
When you think about the holidays and even birthdays, we want to give the perfect gift. This means different things to different people. Below is a simple take on gift giving. I hope it helps relieve any stress you may may feel about giving gifts and in some cases, receiving gifts.
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Simple Etiquette
Gifts shouldn’t be about the cost of an item. Although, shiny, expensive things are lovely to receive, if its not the taste of the person getting the gift, what good is it? Gift giving is about the thought that goes into the gift. Buying for others can be very enjoyable, as long as you know what to look for. This simple idea gets lost sometimes when we are lured by ads, and shiny lights in stores beaming off “must have products.” But you can find the perfect gift for the right person. All you have to do is plan ahead and know what to look for.

It will make you happy knowing you bought a gift for someone and they LOVE it!
Buying the Perfect Gift
Its easy; know who is getting the gift! Even if you don’t know too much about the person (maybe your child’s teacher); knowing the person’s favorite color, a hobby, tastes in food or fashion, can be great starting points for gift giving ideas. If you don’t have much to go on, check out some of the ideas below.
The Receiver’s Perspective
Buying a gift that you would want to receive – albeit tempting, isn’t the way to go. This can be overlooked when gift giving. To be clear, there are exceptions: if you have the same interests and tastes as the receiver – go for it! Understanding a fellow enthusiast makes for an exciting gift giving experience. These are my favorite people to buy for! But, if you aren’t sure, stay clear of buying a gift for yourself, because you want the gift to be relevant to the receiver.
Another idea that may help with coming up with a perfect gift is to think about items that make life easier. What products are useful? You can come up with some amazing gifts just by looking at the practical things you own and love.
Still unsure of what to give?
Food is always a great gift for anyone 25 and over. Alcohol too, if you know the recipient likes to drink cocktails, wine, or other spirits and is of age of course. In thinking about food, think about specialty items. You can get anything you want, sent to pretty much anywhere in the world. So, think of something delicious your gift recipient would love to eat, something they may not buy for themselves, and you’ve got yourself a great gift! Pair that gift with a bottle of wine and you may be the best gift giver EVER!
Know who you are buying for; otherwise keep it generic. A quick note about food and the younger crowd – if you know their favorite snacks, sweet treats, etc.; wrap it up in a cute way for a perfect gift. Add a small toy or novelty item and it will be a bit more special.
Put a Bow On It

Anything you thoughtfully buy for someone, should be appreciated. However, when you take the time to make it look really special, that’s part of the excitement for you. A nice looking gift is going to be even more special to the receiver. Matching bows to wrapping paper or bags makes a gift look exquisite. Even a simple stick-on bow has a fun effect; and if you are really feeling it, enclose a thoughtful note.
A quick comment on gift cards; personally, these are totally ok! Just know what store or service your gift receiver will appreciate a gift card to. Then, wrap it up like it’s something really special. Your gift will be thoughtful, appreciated, and gorgeous. The receiver will know you took the time to make their gift something special and will love it before they even open it.

Gift Recommendations
Below are some ideas I have used for gifts. Click the highlighted word and you’ll get a direct link to the product. Not all the links are affiliated links, I just love the product or service and wanted to share it with you (see below). Check back, as I’m sure I will be adding to this list as the season and year progresses. If you have a great gift idea, please leave it in the comment section below. One last note, don’t forget your four legged friend. I hope this helped ease any anxiety you have about gift giving. Enjoy and have fun shopping!
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- Artistic gifts & decor for the home, garden and soul
- Wine and/or liquor with favorite chocolates and/or dried fruit & nuts
- Specialty Candy
- Tea & Coffee Gifts
- Something fun, maybe with a favorite character from a book or TV. FUN.com has gifts for the home as well as novelty items.
- A wine club membership
- Stainless steel water bottle or tumbler with Kind Bars (this is always a hit with teachers)
- a scented candle & lotion (only if you know what the recipient likes for scents)
- Hair Products & body wash sets (but again – know your recipient!)
- Specialty Jams
- Handmade jewelry – think birthstones, crystals, simple beads
- Garden accents & specialty plants
- Steel Art for the home or yard
- Calendar for the upcoming year
- Movie ticket gift card with snacks
“Every gift which is given, even though it be small, is, in reality, great, if it is given with affection.” – Pindar

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