How do you ensure your gift won't be returned, re-gifted or tucked and tagged for the next big garage sale? Canada's etiquette ladies suggest the following:
Think before you buy
Always think about the recipient. What does he/she do for fun? Do they collect something? Do they have a favourite author? What about a favourite restaurant? A favourite flower? Try to remember a recent conversation or interaction with that person and recall what they talked about or what they were wearing to get a hint of what they might like.
Avoid buying what you think they should want or should use, as these gifts usually end up being more for the gift buyer than for the recipient. Once you have the type of gift in mind, choose something that fits the theme -- and your budget.
Indulge a little
One approach to gift-giving is to always buy something the recipient wouldn't buy for themselves; some small luxury or indulgence or guilty pleasure. If your sister loves perfume but would never consider buying the good stuff, buy her some. If Dad loves gardening but thinks it's crazy to spend $30 on gloves, buy him the really good ones. Give your girlfriend the $23 lipstick she always lingers over before she buys the $3.99 lip gloss.
Think of the gifts as a treat, something special. Even if you can only buy three Godiva chocolates or a small quantity of any luxury, wrap it beautifully, add a thoughtful note and make a big deal out of it.
Gifts you can't wrap
For parents and others who have possibly experienced several years of thoughtless gifts, and probably do have most everything material they would need, consider giving experiential gifts.
If your mother has always wanted to go to Egypt but it's way too expensive, partner with your siblings and book her into an Egyptian-themed suite at a local hotel for the weekend, or maybe the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas. If your dad loves to golf but can't walk the course anymore, take him to play a round at the golf simulator. Give Uncle Joe the skydiving lessons he's always wanted. Maybe your friend would like a cleaning lady for the day so she can spend her birthday lying in the sun. Maybe little cousin Jenny would enjoy the magazine subscription that means 12 little mailbox surprises instead of one. Or, how about finally fixing the eaves troughs and painting the shed (like you've been promising for six years) while Mom and Dad are away.
Gift cards
When you think about it, the options are usually endless. Another great idea is the new SHOP! Card from Cadillac Fairview. It's a gift card that allows the recipient to buy whatever they want from any of the stores in Cadillac Fairview malls Canada-wide. A gift card, a day shopping at the mall and a little lunch. What could be better?
Good luck and happy gift-giving!
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