A Great Gift!

It can be nerve-wracking trying to find the perfect gift for the wide range of gift-giving occasions that we are faced with each year. Finding a gift that the person will like, enjoy and use takes a bit of forward thinking and an understanding of their personality and life circumstances.

First, consider the personality and lifestyle of the person you are buying for. Male or female, old or young?  Are they athletic or couch potatoes? Foodies or health nuts? What are their hobbies or interests? Once you’ve got a good analysis of the person you’re getting the gift for, the process will be much easier.

Second, get the inside scoop! Talk to a friend or relative who knows the person well.  Once you have a little information, narrow it down to the hobby or interest you know the most about.

Third, don’t just ‘hear’ but listen. If you spend any time at all talking to this person, tune in for phrases like, “Wouldn’t it be nice to have…” or “Aren’t those…a great idea?” or even “I am so tired of this old…”. With clues like these, it’s often possible to get somebody something they hadn’t yet fully realized they needed.

Fourth, go shopping with the person, take notice to what he or she naturally gravitates toward. This is also a good time to listen for commentary on a person’s likes and dislikes.

Finally, Ask! Find out whether they have a registry or wish list, or simply inquire what they’d like. Your gift won’t be original, or a big surprise, but it will not be the one that gathers dust afterward, either!

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