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Know Thy Recipient!
Here's a little trick to consider if you find yourself having to purchase a gift for someone you may not know very well. This could include colleagues, distant relatives, or business contacts that you'd like to recognize with a meaningful gift. With the majority of folks currently using social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Myspace, getting to know their personal preferences is as easy as a few clicks of the mouse. Run a search on one or more of these sites and you’ll be amazed at the information that you can finnd. Often you can find out basic info as well as their favorites in books, music, restaurants, movies and sports. Can't find a social networking profile? Try a google search on their email address. This will often times bring up online groups that the person actively participates in...PAYDIRT! The goal is not to become a stalker! The goal is to give a gift with meaning...that will make your gift more memorable and appreciated! |
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Make Practical Gifts Fun!
When all else fails, and you’ve hit a roadblock in your research, it’s always a safe bet to give something that is practical but also enjoyable. Examples of no-fail practical gifts include the gifts of food, gift cards, or personal services. Consider giving your homemade treats on a vintage serving tray that can be used long after the goodies are gone. Fill a retro lunch-box with healthy snacks that a starving college student will enjoy. Buy a box of assorted greeting cards and give them with a book of stamps. Make your own personalized coupons on your computer and give them to be used throughout the year. Can you clean their house, was the car, or walk the dog? The possibilities are endless. |
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Gift in 3’s
Want to really make a splash on your next gift giving occasion? Try this no -fail technique and watch the recipient be "wowed" by your thoughtfulness and creativity! I know what you are thinking. “I can't think of one gift to give let alone give three!” It’s much easier than it sounds, I promise. The idea is to choose a theme and pick three items that will embody that theme. For example, one of my favorite theme gifts to give to my girlfriends is a relaxation basket. I determine the contents of the basket by choosing the central gift (the most expensive) first and then build around it. For example:
- Central Gift: Warm and fuzzy bathrobe I found on clearance
- Gift 2: A relaxation or spa CD that I also found on clearance
- Gift 3: A great chic-lit novel or an assortment of their favorite celebrity gossip magazines
So there you go! Depending on your budget and theme, the possibilities are endless. This is a classy and thoughtful gift that can put together for as little as $15 if you plan ahead and keep your eyes peeled all year long. WARNING! Never buy your central gift at your local dollar store! Use dollar store items to compliment the central gift only or if giving the gift of food. You really don’t want to look that cheap, do you?
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Jazz up Gift Cards
Giving gift cards doesn’t have to be boring! Use them as a compliment to a fun, creative and practical gift. Use them like a gift tag and tie them onto a plate of homemade cookies, cuddly stuffed animal, or gift bag. For example, for the book lover, wrap up a book or CD and use the gift card as the gift tag. Or for the coffee lover, slip the gift card and a sample sized gourmet coffee into a holiday gift mug. Super easy, super thoughtful, indeed! |
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