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HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL
GIFT-GIVER
Ok folks, you probably wouldn't be on this page if you weren't clueless as to what to get as a gift for that impossible person on your list. It might be someone at work (especially the boss), or it might be a parent, sibling, friend, kid, or just a person with no discernable interests that you can decipher. As a gift-giver of more years than I care to admit to, I've learned a few things, and I have had more than my share of pretty decent success stories. Therefore, I have a few suggestions about gift giving that might just get you over the hump and make you look like you halfway gave some thought to it on your next gift-giving occasion. First and foremost, gift-giving is a creative art form. Just as you will get critiques on any other creative endeavor, you will get critiques on your gift-giving, so it's in your best interests to do it well. You usually know in advance that special occasions are coming (Christmas and Valentine's Day don't just magically appear one day) so make a practice of giving a little thought to what might be needed beforehand and you'll save yourself a headache later. This is pretty simple advice that very few actually follow, resulting in mediocre gift-giving that could have been done much better. Take note of what other people are interested in all year long, and gift ideas will present themselves. My greatest successes have been in identifying things people need but don't know they need, or didn't know existed at all. Again, and I can't emphasize this enough - pay attention to the people around you. If you have a co-worker who runs to the office TV or radio every time a storm comes, something weather-related would be a good gift, such as a desktop weather radio or a some other weather-related gizmo. If you have a computer geek on your list, the possibilities are endless. There are so many upgrades you can do - better keyboard, better monitor, booster for wireless, specialized software, web cam, etc. Women are generally pretty easy - just pay attention and an opportunity will present itself. Maybe some high end make-up, something for the house, or a blender to make margaritas at the end of the day. If you know someone who loves gardening, give them something that will make the task easier, like seed starting kits, a box full of new seed varieties, or an assortment of gardening tools. If they have a water garden, get them some fish or pond plants. If you know a sports fan, anything that would enhance the sports experience is a good gift. People who like to read absolutely love the new Kindles and tablets, and online e-book store gift certificates are great follow-up gifts too. If you know someone who travels a lot, something that would make travel easier or more enjoyable would make a good gift. So you get the drift - pay attention and gift-giving opportunities will present themselves. Often, these opportunities just come out of the blue. I was at a friend's house a while back helping with a little project, and he had a dinosaur of an electric drill that was just awful to use. I gave him a new cordless variable speed drill for Christmas. He needed it but didn't know he needed it because he already had a drill that he thought was adequate. That's the type of thing to look for - find a need and fill it and you will become a gift-giving legend in your own time! Within these pages, I have included many reputable vendors with awesome stuff in various categories, so peruse at your leisure, and I wish you success in all your gift-giving endeavors!
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