keep a Visible List of Important Events
Not all of us are tech-savvy and sometimes a visual list can resonate better as a reminder. Invest in a good yearly calendar, personal planner or diary to write down key dates. Keep a running list of everyone’s special dates in a prominent place and update it regularly. It’s also worth writing down any gift ideas that pop up next to each person. Perhaps your friend mentioned their favourite new guilty snack that you could include in a hamper for their next birthday or you noticed your mum has started going to a new salon where a possible gift voucher could be on the cards for Mother’s Day. If your partner mentions a new gadget or tool they’re after, add all these ideas to your list so you have a few go-to items come their special day.
3. Shop for Presents All Year Round
Don’t stress yourself out by shopping for the perfect gift a few days before the special event. You may spot something that the recipient will like months in advance. If you do, get it – and keep a record of the gifts you’ve purchased for who. Just because you may be bad at remembering the dates of special occasions, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep your eyes peeled for ideas throughout the year!
Take advantage of after Christmas sales to get a good bargain on something your friend or family member might like for their birthday next year. End of Financial Year will see some good sales take place too. By shopping for presents all year round you’ll be able to feel much more prepared and save yourself a lot of money in the long run. Just make sure you keep the presents hidden somewhere safe!
4. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is essential to giving good gifts. At the start of the year when you’re using your online tools or diary to jot down everyone’s special date, write down as many ideas as you can think of for what to buy them too. It doesn’t always have to be something materialistic too remember, the gift of time and sharing an experience can be just as valuable and offer a unique spin on the regular gift giving.
By planning ahead as much as possible, you won’t only train your brain to help remember the special occasions but you’re more likely going to give a present that’s meaningful, rather than a superficial choice.