Tips on Gift-Giving

How do you choose the right gift for someone special? First ask about the person's interests, hobbies, or passions. Consider their personality. Are they practical, whimsical, organized, care-free, casual, formal, or a prankster?

Ask questions like:

1. What is their lifestyle? What is their age? Where do they live (climate, urban/rural)
2. What do they do with their free time? What grade or profession are they in?
3. What culture/heritage/religion are they? What style of home, furniture, clothes, etc. do they like?

The answers to these questions will help you create a gift-giving "profile", which will help you to narrow your gift choices. Home decor items like lamps, clocks, art and giftware make great gifts because they will be used by the particular person every day. It will become one of their most often used and treasured possessions.

Unlike larger ticket purchases like furniture, decor items fit into most normal gift price ranges and can reflect your good taste without disrupting the recipient's theme or the rooms' style. Lamps are a great addition to a room, to help brighten dark corners or the highlight dimly lit work areas. Clocks are a classy gift. Just like watches, clocks can be given for special occasions like graduations, anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, etc. They will be looked at often, and have traditionally been given for special occasions. Home Decor and Giftware items can add an individual flare to a room and can reveal your thoughtfulness, being sensitive to the recipient's style and fashion taste.

Smart Gift Shopping

To help stretch your gift-giving dollar and reduce returns, try these tips:

• Plan ahead! Keep a list of birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
• Purchase a gift when you find it, even if the occasion is several months away.
• Select quality gifts and choose color/style to please the recipient.
• When in doubt, choose gifts that they will use. Practical items are usually better than novelty,

Gifts do not have to be expensive to be appreciated or appropriate. Gifts that show your time and effort are just as special as expensive ones. Mom was right; it's the thought that counts, and If you can surprise them with your thoughtfulness, you will be remembered.

• Avoid religious gifts except for close family members of the same religion.
• Save your receipts just in case a return or exchange is necessary.
• Stick with the recipient's favorite brands

Gifts for Special Occasions

Mother's/Father's Day: Don't forget Mom or Dad on their special day. Choose a gift that will reflect how much you appreciate what they have done for you.

Wedding/Anniversary: Choose a gift the couple will use, remember and appreciate. Home decor items make great wedding or anniversary gifts. It's also fun to follow the Traditional and Modern anniversary gift chart.

Retirement: Clocks make great retirement gifts. Many clocks include a brass plate to engrave a special message

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