| 1. Don't be afraid to ask. | | | | bought and wrapped in August. Instead, if you |
| The best gifts are ones that the recipient really | | | | see something a friend or loved one would like, |
| wanted. To find out what the recipient wants, | | | | snap it up, even if their birthday is five months |
| just ask! Asking doesn't have to mean wholly | | | | away. When their birthday does roll around, what |
| eliminating the "surprise" factor. If the recipient | | | | are the chances you'll stumble across another |
| wants a candle, they won't know which one they | | | | perfect gift? Buy it, tuck it away, and you'll be |
| got until they open it-color, scent, style, etc. Plus, | | | | glad you did. |
| you can always "upgrade" to a fancier or more | | | | 5. Practical really is okay. |
| expensive candle, one the recipient probably | | | | For certain people and under the right |
| wouldn't have splurged on. Finally, you can ask | | | | circumstances, a practical gift is appropriate and |
| people who are close to the recipient for | | | | greatly appreciated. Obviously, no vacuum |
| suggestions. That way, the recipient gets what | | | | cleaners on Valentine's Day. However, newlyweds |
| they want, but it's still a total surprise. | | | | might genuinely appreciate kitchen gadgets as |
| 2. Know the recipient. | | | | gifts. Someone who just bought a new house |
| To get just the right gift, find out as much about | | | | would probably like a set of gardening tools, |
| your recipient as you can. Ask some questions. | | | | especially if they used to live in an apartment. It all |
| You don't have to send over a questionnaire | | | | depends on the recipient and what's going on in |
| (although it's not a bad idea, and some people do | | | | his or her life. But remember, no one wants to |
| this). Find out their favorite and least favorite | | | | find socks and underwear in their stocking. |
| colors, their favorite stores and restaurants, and | | | | 6. Be a super sleuth. |
| their hobbies. Also, keep the recipient's personality | | | | No, that doesn't mean snooping in their medicine |
| and lifestyle in mind. Your hippie aunt probably | | | | cabinet. Besides, what gift-giving ideas could you |
| doesn't want Rush Limbaugh's latest book, and | | | | really get from rash cream or denture cleaner? |
| your 90-year-old grandma might not enjoy tickets | | | | Instead, pay close attention when you're out and |
| to a Metallica concert. | | | | about with the recipient. What items seems to |
| 3. Get organized. | | | | catch their eye? What do they pick up and |
| Write down special occasions and holidays on a | | | | admire? Also, take note of what you see in their |
| calendar, and review the calendar at the beginning | | | | home. How is their home decorated? What colors |
| of each month. True, better late than never, as | | | | do they seem to like? Do you see any clues as |
| they say, but no one likes to feel like their special | | | | to hobbies? |
| day was forgotten. Jot down a list of gift ideas | | | | 7. Give a little something extra. |
| before you go shopping. You'll save time, and | | | | Add a special, personal touch to your gift. For |
| you're less likely to just throw anything in the cart | | | | example, if you give someone a photo album, |
| out after three hours of wandering the store like | | | | include a few of the recipient's favorite pictures or |
| a zombie. Along with the gift ideas, keep some | | | | a gift certificate for 10 free prints. Even giving a |
| information about the recipient handy-Sarah hates | | | | gift that's beautifully wrapped says you went the |
| green, Johnny loves trains, etc. | | | | extra mile. One fun suggestion is to use |
| 4. Buy in advance. | | | | something like the recipient's favorite candy bar in |
| Don't worry. I'm not suggesting you become "that | | | | place of a bow. |
| person," the one whose Christmas gifts are | | | | |