| For some of us, we were born to shop and we have | | | | Clothing: Same rule applies for men as for women. |
| a true knack for always buying the right gift. Then | | | | Know his size and his style. Now some of you are |
| there are the rest of us. Everyone has those people | | | | reading this and saying but I don't like what he wears. |
| on the list who are just 'impossible.' But are they really? | | | | This is not the time to reform him. If you don't like what |
| First of all you have to have a list. The biggest way to | | | | he wears then don't buy him clothing for the holidays |
| overspend is to not have a list of recipients and a | | | | OR buy him a gift certificate for a personal shopper |
| budget before you hit the pavement. To get you | | | | that he can use in any manner he wants. |
| thinking about gift ideas, here are a few rules of the | | | | Gift Certificates: For men, you need to be specific. |
| road for that special someone in your life.For Her: | | | | Many women don't mind shopping but most men do. |
| | | | Gift certificates to internet vendors that he frequents |
| Do not buy her something practical unless she has | | | | are good. Mall gift certificates are not. And again, |
| specifically asked for it. However, if she did, make sure | | | | follow the simple rules for packaging the gift certificate. |
| you know exactly what she wants. A blender is not a | | | | Don't use the plain white or store envelope. |
| blender is not a blender. | | | | And now the big one: Sports/Hobby equipment or |
| Clothing: You can go sooo wrong with this. Be careful. | | | | Electronics. If you are going to buy your guy something |
| Know her size and know her style. | | | | to accentuate his hobbies or activities then make sure |
| Gift Certificates: While this is an easy fix to a big | | | | that is what it actually does. If he is a sports enthusiast |
| problem, it can scream I don't know what else to buy | | | | then he most likely has brands or styles of equipment |
| you. | | | | that he prefers. Talk to his sports buddies or check out |
| | | | sports experts online before buying him something he |
| Do not buy a gift certificate to the mall or department | | | | doesn't want or need. Use the same philosophy when |
| store. | | | | buying electronics. Research what is best for his |
| Use the same philosophy with gift certificates as with | | | | needs and buy the best you can afford in your price |
| gifts. Know the person's style. If she loves DIY, then try | | | | range. If you know he wants a specific product and it |
| a gift certificate for lessons (pottery class, art lessons, | | | | is out of your budget, do not buy second best. Choose |
| even DIY home improvement if she is in to that). If she | | | | another idea. |
| needs to relax and unwind, gift certificates to a spa | | | | For the one who has it all: |
| are a great idea. Now, you have the gift certificate and | | | | The BusyB Herself will tell you that you have to work |
| you put a lot of thought into so don't blow it on the | | | | pretty hard to find her someone who truly has it all and |
| packaging. A plain white or store envelope is not the | | | | for whom she can't find a creative gift. However, if |
| way to go. Package it with a product from the store | | | | you have someone who does not need nor want, try |
| (i.e. aromatherapy if doing the spa idea) or her favorite | | | | something different. There are a multitude of charitable |
| wine, chocolates, etc. | | | | organizations out there who do want and need. Think |
| | | | about his/her passions. For example: if he/she is really |
| Remember that just because it is a gift certificate, | | | | into animals then make a donation to the local shelter |
| does not mean it should not be treated like any other | | | | on his/her behalf and then package it with the donation |
| gift. | | | | letter as well as something from the organization or a |
| And here is the big one: Buy what she likes not what | | | | magazine/book on the subject.Happy Shopping! |
| you like! | | | | Remember, if you can't do it, don't want to do it or |
| For Him: | | | | don't think you are going to get it right, call in a personal |
| | | | shopper.Indra A Books, author of this and many other |
| Practical works for men but only if it is something he | | | | lifestyle articles, is the owner and founder of ON THE |
| wants, not something you think he should have to do a | | | | GO 4 U, Personal Shoppers & Concierge Service in |
| chore on the "to do" list. | | | | the Washington DC metropolitan area. |