Gift ideas
What to Give When the Physical Gift Won't Arrive on Time
· 4 min read · By the Songs for the One team
The short answer
When a gift won't arrive on time, give a small, personal gesture on the day and save the package as a second surprise. Put a picture of the gift in a handwritten card, plan their favorite takeout, or share a custom song gift page. Keep the focus on the person.
Tell them, but don't lead with it
It is fine to say something else is on its way. Just don't make the delay the story of the day. Open with what you want them to know, then mention the rest is coming.
Something for the day itself
Print a picture of the gift and put it in a card with a handwritten note about why you picked it.
Plan a small experience for the day, such as their favorite takeout or a walk somewhere meaningful.
Send a custom song gift page. It is something they can open and enjoy that day, and it gives the delayed gift context when it arrives.
A note on timing
If you choose a song, focus on the core song and gift page for day-of giving. Extras like a music video or a streaming release take 3 to 5 business days after we receive what we need, so plan those as a later addition rather than a same-day gift.
Plan your song
Further reading
- Great questions to ask the people you loveStoryCorps
- The science of gratitudeGreater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley