Finding Holiday Gifts That Say Something Special

Sometimes it seems the stress of holiday shopping can turn the spirit of giving into anything but holiday joy.

According to a recent Staples State of Holiday Gift-Giving Survey, half of all holiday shoppers who responded said purchasing gifts had become boring, and a whopping 87 percent anticipated receiving a traditional or expected present. But when a little extra thought is put into the effort, gift giving can still be both fun and memorable.

“It’s important to remember that gifts are an expression of the bond between two people or two sets of loved ones,” says Amy Myers, associate vice president of marketing for Things Remembered. “Before shopping, take a little time to think about your loved one’s interests and personality and what you want to say through your gift. Tailoring a gift to the recipient’s hobbies, and personalizing it with a special message, ensures it’ll be remembered long after the holidays end.”

This holiday season the experts at Things Remembered suggest keeping these helpful tips in tow when setting off on your quest for the perfect gift:

*Do your homework. Jot down ideas throughout the year when friends and family mention something that caught their attention.

*Prepare a budget. It is okay to stray a little from your estimate, but if you splurge on everyone, you will quickly find yourself in a hole.

*If you are participating in a gift exchange, make sure you adhere to the spending limit. It will keep everyone happy in the end.

*Take a gift list with you. It is a great way to keep track of for whom and what you are shopping.

*Think about the recipient’s hobbies and personality. For example, the football fan might enjoy a sports money clip that unfolds to reveal the winners of every Super Bowl. For a mom who loves showing off her family, try a decorative family tree or one of the new family tree lockets, each of which has spaces for multiple photos.

*Make the gift personal with a special engraving, and do not just stop at names. Add a special memory, a favorite line from a movie or poem, or an inspirational quote. Do not be shy about turning to others for ideas, either. Family members and mutual friends may help spark memories or better details that can lead to an engraving that will really put the perfect touch on any gift.

*When personalizing or engraving gifts, double check spelling. Write down names before you leave the house, and call to verify spellings if you are unsure.

*Do not forget presentation. How you present the gift is as much a reflection as the gift itself. Many retailers offer decorative boxes, bows, and cards to help your gifts stand out.

*Keep gifts a surprise by having them shipped to work or to a friend’s house. If you send a gift to your office, make sure to first clear the delivery with your boss.

*Keep receipts. Not only will this help you keep track of how much you spent, saving receipts ensures you can return a gift if something better catches your eye or if the recipient needs to make a switch.

“Above all, remember the spirit of the season and take pleasure in giving gifts. It’s the thought and the personalization — what you say to the recipient — that makes your gift memorable,” added Ms Myers.