How do you go about shopping for a gift for someone?
Now that Christmas is past, at least the present presenting part of it, I've been introspecting the way gifts are chosen. Do I buy what I like or what I think the recipient will like? I fear it is the former. But if I like something, really love it, how could the recipient not share my feelings? I like to cook so I don't understand the rule about not buying your wife an electric appliance for Christmas. But many women consider the gift of a kitchen tool a demeaning way of stereotypical branding. On the other hand, men don't turn up their noses at shop tools. The only problem there is that men are so specific about what they want and we females are so clueless when it comes to hardware.
Children are easy, only because they have a list. And they like everything except clothes. Why don't adults have lists? A letter to Santa would work too. It is nice to be surprised but shocked is not a good thing. When did we stop writing to Santa? Did he fail to come through a year or two in a row or did we stop believing?
Giving a book is risky, too personal. It's like taking their intellectual level and gifting based on IQ. Clothing is a minefield; too small is upsetting, too big is insulting. Jewelry is expensive unless you go costume. Would they be okay with that? Food, like baskets, is too corporate. Smelly stuff is good if you know their signature scent but I wouldn't presume to choose for someone else.
I read somewhere to think about what that person always gives you.and follow their lead. Odds are they've been gifting what they like to you so if you stay in that range they're sure to like it. It's true. Dear Sister always likes jewelry and always gifts jewelry. The only risk is that they, too, are trying to buy based on your personality and not their own.
A good combination is a small item to unwrap and an appropriate gift card so they can buy what they want. Consumer Reports doesn't like gift cards. Says it is better to just give the cash. But the gift card kiosk is so colorful and full of promise, so tempting. And a gift card is a gift. It can't be used to pay the electric bill, buy groceries or finance ones bail, no matter how essential those needs might be. Just be a little discerning. Don't buy Aunt Ethel a card to Sports Authority or your vegan grandchild a McDonald's card.
Finally, keep in mind that it's the thought that counts. And if the choice was really off the wall there is always re-gifting! But that's a whole other post.
BTW, I haven't abandoned the subject of this blog, rTSA. Just taking a break from thinking too much and relishing the holiday atmosphere.
Now that Christmas is past, at least the present presenting part of it, I've been introspecting the way gifts are chosen. Do I buy what I like or what I think the recipient will like? I fear it is the former. But if I like something, really love it, how could the recipient not share my feelings? I like to cook so I don't understand the rule about not buying your wife an electric appliance for Christmas. But many women consider the gift of a kitchen tool a demeaning way of stereotypical branding. On the other hand, men don't turn up their noses at shop tools. The only problem there is that men are so specific about what they want and we females are so clueless when it comes to hardware.
Children are easy, only because they have a list. And they like everything except clothes. Why don't adults have lists? A letter to Santa would work too. It is nice to be surprised but shocked is not a good thing. When did we stop writing to Santa? Did he fail to come through a year or two in a row or did we stop believing?
Giving a book is risky, too personal. It's like taking their intellectual level and gifting based on IQ. Clothing is a minefield; too small is upsetting, too big is insulting. Jewelry is expensive unless you go costume. Would they be okay with that? Food, like baskets, is too corporate. Smelly stuff is good if you know their signature scent but I wouldn't presume to choose for someone else.
I read somewhere to think about what that person always gives you.and follow their lead. Odds are they've been gifting what they like to you so if you stay in that range they're sure to like it. It's true. Dear Sister always likes jewelry and always gifts jewelry. The only risk is that they, too, are trying to buy based on your personality and not their own.
A good combination is a small item to unwrap and an appropriate gift card so they can buy what they want. Consumer Reports doesn't like gift cards. Says it is better to just give the cash. But the gift card kiosk is so colorful and full of promise, so tempting. And a gift card is a gift. It can't be used to pay the electric bill, buy groceries or finance ones bail, no matter how essential those needs might be. Just be a little discerning. Don't buy Aunt Ethel a card to Sports Authority or your vegan grandchild a McDonald's card.
Finally, keep in mind that it's the thought that counts. And if the choice was really off the wall there is always re-gifting! But that's a whole other post.
BTW, I haven't abandoned the subject of this blog, rTSA. Just taking a break from thinking too much and relishing the holiday atmosphere.
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