Get Some MAD Gift Giving Skills...and Ideas!

I know, I know...Christmas is over.  But, that doesn't mean gift-giving ends, right?  With 7 kids in both mine and my husbands family...it seems we are giving several gifts every month!  But, I don't mind.  One of my most favorite things to do is give gifts.  I love it!  It's like a challenge for me...to find just the right thing that suits the recipient.  When I know there's a birthday or holiday coming up, I get all giddy inside.  Really, I like it that much.  I imagine I've given plenty of duds...but, I like to think I do pretty good :)

Here are some of my favorite tips & tricks to being a great gift-giver:

People always say, "it's the thought that counts" when they give someone an unthoughtful gift (and they KNOW it!)  I would like to argue that there is NO thought behind that, so it doesn't count.  I would rather receive a sweet card, hug, or phone call than something bought on a whim to satisfy or even worse...something re-gifted!  Because, it's the REAL thought that counts...when you truly want to give or do something for someone because you love them, not because you have to.  And, believe me...the recipient can usually tell which category their gift fell in.

So, first and most important...is to be thoughtful.  Think of the reasons you love that person and how it would be fun to do something special for them.

Once you are in a "thoughtful" frame of mind, consider these ideas:

- Nostalgic Gifts -

Some of my most favorite gifts I have received are ones that take me back to my childhood.  When I was little I used to play with these cute little things called, Nerfuls, with my littlest brother.  We would play for hours.  I'm 30 now, but my cute brother thought it would be fun to find Nerfuls for me.  And, he did...on eBay!  I loved it! It was so thoughtful and brought back memories of the good times we had together.  I obviously don't play with them ("sure, sure"...you say) but I get a kick out of seeing my little kids playing with them.  They make me smile!  Did you ever play with Nerfuls??

Another time, a different brother gave me the boxed collection of Faerie Tale Theatre...we used to watch it all the time as kids so I love owning it now.  So, think of things the recipient may have played with or had as a child.  Maybe certain candies & treats, or books they loved.  You may have to do some research...ask their parents!

- Give things YOU love -

Think about some of your very favorite things...it could be some favorite lip gloss, a favorite kitchen gadget, a favorite plant/flower, a favorite book...etc.  Give that!  I always love receiving things that someone else finds so exciting...it always makes me want to give it a try.  For example, I might give away a CD of my favorite music chickadees, Rosie Thomas...When We Were Small, $14.  Obviously, if you know it's not their style, don't give it to them.  But, if you really think they might like it too, why not?  It's better than guessing on some random thing, at least you know one person who likes it. :)

Or, maybe some Haflinger Slippers, $66.

 (These have great arch support for walking around on hard floors...)

- Theme Gifts -

Theme gifts are always fun to put together...and the possibilities are endless.

Some theme ideas (pick several things from each category...or think of your own):

Gardening - A favorite gardening tool, gardening book, packet of seeds, plant.

Exercise - A gym membership, pedometer, exercise video (Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred), water bottle, itunes gift card, hand weights.

 

Bath/Beauty - Bath salts, oils, favorite makeup, cleansers, face masks, facial gift certificate.

Car/Truck - air fresheners, cleaning cloths & chemicals, Eureka Hand-Held Vacuum (my favorite!), organizers, CDs, treats.

 

Kitchen/Cooking - Cookbook, gadget, towels/hot pads, napkin rings, bowl of fruit, recipes, cooking classes, apron.

Tools - Toolbox & hand tools, cordless drill, book, electric sander, garage organizer.

Relaxation - soft blanket (NAP Queen Blanket), book, peaceful music, bath salts, hot chocolate & mug, slippers.

Writing - Stationary, stamps, nice pens, stickers, personalized address stamp.

Date Night - Movie tickets, restaurant gift card, board game, massage lotion, treats, sparkling cider.

- Keep a secret list -

Keep your eyes and ears open ALL YEAR LONG, not just at Christmas time.  I have a special file saved on my computer where I will jot down gift ideas for different people.  Anytime I hear someone mention something they love or want...or if I just randomly come up with a good idea...I write it down and save it.  Whenever I need a gift idea, I can look it up to see if I have any saved on my computer.  It's really helpful!  I also keep a list of things I have given to people...I would hate to give the same thing twice.  That would seriously ruin my reputation :)

- Awesome Birthday Card Delivery Site -

I've recently stumbled on a super cool web site that makes it SO easy for you to never forget to send out that birthday card.  It's Jack Card's...and this one is way better than the other sites because you enter the dates of important birthdays/events, pick your cards, and it sends the card to YOU already addressed and stamped.  All you have to do is write on it and put it back in the mail.  The service is free...you just pay for your greeting cards/stamps.  Other services that are similar mail the card directly to the recipient...which some people might like, but it's pretty impersonal...having typed wording on it.  Cards need to be hand written, they just do.

Happy giving, isn't it fun!?!  Feel free to share your tips/tricks for gift giving!

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