Make gift giving easier

I've seen a few threads on this forum about advice for how to choose a gift from what to give to whether you should give a gift card. When it's hard to decide what to do there are so go to items that make giving easier. The best thing though is to start a gift trunk/box/bin with a variety of items that work for male or female recipients that can be given on any occasion.

I usually keep photo frames and albums, journals, and small gadgets that are interesting and useful and I check sales and clearances regularly to stock up on these items. Sometimes you can give someone a really nice gift that might have been out of your budget if it hadn't been on sale just because you bought it at a time you didn't need it.

 

That's it exactly! I have another bin with gift wrapping supplies as well. This is the only way to avoid those last minute mad dashes and you can often find nice things to include in a basket at the dollar store. Even a basket of paper clips, correction fluid, pens, etc., would be a thoughtful gift for a co-worker.

I have a lot of extra basil plants that I have been thinking of giving out as gifts as well. I have also given packets of flower seeds as gifts.

 

Guys are sometimes hard to shop for so if you don't have anything in your gift drawer/box/bin at gift giving time, an easy way to create a gift for a guy is to fill a basket with snacks. Another option would be different kinds of barbecue sauce for guys who like to grill, or a few different beers for guys who like a good brew.

 

If someone you know likes to doodle, you could put an artist gift basket together quite easily with drawing pencils, colored pencils, a small sketch pad or journal and something for inspiration such as a book of art post cards or a biography of their favorite artist. Think of a gift based on something they like, but also with possibly introducing them to something new in mind.

 

The point is not to give someone a box full of bad gifts, but to make giving gifts easier on the giver. If you want something specific as a gift, I suggest you ask for it early on so that the people in your family do not waste their time or their money giving you something you will not receive graciously and gratefully.

 

That's a good practice; even if you aren't able to give someone exactly what they want, sometimes you can come close with a similar item. Where my suggestions would work for you would be if you had a friend or family member with a certain hobby or who liked to collect things, you could use the same techniques to plan ahead for gift giving to those people on your list. That way, you'd make things easier for you and still give them what you knew they would want to have.

 

Thanks, Treighsie! A good way to find stocking stuffer type games and toys for kids for your gift bin is to check out the dollar stores and mail order sites such as Oriental Trading Company. You have to be careful with some of the stuff at the dollar store, but it's a good place to get hair accessories and nail stuff for young girls. I have an aunt who is always driving me nuts looking for a barrette. My goal for Xmas this year is to get an entire bucket's worth of barrettes and give them to her so she has no excuse ever again of not being able to find one.

Oh, and I almost forgot. Another source for games and stuff for kids is a site called AreYouGame.com. If you check the sale section periodically throughout the year you can find good deals on a variety of items. They also have special, er, adult games that could be included in a gift basket for open-minded friends who are getting married.

 

It definitely is good to have those things on hand should you find that you need them. I find it is always easier to give gifts to women or non-personal items to someone who you are presenting with some small token. It's so easy to put together manicure items, little soaps or spa items... I am looking into items now that are suitable for men.