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The holiday season is here. Despite the current economic situation, now is the time to start thinking about what you will be giving your friends and family members.
You should always consider of the receiver when shopping for a gift. Ask yourself, "How close am I to this person?" The answer to this question will help you decide how much you would like to spend and what type of gift would be appropriate. For instance, it may be appropriate to give your co-worker a gift certificate to her favorite coffee shop, but your mother would probably appreciate something else — something a little more personal perhaps.
Once you've set a budget and determined the formalness of the gift, think of the receiver's likes and dislikes. If you're not sure, simply start paying a little more attention than usual. For example, if you notice that your brother-in-law travels quite frequently, then you might want to buy him some new travel accessories. Or, if you realize that your sister has a huge sweet tooth, you might want to pay for her membership to the Gourmet Chocolate of the Month club. Even if you only recognize the person's pet peeves through your observations, you at least know what not to get, which can help you narrow down your options.
Sometimes people are hard to read or you just don't have the time to read them. If this happens, think neutral. Neutral gifts are safe gifts. They are gifts that people are used to receiving during the holidays, like fruit baskets, wine and cheese baskets and other types of gourmet gift baskets. You may think giving gift baskets is rather boring, but although not unique, gift baskets are rather enjoyable because they hold a variety of delicious treats that the entire family can share.
Remember, when it comes to gift giving, it is the thought that counts. Therefore, even though your budget may be slimmer this year, you will still be able to find many incredible gifts if you take the time to think.
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