Happy holidays! Are you ready for the 2006 holiday season? It’s never too early to begin your Christmas/Chanukah/Kwanza gift giving strategy. Whichever holiday you celebrate finding the perfect gift is key. Our gift giving strategies can give you the edge you need for your holiday shopping.
Gift giving should be exciting. All too often, however, the joyful glee associated with gifting is hampered by the all-too-real struggle of finding the “perfect gift”. Beginning your search can be difficult. We offer a few helpful tips for gift giving this holiday season.
1. Appeal to the Senses:
Choose one or have fun exciting multiple senses. The more senses titillated by the gift, the more enjoyable the gift giving. For example, gift baskets containing aromatic bath and body products automatically awaken three senses.
a. Scent – The sense of smell can trigger your mouth to water, your skin to tingle, or your mind to release relaxing hormones. Centuries-old Aromatherapy remains quite popular the world over. Scent can be alluring, sensual, reminiscent, or invigorating. A pleasant scent is a sure fit.
b. Taste –Food defines holidays as much as any Christmas tree. Our sense of taste influences products we love such as French Vanilla candles, very berry lotions, and cream milk baths.
However, today’s dieting trends can make food giving a no-no. Consider bath and body gift sets, scented candles and other guilt-free indulgences flavored like baked goods and other luxurious treats.
c. Touch – From infancy touch has been an incredible influence. Why neglect a primal indulgence? Consider gifts with pleasing textures such as suede wallets, plush stuffed animals, satin pillows, and creamy lotions.
d. Sight - Vibrant colors, sharp textures, striking contrasts all enhance the sense of sight. Choose gifts such as an Oriental blue and white vase, red and silver Christmas ornaments, or a silver watch contrasting black dial.
e. Hearing – Sounds have a considerable affect on moods and energy. Soft gurgling water, as in a decorative water fountain, is often calming. A beautiful wall clock softly ticking can be as soothing as counting sheep. Approach this gift idea as a way to unwind, with the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
2. Be Unique, Not Uniform: Whether purchasing a watch, a candleholder, or a child’s toy make your gift unique. Anyone can run to a Super Center or Mega Mart with oodles of identical items. Buying online increases exclusivity. No more worrying whether someone at your holiday party purchased the same gift set as you.
3. Personalize It – Add your own flair. Gift wrapping your perfect gift completes the tradition. Add a bow, a ribbon, or tissue to the gift making it aesthetically pleasing. Finally, attach a card or sweetly stated note. Adding a note is especially helpful when you cannot hand deliver your gift. Make it personal and that’ll make it the perfect gift.
Most importantly, remember gift buying should be pleasurable. If the task becomes too daunting it can dampen the spirit of the giver and lead to a tepid gift. Decide what you like, which senses you want to please, and where you like to purchase from and go for it! Just don’t forget the bow or a little indicator card, you do want your recipient to know who’s gone through all the trouble of finding that perfect gift this holiday season!
