Time..

One gift we don't think about very often is TIME. But think about the new mom that doesn't get much time for a long bath. Or the new home-owner that has a ton of work to do in the newly acquired flowerbeds. A cherished family member you don't get to see much..

The idea of gift-giving is limiting at times.. but what do your best memories of people involve? Was it a gift they gave you? My bet is that it's most likely a time you spent with that person.

I have a few friends that now live in far-off places like, Virginia, New Mexico, Germany, and Florida that all I really ever want from them, or to give them, is time. A cup of coffee, lunch, a long walk.. or a phone call would do it.. and means so much to me where it counts. (In the heart..)

So.. when you're thinking of your Valentine or someone's birthday is approaching.. even if you've found the perfect gift, considering giving your time (and maybe service) to them.. Surprise them with a trip to Starbucks or a walk around the block or a drive across the country for a visit.

Thank You Cards - as a gift

Crazy you say? Have you had a graduation party, wedding or baby shower, or a wedding? If so, you have some idea of how long it can take to properly write out thank you cards.

I am going to skip the etiquette debate for right now - and just say, YES you need to write thank you cards for gifts!!!!!

But one of the nicest, and unique ideas I've seen as part of a shower gift is a set of thank you cards! Hand-made, or unique store-bought ones are fun.

If you are able to find generic cards that still are special enough to give - ie. they don't say "Thank You" - gift them as stationary! These cards can be used for a long time - as notes, sympathy, congratulations, birthday - or any other occasion cards!

Marriage:

Don't overlook the possibilities of buying plain cards and getting a monogram stamp made for the new couple - stamping it on their new cards, and also giving them the stamp!

New Baby:

A similar idea would work for a new baby - use the child's name, and get labels, or order Mommy Cards for the new parents! (Use that site or a variety of other business card options are available.)

Graduation:

Cards or stationary for the college they're going to attend could be a great way to increase your odds of receiving a letter along the way.

THE GIFT CARD

If you think I should put (DREADED) in the title - you are wrong. (And if you think this will be my only post on Gift Cards - think again!)

Gift cards might seem impersonal - but trust me when I say, they can be thoughtful and very personal.

What does it take to know a person's favorite coffee hang out? Or their favorite clothing store? OR where they secretly sneak off to see a movie during the middle of the week?

A single question. But can you answer those questions for your aunt or uncle that lives 300 miles away? Or your grandchild that just went off to college? If so, you have just discovered the easiest way to make their day!

How hard is it to go online to any franchised business web-site and find a gift card? Some stores are even required to ask if you would like to purchase a gift card - specifically during 'gift season'. You can usually find local businesses with gift cards too!

A gift card may not be the only gift you give someone - though it could be - but it is the simplest to mail - short of a check. And it is at least one step more personal than a check! You've had to pick a place you'd think the recipient would like to go!

I can't tell you the number of times I've stood at a major department store and marveled at the options they have for OUTSIDE vendors! Mostly restaurants, but I could spend less than 5 minutes at the little kiosk in the checkout line and have all my holiday 'gift buying' done if I were so inclined.

Or the number of times I've been in a hurry and needed to grab lunch on the go, but being very indecisive and lacking cash. Had I a gift card in my wallet, I would have a decision made AND been able to think of a friend/loved one that gave me the card! I might have even called them as I shared in the meal they provided - or better yet, the coffee they'd paid for!

Think how much more a poor college student wants to eat out instead of the dorm food, or the young couple wants a date, or that Grandma wants to grab a ice cream cone with a friend from water aerobics!

All I'm saying is that next time you hear that your Aunt just had a wonderful meal at Olive Garden, you have your first hint at what to send her for her next birthday. And you'll get points for paying attention!

Until later, here's my wish list for gift cards:
Target: https://www.target.com/c/gift-cards/-/N-5xsxu
Caribou Coffee: https://shared.caribouperks.com/giftcard/
Espresso Royale: http://www.espressoroyale.com/gift-cards.html

Starbucks: https://www.starbucks.com/card
IKEA: http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/service-offer/gift-cards/

For Man's Best Friend!

Well, I wasn't expecting to make my first suggestion for the family dog, however, a friend told me about this item and I couldn't help passing it along!

If for no other reason than it's very catchy name - a great gift idea for your pet-lover, or for your pet, I give you FortiFido™. (http://www.fortifido.com/) That's right, fortified water for your pup!

I think it's a wonderful idea. I have not tested the water to know of it's fortifying qualities for your best friend, but I know as an animal lover, any way to treat the puppy is totally acceptable! And, receiving it would just plaster a smile on any pet-lover's face!

As you can see from the site, there are a 4 varieties for all your doggie's needs.

Plus, the fun paw corser on the site is so fun! Listed on the site are stores that carry this product. My friend came across all for varieties at our local Meijer.

Has anyone tried FortiFido™? I would love to include any results experienced by readers!

Purpose and Plan...

Alright, so this idea came while eating lunch today. I'm great at finding perfect gifts - not always at the most appropriate time, but it happens. Now, I am going to make that talent available to you!

Some of the things I will attempt to offer:

• Entries tagged by person/relationship and tagged by occasion
• Links to suggested online purchases
• Suggestions for places to make 'physical' purchases
• Great gift card ideas
• Ideas on how to do your own brainstorming to discover great gifts

I always welcome feedback - so bring it on! Make some suggestions, ask questions, tell me your specific gifting dilemmas!