Plan ahead!
Keep a list of dates, birthdays, Occasions, anniversaries, etc.

the “ARTICLES” page

When in doubt, choose gifts that they will actually use. Practical items are usually better than novelty

Purchase a great gift when you find it, even if the occasion is months away

Gifts do not have to be expensive to be appreciated. Gifts that show your time and effort are just as special as expensive ones. Remember,  its the thought that counts, surprise them with your thoughtfulness.

People will order  a gift as close to the occasion as possible. Nowadays, this is very risky (late deliveries, missed deliveries, out of stock etc.).

Bouquet of flowers

Keepsake Picture frame - frame photos, invites, dried flowers from the bouquets

hallmark.com

Personalized/Handmade cards

Themed gift basket

Gift Giving For Strangers
By Crystal Thurman

It has happened to us all. There is a Christmas Party, or a new
family in the neighborhood, or maybe we meet our signifigant
other's family for the first time. You know you should bring a
gift, but what do you bring for someone you know nothing or
very little about? You don't want to risk emberassing yourself
with a gift that is to bland, yet you don't know the
recipient's likes or dislikes. This article describes my
thinking process when I am put in this situation. Hopefully,
the tips presented here will help you as well!

Occassion is always a factor in gift giving. If it is the
Holiday season, then you should be able to find gift sets of
everything from fruit and wine, to cologne and bath products.
However you should know the recipient to some degree before
presenting this type of gift. What if the stranger doesn't
drink alcohol or is alergic to a certain frangrance?

No matter what the reason for giving a gift is or who the
recipient is, we are all able to put
ourselves in the position of another person to some degree.
Even if we don't know very much about 
the person, we do know a few things. Let's identify them. 

1. This person is either male or female.

2. We know where we met or will meet this person. 

3. This person is recieving a gift from us. 

Now, we can put ourselves in there shoes for a few minutes.
Let's assume that I am buying a gift for a lady that just moved
into my neighborhood. I know that I am a female that will
recieve a gift from a neighbor I have never met, most likely in
my doorway. Now I know that I need a gift 
that is a comfortable size to carry and hold while in a
doorway. I need a gift that is not
overly specific. I need a gift that would appeal to me if I had
been under the stress of a new
move. 

Now let's brainstorm using what we know.

1. An assortment of coffees, teas, and hot chocolates covers a
wide variety of tastes. It would
be easily handled while standing in a doorway. It communicates
to the recipient that I know she has been working very hard and could use a break.

2. An address book and pen set would be usefull to anyone
moving into a new neighborhood. It is 
also light enough not to be a hinderence. I could throw in a
list of local restraunts that deliver 
to add a personal touch and remove the need for her to cook a
meal! 

3. A gift assortment of candles would help my recipient set up
for a much needed night of relaxation. Again it is easily
handled in the doorway. After the excitement of moving in
settles down, they would be a nice decorative addition in her
new home. 

This technique can be used under almost any circumstance. If
you are put in these types of 
situations often you will get to practice this skill and become
a master. Why not start now 
and buy for casual aquantances for no particular reason. Then
you will be ready when the pressure 
is on, and you might even make a lasting friendship!

About the Author: Crystal Thurman owns the Distinctive Charm
website, specializing in gifts, decorations, and more. Visit
Distinctive Charm at www.distinctive-charm.com

Source: www.isnare.com