How To Drop Subtle Hints About What You Want For Christmas

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the excitement of gift-giving. But how do you ensure that you get the perfect present without explicitly telling the person what you want? Dropping subtle hints is an art, and it's easier than you think. Whether it’s a sparkling piece of jewelry, a cozy sweater, or something more unique, here are some ways to guide your gift-givers toward something you'll truly love without feeling awkward or pushy.

Casually Mention It in Conversation

One of the simplest ways to drop hints is by casually mentioning the item you’d love in everyday conversation. If you see something on your wish list during a trip to the mall or online, casually bring it up in a chat. “I saw this beautiful bracelet at the jewelry store the other day, it’s so elegant!" This helps plant the idea without directly saying, “Buy me this.” It opens the door for the other person to think about it.

Talk About Ads, Trends, and Drop Compliments

Sometimes, all it takes is commenting on what’s trending or talking about an ad you’ve seen. If you’re watching TV, scrolling through social media, or reading a magazine, you can say, “I’ve been seeing a lot of these gorgeous earrings lately.” Or, “I can’t get over how much I love those cozy winter boots I keep seeing everywhere.” When you drop compliments about things you like, it gives others a hint without you having to say it outright.

Share Links if It Happens to Be a Shared Interest

If you have a shared interest with your loved one, such as a favorite designer or brand, share a link to a product you adore. Perhaps you both love a certain jewelry designer or clothing brand—send them a link to a piece you like with a casual comment like, "Isn't this necklace just stunning?" This can nudge them in the right direction without any pressure.

Create a Wishlist and Share It

Creating a wish list and sharing it is a direct yet thoughtful way to guide someone toward the perfect gift. Many retailers offer wish list features on their websites, or you can use apps that help you create a list. Share the link to the list with your friends or family, and let them know, “I added a few things that I’d love to receive this year!” It’s a convenient, no-fuss way to let your loved ones know exactly what you’re wishing for.

Share Through a Friend or One of Our Jewelry Consultants

Sometimes it's easier to get your point across when someone else helps you! If you have a trusted friend or a jewelry consultant who knows your style, let them help you. Our jewelry consultants at James & Sons are happy to be of assistance this Holiday season. We have jewelry stores in Chicago, Naperville, Orland Park, IL, and Schererville, IN. Have them casually mention something like, "She would love that necklace," or “She’s been talking about those earrings for weeks.” The best part? It removes any pressure from you, and the hint feels natural.

Use Social Media to Your Advantage

In the age of social media, you can easily hint at what you want without saying a word. Like and comment on product posts from your favorite brands. If you see something you love, drop a compliment or a heart emoji on the post. Even better, tag your loved ones in a fun comment like, “This would look great on me, don’t you think?" Social media allows you to engage with the items you like in a subtle, casual way, making it easier for someone to pick up on your interests.

Leave Subtle Clues

Sometimes, a well-placed hint can work wonders. Leave a magazine, catalog, or store flyer lying around that features an item you’d love. If you subscribe to a jewelry magazine or a catalog like the James & Sons catalog, let it rest in a place where someone might casually pick it up and take notice. It’s a subtle nudge without you having to mention a word.

Pin It to Your Pinterest Board

Pinterest is a treasure trove of ideas, and it can be the perfect tool for hinting at your Christmas wishlist. Create a secret or public board where you pin items that catch your eye—whether it’s jewelry, fashion, or home décor. Share the link to your board with friends and family, so they can easily browse and get inspired by the items you love.

Have “What-If” Conversations

If you want to get into the spirit of dropping hints without outright saying what you want, ask questions like, “If money were no object, what would you want for Christmas?” This opens the conversation and allows them to ask you the same question. It’s a playful way to express what you’d love without coming off too direct. Similarly, present hypothetical scenarios like, “If I could buy myself a gift, I’d get that stunning bracelet I saw yesterday.” This may get them thinking in the right direction.

Plan a Shopping Trip Together

There’s no better way to let someone know what you’d love than by going shopping together. During a trip to the mall or a local boutique, casually point out items you like and ask for their opinion. “What do you think of this necklace? I love it, but I’m not sure if it’s my style.” This gives the gift-giver an opportunity to pick up on your interests and hopefully find something special for you.

The Direct Approach (Without Being Pushy)

Sometimes, it’s okay to be direct, as long as it doesn’t feel like a demand. You can give subtle guidance by creating a list of ideas for them to choose from. “Here are a few things I would love for Christmas, but feel free to surprise me!” You can also mention what you don’t want, like, “I don’t need any more scarves this year,” to avoid receiving items you don’t need.

Make This Season One To Remember

Hinting at what you want for Christmas doesn’t have to feel awkward or forced. With a few subtle gestures, you can give your loved ones the guidance they need to pick out something you’ll truly love. Whether you drop hints through casual conversation, use social media, or plan a shopping trip, there are plenty of ways to make sure you get the perfect present without feeling uncomfortable. Let us help you keep the surprise alive and make this holiday season one to remember!