| Christmas is coming! That means it's time to think | | | | 2. Computer Software Games: Especially great for |
| about presents, and that means shopping. Did I hear | | | | kids! Especially if it's fun and educational at the same |
| you moan? Maybe you don't like to shop? Or you | | | | time. |
| never seem to pick the right gift? Whatever the | | | | 3. Spa Day: Both men & women like this. It's a great |
| reason, shopping for this Christmas can be enjoyable | | | | relaxer for the person with a stressful life. And today, |
| for you and everyone you buy for. You just need a | | | | that applies to almost everyone. |
| few helpful tips. | | | | 4. Pedicure: Great gift for seniors who can no longer |
| Over the years, I have learned two things about | | | | take of this themselves, for expectant or new moms, |
| shopping for someone. 1) Pay attention to the person's | | | | and most women in general. |
| taste and style, and 2) Buy them what they like instead | | | | 5. Hair Salon: This can be given for both men & |
| of what I like. | | | | women because most salons today are unisex. |
| Be observant and listen to what people say, such as "I | | | | 6. Golf: Always a great gift idea for the avid golfer. |
| really like stuff like that," "I keep looking for that book | | | | Most golfing places have gift shops as well as online |
| but I still haven't found it," "I love that color," "I wish I had | | | | buying for your convenience. And sometimes, the |
| - - - - ." | | | | online shops have gift ideas that you can only buy |
| You can also ask them what they want. I do this a lot | | | | online. |
| because many times they want something that is very | | | | 7. Hobbies: If the person has a hobby that they spend |
| inexpensive, yet I would never have thought about | | | | a lot of time on, find out what they would like that they |
| something so simple. Ex: A dear friend of mine had a | | | | can use with that hobby. Maybe something that they |
| birthday coming up and I asked her to give me a few | | | | haven't had time to buy. |
| ideas on some things that she would like and could | | | | 8. Seniors: This group may have many needs that you |
| use. She thought for a while then said, "I would like to | | | | would not think of ordinarily. Seniors on fixed incomes |
| have a journal. I was reading this article a couple days | | | | could use their electric bill paid for, medicine paid for, |
| ago about the importance of keeping a journal and I | | | | groceries delivered and paid for, new sleepwear, |
| decided that I would like to do that. A journal. That's | | | | handrails for the bath or around the home, a walker to |
| what I want." I bought her that journal and a new one | | | | help them get around, a scooter chair to help them get |
| each year for the last five years where she records | | | | out of the house and run their errands on their own. |
| all the family happenings for her children, grandchildren | | | | 9. Ask: One of the best suggestions I can give you is |
| and great grandchildren. | | | | "Ask Them What They Need." Tell them that you |
| Age is an important factor because different ages | | | | would like to buy them something that they would like |
| have different interests and needs. A twenty year old | | | | and could use, and you would like to have several |
| has a different life style and interests than a 60 year | | | | suggestions to choose from. Your thoughtfulness will |
| old. A 40 year old, different still. | | | | be appreciated and they won't mind. |
| Let's take a look at a few ideas. | | | | Shopping for someone isn't really hard, it's just takes |
| 1. Gift Certificates: Don't moan or ignore these. If you're | | | | paying attention and listening to what they're saying. If |
| buying for someone who loves to shop - like me - | | | | you follow these simple guidelines you will make your |
| they may love a gift certificate, especially from a place | | | | gift recipients very happy and thankful for you |
| that's new yet carries the type of merchandise that | | | | kindness and attention to their likes and needs. |
| they love. | | | | |