Buying clothes as a gift and what to remember

Short answer: Size is the biggest risk when you give clothing as a gift. Choose something that does not need a size, or pick the looser of two sizes if you are unsure.

No size needed

Socks, towels and bedding need no size, which makes them the safest gifts. You do not need to know the person's measurements, and there is almost no chance of an exchange. A set of soft towels gets used every day for years. Take a look at the range of bamboo towels, for example.

Loose rather than tight

If the gift has to be clothing, choose the looser of two sizes. Something a little too big can still be worn, while something tight stays in the drawer. Nightwear is fine to wear loose, so it is a good choice when you do not know the measurements exactly. See bamboo nightwear for women.

Neutral colours

A muted colour suits more people than a bold pattern. Black, grey, navy and natural shades go with most of what the person already owns, so they get worn more often. If you know their favourite colour, that is of course a good guide, but when in doubt neutral is the safest choice.

Keep the receipt

Put the order number with the gift, so the person can exchange it without having to ask you. That makes it easier for both of you if the size is wrong, and nobody needs to feel awkward. Write it on a small card in the parcel. The terms are under returns and exchanges.

Gift cards

If you are unsure of both size and taste, a gift card is the answer. The person can then choose what suits them in size, colour and model. It may feel less personal, but many people appreciate choosing for themselves. You will find gift cards and other suggestions among the Christmas gift ideas.

For him and for her

It can help to start in a selection that is already sorted by who the gift is for. That way you do not have to search the whole range and can find something suitable more quickly. See the two selections in Christmas gifts for him and Christmas gifts for her.

Think about use

A gift that gets used is better than one that gets put away. Think about what the person does day to day. If they walk a lot, good socks are an obvious choice. If they enjoy quiet evenings at home, nightwear or a soft towel may be the right thing.

Underwear as a gift

Underwear is a more personal gift, and the size needs to fit better than with nightwear. It is therefore best suited to a partner or someone whose size you know for sure. If in doubt, choose a model with stretch and a soft waistband. See bamboo underwear for women.

Wrap it so it can be exchanged

Put the gift in a bag it can be returned in, and do not remove the tags. That makes it easy to exchange if the size is wrong. Wrap it nicely around the original packaging, so the person can open the gift without damaging anything.

More ideas

If you are looking for more suggestions, there is also bedding and other things for the home that need no size. They are used every day and are easy to choose, even when you do not know the person that well. Read more on the subject in bamboo clothing as a gift.