Gift Giving

My favorite part about this time in my life (bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, birthdays) are that for each event there is always a chance to gift something to someone very special to me.  I love giving way more than receiving.  Many of my friends have heard me say that I hate the pressure of opening presents in front of people.  Don't get me wrong...getting presents is pretty cool, especially when it's that thing you really want but wouldn't buy for yourself!

Source: Have2HaveIt

It isn't a surprise when I say that Emily Giffin is my favorite author.  I've mentioned it on here before that I follow her through facebook and other social outlets.  The other day she was a guest blogger over at Tres Sugar.

Here's a shot of Emily Giffin at her recent birthday party in NYC.

She created a list of 5 gifting tips and they happen to be ones that I live by too.

Enjoy!

Here are five specific gifting tips: 

1. Buy in advance — or at least take notes. How many times have we found the perfect card months before our cousin’s birthday? Or heard our best friend muse in a department store that she really “needs” to spice up her underwear drawer? Seize these moments and either buy in advance, allocating a drawer or shelf in your home for the collection, or record the idea in a “gift” notebook. An extreme example: I recently bought a darling Sweet Sixteen card for my Goddaughter who is only seven — but I know I will be grateful to have it in 2020!  (I happen to have Christmas presents for all of my sisters already in West Virginia.)

2. Gifts aren’t just for birthdays. I have two friends who always gift me upon the publication of my novels. An engraved bookmark, a bouquet of fresh flowers, or a sweet token that coordinates with my book jacket art, e.g. a tiny bootie for Baby Proof with a 2006 penny inside (the year that book was released). I cherish these gifts and love the generous spirit in which they are given. So go ahead and celebrate your friend’s new home, job, or car (or help ease the blow of a bad break-up). She will never forget the gesture. (This is so easy now with ordering things online, you don't have to be in the same state as someone to have gifts sent!)

3. Try to avoid the generic candle or bath product and choose something that reflects your friend’s personal style. Having a gift monogrammed or personalized will show you thought of her way in advance of her day. And if you simply can’t resist the candle-bath product route — be sure to pick the perfect scent or color. (While I do agree with this one, I must say that I do love the candle-bath product route because they are things that I love, but often don't justify buying.)

4. On a tight budget? Think homemade. I received two CD mixes this year — and absolutely love both. After all, few things can capture the essence of a relationship like a collection of handpicked tunes. If you want a homemade twist but aren’t creative yourself, check out etsy.com. Who wouldn’t love a one-of-a-kind picture frame with the perfect photograph, capturing a favorite memory, inside? (Like the hanger I got from my sister for my bridal shower - so thoughtful...you can see it here.)

5. Presentation matters. Make it extra special with beautiful wrapping paper and coordinating raffia (PaperSource is my favorite), complete with a special handwritten note in a fun color (I heart teal or violet LePens and lime green extra fine Sharpies).(Here's my recent attempt at cute wrapping for Susie's baby shower.  They are big UNC fans and I'm sure they'll be passing that love along to their baby boy so I added a UNC blanket on the top!)