The Great Art Of Gift-Giving

From tiny to terrific, from weird to wonderful; from standard to spectacular, from one to a bagful- gifts are, have been and will always be the perfect way to say you care! Be it a birthday, a bar mitzvah or even just a beautiful afternoon with your best friend, there nothing that celebrates someone special like a gift that makes their heart smile. With the world getting richer and shopping being a breeze, people win a number of gifts on their day. So if you want to make an impression, or just get something unique, you need to really think about what you are gifting and who you are gifting to.

The biggest paradox of gifts: ‘I know what I have given you, but I do not know what you have received’. Literally translated, one can’t really know how someone is going to receive the gift you get them. To make sure they love it, you must put in some extra effort and keep in mind a few useful tricks.

1. Know your audience Everyone is not you. You may think the latest Fat-Boy-Slim album is the most fabulous thing on the market, but what would your ‘straight-A’ sister do with it! The first rule while shopping for a present is to step into the receiver’s shoes, so you can figure out what they would appreciate. To do this, you must…
2. Read between the lines If you actually keep an ear out, you will be surprised at how much people reveal about themselves. File these little pointers in the back of your mind for later use. Imagine the thrill your friend will get when you actually remember a flippant desire she had expressed months back, and gift it to her. Make it a point to randomly write down things you observe about your pals, so you can conceptualize a gift that she really needs. It is this attention to detail that actually brings personality and character to your gift. Also..
3. The best gifts are not always the most expensive ones Once you’ve got a general idea what you want to gift your family member, friend or co-worker, constantly be on the lookout for something perfect. You will be surprised when inspiration strikes. Gifts bought at the last minute, always turn out to be cliché. So be prepared well in advance. It is not the money you spend on a gift that matters, but the personal attention you put into it. Ok, not like we girls are ever going to say no to diamonds or pearls, but a favorite book, a photo-album or even a special bracelet, will be treasured just as much. When you want to be remembered…
4. Be different Jewelry, clothes, candles, wine, cutlery etc are standard gift items. Don’t get me wrong, they always work, but to make it special add a little something that represents you. My favorite way to accessorize a gift is by personalizing it. Whether you add an engraved quote to a watch or spoon, or get the lucky gal’s photo imprinted on her apron, diary or handbag, you will be making the gift one-of-a-kind! Last but not the least…
5. It doesn’t have to be a ‘Thing’! You don’t always have to buy or make a present. You could do something wonderful for them, like throw a fabulous surprise party, babysit her kids for a day so she can go to a romantic spa with her hubby, or even sign her up for a dance class she’s been yearning to do! If you really can’t think of anything, a hug is a great gift- one size fits all, and it’s easy to exchange!!