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