Listen, Listen, Listen

Now that the holidays have passed, we can move on from the massive commercialization of which Christmas gifts to purchase for those in our lives, and focus on the more individualized occasions...i.e. birthdays, anniversaries, bridal showers, baby showers, mother's day, father's day, or just because.

Those who know me would say that I have a "gift" in knowing what to buy people for these special occasions and wonder what's the secret...  In this my first entry I'll let you all know what the secret to purchasing the most thoughtful gift ever is...LISTENING.  

Step 1 to finding the perfect gift begins long before the occasion actually presents itself!  Odds are that the people in your life are constantly letting you know what the perfect gift would be in every day conversations.  The key is to LISTEN to what exactly it is, keep a mental note and when the opportunity presents itself you'll be ready to give a gift which will bring tears to the individual's eyes.  

I'll begin with a personal example.  Let's say there's a woman in your life who love's to cook and on occasion has mentioned that she's been trying all of these new recipes and has no where to keep them.  Next thing you know its her birthday...now is the time to think back to all of those conversations you've had about her cooking and the recipes....what would you get her?

How about personalized recipe cards.  There are several online vendors for you to place such an order, such as www.finestationery.com/shop/more/recipe-cards.html where a set of 50 personalized cards can go for anywhere from $20 - $35, depending on design chosen.  Another great site for recipe cards with an even more unique flair is www.poseprints.com/personalized-recipe-cards.html where not only can you create your own personalized recipe cards, but on this site you can actually upload a picture of your gift recipient and a custom caricature of your recipient is created and printed onto a personalized recipe card with whatever text and/or background you choose starting at $2.00 per card.  Other great sites include www.personalcreations.com, www.homemarketplace.resultspage.com/homeware/PersonlizedRecipeCard, www.smilebox.com/recipe-cards and www.pinpubstudio.com/recipecards.html.   Care to take it a step further, you could also order a personalized recipe box from www.treetobox.com/page/recipeboxes.  Another great add for the recipient that would allow her to not only keep her memories but the memories of other family members to pass on for generations to come would be a family recipe scrapbook.   You can find recipe scrapbook kits on www.target.com,  www.affordablescrapbookshop.com, www.tolesupplies.com/product_info.php?products_id=3336 or www.ritzcamera.com/product/EP46147911.htm.

Remember, it all began with listening.  There's no need for you to scour the stores or rack your brain for the perfect gift.  A simple gesture goes a long way and it all begin with LISTENING.

This is only one installment of many yet to come where I hope to share many tips and ideas that will assist you in buying the perfect gift for anyone and everyone.  Also, if you're seeking a more personal gift idea, feel free to post your questions and I will happily provide suggestions for your personal circumstances.  Stay tuned.