Avoiding bathroom scales and other gift disasters!
Sure-fire, gift-giving tips…
1. Make a Budget – and stick to it.
Budgets not only save you from the after-holiday hangover of too much debt it inspires creativity! Think “I want to find the nicest thing I can find for $13.” Online shoppers know that gifts ideas are already segmented into dollar amounts.
2. No bathroom scales. Think of more thoughtful gifts. Anything too personal should be avoided when shopping for someone outside your inner circle of family and friends. When it comes to women CAREFULLY consider any appliances AND UNLESS asked for NO weight loss gift certificates or cellulite spa treatments. For men, steer clear of anything cutesy like sexy underwear, or anything like an “I love you” balloon with candy.
3. Gift cards are a cop-out. However some exceptions: gift cards to restaurant dinner and movies. Think about the person. If someone’s really into coffee, you can get them a small gift certificate. Something that’s thoughtful and doesn’t appear cheap. Cheap is anything that seems like an afterthought.
4. To re-gift or not to re-gift. It is tempting to give a gift that you received and have no need for but think twice – will the recipient really appreciate this item or are you just looking to dump it off on someone else?
5. “BUT I DON’T have a gift for you.” What to do you do when someone gives you a gift but you find yourself empty-handed? Remember there’s nothing that says you have to give a gift in return. Kindly thank your gift-giver. And don’t stumble all over yourself!
And remember your Mom was right – send a thank you card!
1 response so far ↓
Louisa // December 29, 2007 at 12:58 am
I could not agree anymore…..Create a budget-evoke creativity…..My girlfriends and I set a theme each year. This year it was a homemade theme…Couldn’t cost more than $15 and had to be made from scratch. Next year we decided to donate $15 to a charity of choice in the name of each of our friends. I feel so proud of this!