Did you know that the average American gives 47 gifts a year? No wonder a girl could drive herself crazy coming up with a unique present for each holiday, birthday, anniversary and special occasion.. You want to be perfect... to express to your best friend, your dad, your teacher, or your boyfriend...how much you appreciate them.
But a lack of time and a lack of imagination makes the task more stressful than fun. Now that you might be earning your own money, it's pay back time. Time to reciprocate and say thank you. You'll never understand the truth behind the expression, "It's better to give than to receive," until you are the bearer of the exactly right gift. Most of us know someone who, seemingly effortlessly, always matches the right gift with the right person. She usually makes it her business to keep in mind the lifestyle, hobbies and personality of the recipient. She never falls into the trap of "gifting up," where she buys a present based on what the person might be expecting rather than what she can afford. It's a skill we should all be honing for a lifetime. Here are our suggestions for some of the important people on your list throughout the year.
For your parents
- Personalized stationery
- Family history scrapbook
- Magazine subscription
- Newspaper subscription
- Charitable contribution in their name
- Restaurant gift certificate
- Tickets to a play or sporting event
- Plants or herb growing kit
For your grandparents
- Old radio shows on audio or video
- Hobby and craft supplies
- Pre-paid phone card
- Audio books
- Large print calendar
- Medicine organizer
- Magnifying glass
- Bed tray
- Movie passes
- Cordless phone
For little kids
- Arts and crafts supplies, even for the most sophisticated.
- Check out office supply stores for a great selection.
- Finger-paints, rubber stamps, big pads of paper, markers, anything that give them the opportunity to use their imagination, is always well received.
For your teacher
A box of chocolates
A gift certificate to the local bookstore
A gift certificate for a manicure
A gift certificate to a local restaurant
Something that smells great... bubble bath, soap, candles
For him
- Fun tie with his favorite cartoon character or sport team
- Gift certificate to sporting goods store
- Sunglasses
- Write a poem and frame it
- Black light or candles
- A personal mix tape
- Flowers
- Video of his favorite movie
- Treat him to dinner
- A framed picture of the two of you
- A calendar with your special dates circled
- Lava lamp
- Homemade coupons redeemable for hugs, back scratching, etc.
For your girlfriend
- She's one person we're sure you know how to please! She is probably mentioned her wish list a hundred times. If not, any gift that you'd like to receive, chances are, so would she!
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