| Jen had decided to get her mother a grand piano lamp | | | | gift for a best friend or a parent may be perfectly |
| for her birthday. She had picked out a beautiful black | | | | acceptable. |
| piano light, with silver accents and pull chain. She knew | | | | 3. When selecting a gift, resist the urge to simply |
| it was a gift her Mother would love, not just because it | | | | purchase something you like. Not everyone has your |
| would be an attractive addition but because it would | | | | taste, and if you are unaware of the likes of the |
| serve a practical purpose as well. After years of gift | | | | recipient consider gifting them with a gift card. |
| giving, the one thing Jen knew about her Mother was | | | | 4. When trying to find a gift, be willing to put in the |
| that her favorite gifts were those that could be | | | | necessary time and effort to find just the right thing. |
| considered practical. Some people are most | | | | Waiting until the last minute to choose a gift for |
| appreciative of gifts which are useful for everyday. | | | | someone often results in settling for something or |
| Conversely, some people are most appreciate of | | | | wishing you had more time. |
| those unique gifts which they would never splurge on | | | | 5. Always consider the interests and hobbies of the |
| for themselves. And still others enjoy silly or white | | | | recipient. Choosing gifts related to a hobby or interest |
| elephant type gifts which bring a smile to their face. | | | | is usually a great way to go. |
| While it is true that anyone can purchase a gift for | | | | 6. In the weeks prior to a special occasion keep your |
| someone, keeping in mind the personality of the gift | | | | eyes and ears open for hints or possibilities. Ideas are |
| recipient can help you get something for them that | | | | often presented when you least expect it. Make sure |
| they will truly appreciate. The following are a few tried | | | | to jot down any ideas you get far in advance so you |
| and true tips for great gift giving. Keeping in mind these | | | | do not forget when shopping time arrives. |
| suggestions can help you buy just the right thing for | | | | 7. Prior to gift shopping consider the amount which you |
| those on your gift list. | | | | are comfortable spending and then purpose to stick to |
| 1. Remember that the best gifts are not necessarily | | | | it. Knowing what you can spend before shopping is a |
| the most expensive gifts. A thoughtful gift is likely to be | | | | wise strategy. |
| appreciated, regardless of whether it is expensive or | | | | 8. Get gift ideas from a variety of sources such as |
| not. | | | | stores, catalogues, web sites, and tips from friends. |
| 2. When purchasing a gift, keep in mind your | | | | 9. Put a little effort into the wrapping process. It may |
| relationship to the recipient, as well as the occasion for | | | | seem like a little thing but the presentation of the gift |
| the gift. It is not necessary to go overboard for the | | | | can add to the overall gifting experience. |
| birthday gift of a classmate of your child or the baby | | | | 10. Do not second guess your purchase. Be confident |
| shower gift for a co-worker. However, splurging on a | | | | in what you have selected. |