My Favorite Gifts

As a nationally known gift giving expert, I’ve learned a lot about the art of gift-giving. Also, as a mom, wife, friend and more, I’ve been the grateful recipient of many wonderful gifts which have delighted me. Recently, my husband gifted me a fabulous camera for my birthday. He heard me mention that I wanted a good camera when I complimented a friend’s photography. He spent endless hours searching for the right match and saved the receipt just in case it was not. The love and time he put into this gift touched me greatly.

The best part of the gift was the time he spent making sure I know how to “actually” use the camera. The time shared teaching someone how to enjoy your gift you give is often what completes a gift and makes it totally enjoyable. Your involvement and attention to the gift takes it to a more purposeful level. The same concept applies when you give a child a toy. Teach him or her to use it, play together and the toy will take on an extended life and shared memories.

Next time you give a gift, consider what could accompany it to transform the experience and ease the learning curve. Give your teaching support when giving anything that requires batteries, lengthy instructions, technology and more. If you aren’t up to the task, find a savvy sales person who you or your gift recipient can visit after the gift is given for additional support just in case.

Save the salesperson’s business card and include it with your gift. When in doubt, the expert can be included right inside your gift!

The Secret To Gift Giving To Men

Guys are very particular when it comes to gifts. Some want a surprise and others loathe them. You’ll find the men in your life to be either or! Determine if the guys in your life, a son, husband, a friend, your mate, has a preference when it comes to gifts. Is a foodie? Is he a sportsman? Is he a wine lover? Get the scoop on his favorite foods and things to do. Discover if he prefers an experience together gift like tickets for you both to a favorite rock concert or is his ideal gift a sporting event or round of golf?

Some guys like functional gifts like gadgets that perform amazing tasks easily and save time. Whatever the choice, be in the know before you go shopping. The last thing a guy wants is something he does not need. And even worse, if he has to return it and actually enter a shopping mall, that clearly might be his least favorite thing to do on earth.

Next time you gift a guy, play it safe and ask a lot of questions. Find out his favorite things and least favorite ones, too. You’ll score big and earn brownie points if you get it right. Happy shopping!

How To Be A Gifted Giver! Shop, Look And Listen!

One of the talents to being a gifted giver is to master the art of observing what another person loves. Not just his or her likes, but what they truly love. Good listeners make great gifters!

To begin gift giving with a bang, listen up and notice what she says out loud! What is her favorite food? What makes him laugh? What makes her feel super special? Sometimes it’s as simple as surprise car wash at his favorite spot or noticing that her favorite fruit is back in season. What makes the gift count is when you gift your attention. Paying attention, not just spending money is key. Gift your recipients likes. Not just a material gift, but the reflection of their wants, preferences and desires. That makes someone feel loved, cherished and appreciated.

Next time you want to gift the perfect present, instead of going shopping, shop, look and listen first! Be all ears and you are certain to gift and receive an earful of thanks.