What to Buy Them for Christmas - A Simplified Approach
Got something you didn't want last Christmas? Or the Christmas
before that? Well, you're not the only one. They got stuff they
didn't want either. "They" are your gift-recipients, the ones
you gave a stale fruitcake or a can-opener or that tacky
multi-colored Christmas-themed sweater to. The same fruitcake
and sweater that someone, most likely, gave you.
You hated it didn't you? So why pass it on? Probably because you
just didn't know what to get them. In today's fast-paced world,
we hardly have time - or take time - to listen to what our
family and friends really want.
Or we half-listen and think we're on to something. Your wife
complains the microwave is on the fritz all year. But do you
think she wants to find a kitchen appliance under the tree? And
really, does your husband need yet another color-coordinated
shirt and tie?
So what's a clueless gift-giver to do?
First, tune in. Listen to what your loved ones say they want,
they wish for, they'd like to have someday.
Second, understand gender differences. Men and women don't
generally desire the same types of gifts. Most women like
jewelry, for example, but only some men wear jewelry, many do
not. Not everyone is the same, of course, so make sure you know
the taste and style of the person you're buying the gift for.
Third, don't confuse personal gifts with business gifts. A man
shouldn't give a ring or "eau de sexy nights" cologne to his
female colleague. She's bound to take it the wrong way.
Finally, if all else fails, just follow this simple gift-giving
guide:
For her: Women want to feel pretty, no matter how old we get. My
70+ year-old mother still slathers on scented lotion and dusting
powder after a bath. Bath and body oils or a spa basket, which
can include fragrant soaps, lotion and bath gels are always a
good choice. Or buy her one of her favorite fragrances. Many
come in gift sets, coupled with scented lotion or soap. And
please, don't forget the jewelry!
For him: Men like their toys, whether it's a powerful stereo
system or a new Ferrari. Of course, if neither is in your budget
you can always get him a high-tech gift such as a handheld
computer from Palm, Casio and other companies. Is he a golfer or
into fitness? A new golf shirt or gloves, even personalized golf
balls make great gifts or stocking-stuffers. Men like personal
gifts too, but know your man. Would he prefer a new watch, to a
gold chain or bottle of cologne?
For kids: Children change so rapidly from year to year, that
it's often hard to know what will hold their interest and keep
them challenged. Make sure the gift is age appropriate so he or
she can play with it now. A pre-schooler will get much more use
out of an activity center than an older child's toy like Merlin.
Give them different types of toys so they have a variety of
activities to choose from. In other words, don't give them all
dolls or all trucks. Add some educational games to the mix. And
buy what the child likes. If he prefers a train set to racing
cars, the train set will get used.
For mom and dad: You can pretty much follow the For her/For him
suggestions. But, depending on how old they are, you may have to
age-up a little. An older woman would probably prefer a more
traditional fragrance like Chanel No. 5 or Halston to Harley
Davidson's Destiny. A string of pearls or a pretty brooch are
always nice. If dad's a golfer, a fisherman or enjoys some other
activity, find an item he can use or something related that's
fun.
For friends and others: If you're close to the person, gifts can
be more personal: bath sets, clothing or accessories, a piece of
jewelry. Give a business associate an organizer or a small
travel case. Or you can give anyone a more generic present like
a gourmet gift basket that may include candy, fruit, nuts or
other food items. This kind of gift makes a lovely addition to
any home.
And, it sure beats that stale fruitcake!
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