Gift Cards

Some people downright refuse to give away gift cards, viewing them as impersonal and inconsiderate gestures. I think that's a selfish projection. I know some people want to give gifts that they'd like to receive, but we're all unique and have different interests. Don't let your reservations interfere with your judgment. Some people would love gift cards.

Bookworms strongly prefer gift cards to Borders than they would pre-selected books. Many book lovers already own their favorites, and their preferences are so specific that they may be disappointed if they don't get exactly what they want. Half the thrill for them is to skim through the pages and find something that touches their soul. Their excitement and anticipation washes over, and they immediately head to the cash register. By buying specific books for them, you just took away half their fun.

Gift cards to grocery stores are great as housewarming gifts for friends who've just moved out or are going away to college. Food, as fundamental and focally prioritized as it is in our society, it's the first sacrifice made when funds start to dry up. A starving student can tell you how much food is appreciated.

For a fashionista, gift cards are, once again, quite possibly a greater thrill than receiving pre-selected items. I'm generally good at picking out clothes that fit well, but I've learned how different each and every body can be. I have a friend whose boobs feel have the consistency of pudding wrapped in saran wrap, but they're so perky. She had no idea that her boobs are exceptionally soft. She assumed everyone's body is like that. Even stretchy material doesn't stretch out around her boobs the way they should. I have another friend whose a 34B, and her boobs must be rock hard because all the tops she wears lift up around her boobs. So all her tops have to have some sort of stretch material.

For foodies or parents, gift cards to a nice restaurant are appropriate. My friends and I love to eat at new places. Not having to worry about the bill can be a refreshing treat. For parents, getting away has always been the challenge. A gift card for a restaurant that has to be used will give them the right motivation.

The Gift of Time

If you've racked your mind and still have come up with no gift solution. But if you're handy around the house or are willing to take on some chores, offering the gift of time can be a well-appreciated gesture especially for single mothers and other busy individuals. This can be someone's opportunity to get their pipes cleaned, fixing a loose lock, getting new tiles on the bathroom floor, having new cabinets built, etc. Or it can involve babysitting, taking on the responsibility of making food for a family, playing the role of cleaning maid, etc. It's more of a practical gift more than anything. But for some people, this can be the best gift of all.

Spa Theme

For the friend who does too much and never takes a break, this is the perfect gift. I recommend adding a terry cloth toiletry bag or a monogrammed tote, a plush bathrobe, fuzzy slippers, candles, eye pillow, and face mask for the gift recipient's skin type. This may not seem affordable, but you'd be surprised how reasonable this gift set can be especially if you make the products from scratch. A simple bath treatment can be made out of milk powder and lavender flowers. A honey face mask or exfoliator can be made with honey, baking soda, and milk powder. A body oil, which can double as a massage oil, can be scented with lemon or lavender or whatever essential oil and grapeseed oil, an unscented base oil for a luxurious treat. Bath bombs fizz in the water and are luxurious treatments. LUSH sells them for about $5 a pop, but you can also make them yourself. The same go for candles. I'll be sure to include recipes in a later time.

Italian Theme Gift

This is a great gift for food lovers, chef's, travelers, or even couples. Include red wine, wineglasses, pasta (homemade preferably), a jar of homemade bolognese sauce, a bottle of extra-virgin olive oil, bruschetta, marinated artichokes, unscented candles (for consideration and to be on the safe side), and an Italian mixed CD. You can add more to this gift set, if you'd like, but I specifically chose the following because it covers drinks, appetizers, main dish, dessert, and entertainment. Some wonderful additions would be sundried tomatoes, canned tomatoes, cheese sticks, or Italian coffee.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

As many of us get older, we start to appreciate simplicities in life. In such a materialistic society, undoubtedly there are more favorable gifts to receive than chocolate covered strawberries, but don't be so quick to dismiss such a yummy treat. In high school, something like this would never pass. But high school's over for me. I think just the gesture of giving and receiving gifts is appreciated. It's not a bad gift to give to someone who already has everything. When I first heard this, I thought it was nuts. But it makes sense. If someone has everything, adding to their exorbitant collection is more troublesome than anything. If you're still hesitant to give these to a close friend, consider it for co-workers or acquaintances. Admittedly, the price tag for mere strawberries and chocolates are overpriced for what it is. But all in all, an inexpensive gesture. If you gift it to someone with low expectations, it'll be a flattering treat. If you can't bring yourself to paying so much for what it's actually worth, you can actually make these on your own.

Gift Baskets and Care Packages

I know that they're a clique, and not everyone enjoys them. But there's a greater chance that your gift recipients will like what you get them if there's more than one gift. Besides, by taking the time to personalize a gift, you're more likely to find something your friends will like because of the extra consideration you put into it. Here are some ideas:

*Italian Dinner Theme
*Movie Lover Package
*Jams & Preserves
*Spa Girl or Guy
*Relaxation Kit
*Beauty Set
*Bookworm
*For the Green Thumb
*Exotic Salt Collection
*Craft Lover
*Art Student

The Value of Gift Consideration

My motivation for creating this gift giving blog is the ease I feel I offer others. I can be a difficult person. I'm direct, but I'm also demanding. Ironically, though, when it comes to gift giving, an overwhelming, burdensome task for most people, I find that I make it surprisingly easy. I have a lot of interests, yet my taste is selective. Nonetheless, I've never received a gift I disliked. My friends all agree that I'm easy to shop for, and they quickly find gifts for me. Unfortunately, I wasn't always able to reciprocate. When I was younger, I was a terrible gift giver. I've become much better now. I think if I had a little guidance when I was younger, my friends would've looked forward to my gifts.