| We all know that Christmas isn't - or at least | | | | meat/anything at all) is a good bet. If it is |
| shouldn't be - about presents. However, let's face | | | | something tasty, even if the recipient doesn't care |
| it: Gifts are a big part of it. Recently, I again | | | | for it, someone else in the family is sure to enjoy |
| realized how important it is to choose the right | | | | it. Pretty much the same can be said about plants. |
| gift. An inappropriate gift, one that doesn't reflect | | | | Another option is to bundle a variety of things |
| the recipient's taste or worse, one that seems | | | | (maybe make it a themed present). For example |
| thoughtless and without heart, will not bring the | | | | you could combine a small book about relaxation, |
| joy that was intended. | | | | a new diary, a picture album, some bath scents |
| Some of us are gifted in the art of giving gifts | | | | and a box of chocolates (yep, I do like my food) |
| (don't you just love that sentence?). | | | | for a new Mom. And finally there is always the old |
| Unfortunately, for most of us it doesn't come | | | | standby of gift cards. |
| naturally. We stumble along, and sometimes our | | | | So what has all that to do with personalizing your |
| best intentions go awry: the gift we chose ends | | | | gifts? After all, these presents, while innocuous, |
| up in the back of a closet (or worse), a waste of | | | | are hardly individual. Well, this is where your |
| money and a missed opportunity to show | | | | creativity comes in. Wrapping it up lovingly, |
| someone that we truly care. Which made me sit | | | | providing a thoughtful gift tag and adding some |
| and think a bit and I came up with a list of 5 tips | | | | decorative touches (preferably handmade) makes |
| that should help you to choose the right gifts. | | | | all the difference. They turn a humdrum gift in |
| 1. Choose something that matches the recipient's | | | | something that shows you care. Even if the gift |
| personality | | | | itself does not fulfill a heart's desire (remember, |
| Of course, that is easier said than done. Usually, it | | | | you couldn't for the life of you figure out what |
| is not the presents for our nearest and dearest | | | | that should be or you would have stopped reading |
| that end in disaster but gifts we choose for | | | | this list at tip number one), it shows that you put |
| people we do not really know all that well: | | | | some thought into it and wanted to give |
| colleagues, teachers, your husband's cousin in | | | | something special. And what if the recipient really |
| Toledo. But it isn't really necessary to know | | | | doesn't like the purple wrapping paper with the |
| intimate details. Just think about it a bit and | | | | orange, blue and yellow stars you chose? Well, it |
| maybe you do know more than you thought. | | | | doesn't matter, because, after all, it is just |
| Hasn't your colleague been gushing about the | | | | wrapping paper and will inevitably end up in the |
| concert she attended last month? Maybe a | | | | trash. |
| recording by the artist would be appreciated. Isn't | | | | 4. Choose good quality products |
| your daughter's teacher planning a trip to Spain? A | | | | No matter what you buy, nothing shouts "I don't |
| guide book might come in handy. And the cousin? | | | | care" louder than a cheap, shoddy present. That |
| Isn't she known far and wide for the quilts she | | | | does not mean you have to spend a lot. There |
| sews? She certainly would love some pretty new | | | | are many, many inexpensive products that still |
| fabrics. These examples should give you an idea | | | | are good quality. And there are some ridiculously |
| of how to brainstorm. Also, don't be afraid to ask | | | | overpriced pieces of junk on offer.Who needs a |
| others for some insight if they know the recipient | | | | toy that falls apart on the first day, perfume that |
| better than you do. A gift that is tailored to | | | | causes a rash or a set of candlesticks (I know, I |
| someone's interests is always the best. | | | | know, I said to stay away from home |
| 2. There is no accounting for taste | | | | decorations, but if you didn't listen to my previous |
| If you are not completely sure that you know | | | | tip, maybe you will at least take this one to heart) |
| what your recipient's taste is, stay well clear of | | | | that does not properly hold the candles?If you |
| buying anything that relies heavily on personal | | | | want to be a successful gift giver, make sure you |
| taste (especially home decorations). You probably | | | | buy things that work well and hold up to their |
| know which scarf your best friend (whose taste | | | | intended use. |
| mirrors yours) would love. However, candleholders | | | | 5. Do not overdo it |
| for your mother-in-law or a garden dwarf for a | | | | Some of us have a tendency to go overboard |
| distant cousin are something else. Even if your | | | | when buying gifts. If you among those that live in |
| taste is impeccable, can you be sure that the | | | | mortal fear of their credit card bills after the |
| same can be said for the recipient? | | | | holidays, work on curbing this tendency. Not only |
| 3. Personalize your gifts | | | | for your own sake, but also for the gift recipients. |
| So now that I have taken away the convenient | | | | While we all love to get presents, most of us feel |
| option of selecting some doodad, what should you | | | | uncomfortable if the gift we get is (much) more |
| do if, after wracking your brain all afternoon, you | | | | than we expected. It makes us feel indebted and |
| still can not come up with a good idea? Well, my | | | | puts pressure on us to return the favor in equal |
| advice is to go with something innocuous. | | | | measure. Avoid causing that kind of |
| Generally, food stuff (as long as you are fairly | | | | embarrassment and do not overspend. |
| certain the recipient eats dairy products/sweets | | | | |