A Very Merry Un-birthday to You!!!!!

This week is everything about gifts!!!!

A gift you give is a direct reflection of yourself. If you give a tacky gift or give everyone for every occasion (especially women) a basket full of bath/spa stuff that's been pre-shrink wrapped it's not creative. It shows that you have no thought for the person and it's very uninventive. You don't have to go totally elaborate and you don't just have to give a gift on birthdays and during the holiday season. It can be small and meaningful.

DON'T GIVE THIS GIFT UNLESS THE RECIPIENT SAYS "HEY I SAW THIS SPA GIFT BASKET AT WALMART (or wherever) AND I REALLY WANT IT!"

THIS IS UNORIGINAL!!!!!! I FORBID IT!!!!!

There are many reasons to give a gift: 

Here are my top 10 reasons! ( I might think of more later)

1. Birthday (of course)

2. Anniversary (no brainer and this doesn't have to be yours...maybe your parents, best friend, co-worker, marriage, so many years with a company...)

3. Thank you (for something nice someone did for you, helping you move, dinner, doing a great job...this can be for virtually anyone)

4. Hostess gift (bring a great bottle of wine, truffles, dessert such as a pie, fresh cut flowers, home grown vegetables or fruit)

5. Promotion (a bottle of liquor, flowers, a well written note...more to come on that)

6. Thinking of you/ appreciation (my personal favorite...this can anything and or anyone)

7. Good Luck ( this is a little tricky and it depends on why you're saying "good luck")

8. Going away (a funny picture of yourself :-) hee hee,  a city/state/country guide, a disposable camera)

9. Graduation (something inspiring like a book...not a 'survival guide on how to avoid your naked roommate' book, unless they really truly do need a book like that)

10. I'm sorry (if you must give an "I'm sorry" gift...it better be pretty damn good!)

Think of the person you're giving the gift to:

The obvious question....What is the recipient's likes and interests? You wouldn't give a die hard Steelers fan a Cowboys jersey. Think about the person. Are they going on vacation soon? You can NEVER GO WRONG WITH A BOOK!!!!!! or fresh cut flowers from the farmer's market. Get them a city guide and map to wherever they are going. The gift is much more appreciated when you put thought into it. The person can tell.

Next post...How to write the perfect handwritten note to go with your well thought out gift.