Simple Birthday Gift Advice
In light of the fact that yesterday was my birthday (Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me), I thought I would write today about the tricky party tradition of birthday gifts. The most important thing to remember when shopping for or making a birthday present is the personality of the person who'll be receiving the gift. I've gotten some great gifts in my life, but I've also gotten some pretty horrible ones, and the best way to make sure your gift is always remembered as a great idea or gesture is to make sure it's in keeping with the birthday person's tastes or interests.
The worst gift I've ever gotten: a lamp that had clearly been spending its days in a friend of mine's attic before being chosen as a last minute present for my 30th birthday. It was old, dirty and chipped and it only worked half of the time. The best present I've ever received: a scrapbook my mother made documenting the traveling my family did when I was growing up. It didn't cost much to make, but it's still my favorite present because it's a perfect way to look back on my family's years in Europe without having to lug out boxes of old photos.
Now I'm not suggesting that everyone run out and make scrapbooks; a scrapbook probably wouldn't be appropriate for a work colleague's birthday. But the message remains the same. The best birthday gifts you can give are ones that, even when small or inexpensive, let the recipient know you were thinking of them and didn't simply reach into your In Case of Emergency gift closet. That said, don't kill yourself hunting for the perfect gift. Just keep your friend, family member or colleague in mind when shopping, and you'll choose the right thing.
Enjoy Planning.
Punchbowl
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