To avoid this problem, and rather than having to guess, here are some ways you can simply find out what the person you are buying for wants or needs.
- Strike up a conversation and somewhere along the way just lead in with an easy question like, how's your tank doing? From there all you have to do is step back, listen, and start taking mental notes, because most often once you get them started talking about their aquarium, it's hard to get them to stop.
- With your gift giving ideas list in hand, snoop when they are not around to see what kind of equipment and supplies they have, making sure to write down information about the products you are thinking of buying.
- If you don't have access to the aquarium to snoop on your own, ask the person's spouse, significant other, family members and friends for any information they can provide to help you out.
- Simply ask the aquarist to make a wish list for you, and be sure they include specific product information about the items.
