Many of you know I embarked on a side business last year. It was The Gifted Giver- your personal shopper for gift giving. Unfortunately, due to our move I have closed up shop. I am sad because it was something that I am passionate about. Below are the gift giving tips I thought I'd share with you from my Facebook page. Enjoy!
This gift was for a special friend who was having a baby. The adorable ribbon was found at Michael's for 50% off and instead of using wrapping paper I used contact paper (without peeling the back off) to line the baby's drawers.
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Gift Giving Tip #2- Think outside the "box". Sometimes the best gifts are experiences that they would usually not provide for them self. Arrange a trip to a museum to see a special exhibit, or a cooking class, or a walking city tour. Instead of just a gift card, make all the arrangements for them. It will take more time but will be well worth it.
Gift Giving Tip #2- Think outside the "box". Sometimes the best gifts are experiences that they would usually not provide for them self. Arrange a trip to a museum to see a special exhibit, or a cooking class, or a walking city tour. Instead of just a gift card, make all the arrangements for them. It will take more time but will be well worth it.
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Gift Giving Tip #3- Avoid last minute gift scrambles by picking up items when you see them. Have a gift "spot" like a closet or a drawer. But try to have someone specific in mind when you buy it and tag it with a post-it note before you tuck it away. You never want your recipient to think you gave them a "generic" gift that you did not pick out especially for them.
Gift Giving Tip #3- Avoid last minute gift scrambles by picking up items when you see them. Have a gift "spot" like a closet or a drawer. But try to have someone specific in mind when you buy it and tag it with a post-it note before you tuck it away. You never want your recipient to think you gave them a "generic" gift that you did not pick out especially for them.
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Gift Giving Tip #4- Although it is tempting, try to have the only "strings" attached be the ones with the bow. Sometimes we are tempted to buy something for our significant other that will benefit us and it results in giving him something to do....garage door opener? A gift is not something that will soon be added to a honey-do list.
Gift Giving Tip #4- Although it is tempting, try to have the only "strings" attached be the ones with the bow. Sometimes we are tempted to buy something for our significant other that will benefit us and it results in giving him something to do....garage door opener? A gift is not something that will soon be added to a honey-do list.
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Gift Giving Tip #5- Be aware when giving gift cards. Some of them, especially bank cards like Visa, may have a fee attached. And you do not pay extra for that fee it comes off the card. For example, you may think you are giving a $20 card but it will only really have $18 on it. Also, steer clear of gift cards that decrease in value when not used in a given amount of time. Read the fine print, as these obstacles are not advertised.
Gift Giving Tip #5- Be aware when giving gift cards. Some of them, especially bank cards like Visa, may have a fee attached. And you do not pay extra for that fee it comes off the card. For example, you may think you are giving a $20 card but it will only really have $18 on it. Also, steer clear of gift cards that decrease in value when not used in a given amount of time. Read the fine print, as these obstacles are not advertised.
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Gift Giving Tip #6- "Bite your tongue"- I really struggle with this one. When someone is opening a gift from you avoid talking altogether. We sometimes want to break the awkward silence by saying something like, " I don't know if you are going to like this or not" or "you can return it if it doesn't work for you." It may be awkward silence but let them cherish the gift opening experience. Do not ruin it with your lack of confidence.
Gift Giving Tip #6- "Bite your tongue"- I really struggle with this one. When someone is opening a gift from you avoid talking altogether. We sometimes want to break the awkward silence by saying something like, " I don't know if you are going to like this or not" or "you can return it if it doesn't work for you." It may be awkward silence but let them cherish the gift opening experience. Do not ruin it with your lack of confidence.
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Gift Giving Tip #7- When choosing a gift for someone how do you decide? Do you choose what you think they should have Do you choose something you'd like to receive? Do you grab whatever is the easiest? There is no easy formula, but getting to know as much as you can about the recipient will ALWAYS pay off! Remember, the gift is about them...not you.
Gift Giving Tip #7- When choosing a gift for someone how do you decide? Do you choose what you think they should have Do you choose something you'd like to receive? Do you grab whatever is the easiest? There is no easy formula, but getting to know as much as you can about the recipient will ALWAYS pay off! Remember, the gift is about them...not you.
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Gift Giving Tip #8- We all try to stretch our dollar, especially when gift giving. To make a bigger impact, without breaking the back, choose three less expensive items to cluster. For example, three $5 items make more of a statement than one $15 item.
Gift Giving Tip #8- We all try to stretch our dollar, especially when gift giving. To make a bigger impact, without breaking the back, choose three less expensive items to cluster. For example, three $5 items make more of a statement than one $15 item.
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Gift Giving Tip #9- When you are invited to someone's home, anytime of the year, it is polite to bring something. Be sensitive to your host. If you bring wine, make sure they drink. Or it may conflict with the meal. Flowers may be inconvenient to put in water while dealing with last minute details. A perfect hostess gift is something that your hostess can tuck away and enjoy at a later moment.
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Gift Giving Tip #10- It's time to be gracious. Writing thank you notes is always a kind gesture. Try never to send a thank you for a gift in an email. A phone call is nice, however a hand written sentiment shows class. Remember to always reference the gift specifically. If it is for money, it is nice to add what you intend to use the money for.
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Gift Giving Tip #11- Start a gift giving list. Use this list throughout the year to reference so you are not giving the same person the same gift. Use the "notes" section in your contact list of your phone or email accounts. If you thought it was the perfect gift this year, chances are you probably will next year too.
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Gift Giving Tip #12- Take advantage of all the sales now to shop for gifts throughout the year. Make sure you have someone in mind and mark it with a sticky note. You don't want that great deal to feel generic to the recipient.
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I hope you enjoy these tips! I LOVE giving gifts and I truly hope those I give them to LOVE getting them!
HAPPY GIFT GIVING!
What are your favorite gift giving tips?
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