There’s an art to giving the perfect gift, and it doesn’t come naturally. You’ll have to put some effort into your shopping, packaging and wrapping. Here are just a few tips for getting a big smile as someone sees your gift for the first time.

Peek into Their Past

Hunt down a first-edition print of a book that their mother used to read to them. Scavenge auction sites to find a long-lost childhood toy or game console. Recreate everything about your first date, including the hot dog vendor who forgot the ketchup. Some of the best presents are ones steeped in nostalgia, so think about your loved one’s past to give them a present that they’ll love in the future.

Incorporate Their Hobbies

Everyone has a hobby. It might be as simple as photography or as complicated as building model airplanes with 10,000 pieces, but everyone has something that they love to do. Your job is to figure out their passion and embody it with a gift. For example, if they’re a fisherman, you can find them a fun fishing shirt, such as one from Over Under Clothing, that also doubles as performance gear for outdoor activities. If they love zombies, make them a zombie survival kit that will suit them well during the apocalypse.

Give Experiences Instead of Objects

If he’s a big fan of the Dave Matthews Band, don’t buy him an album that he already owns. Get him tickets to a concert or autograph-signing session at a local convention. If she likes jewelry, don’t give her more necklaces and bracelets to clutter up her vanity table. Treat her to a jewelry-making class where she can create her own bling. You’ll make your gift truly memorable if it’s about life experiences instead of physical possessions.

Get Creative with Your Wrapping

If you still haven’t decided on the perfect gift, start from the outside and work your way in. Maybe you can wrap a series of smaller gifts in numbered packages that lead your recipient to a big, final gift, or maybe you can put your present in a locked box with a secret code that they have to crack. Brainstorming about your wrapping options can inspire you about the gifts themselves, so don’t be afraid to think outside of the box.

These are just a few tips for giving a gift that won’t be stashed inside of a closet and forgotten. Remember, however, that the present often takes a backseat to the intent behind it. As long as your heart is in it, your recipient should love it.