There are plenty of ways to gift wrap these days. In fact the term gift wrap is misleading, there is no actual wrapping involved when you use a little creativity when presenting your gifts. Gift wrap is out and instead Christmas gift bags and gift boxes are the gift wrap of the day.

Sophisticated Simplicity

You might ask whats so great about popping your gift into a bag and presenting it to someone. A look in a display window of any high-end store will show you Christmas gift bags brimming with tissue and dripping with ribbons and even little ornaments. There is something so sophisticated about a properly presented gift bag.

The best way to have someone excited about his or her gift is to trim it properly. A beautifully wrapped gift is titillating the receiver with the promise of whats inside. At Christmas time you will find an array of bags fit for the season. From gift bags with seasonal designs to plain bags that say winter cool elegance, there is a Christmas gift bag for every type of gift.

Simply substituting the strings on your bag with ribbon jazzes up your Christmas gift bag instantly. Tiny baubles and bells you can add yourself or that may already come with the bags help to further enhance any Christmas gift bags. Remember that the appeal of these bags is their sophisticated simplicity built on the basis that less is more. Whats more you can use gift bags as charming centrepieces. A few decorated shiny gift bags are an unusual centrepiece at the dinner table that wont fail to remind everyone of whats waiting under the tree.

Great Time Savers

The most obvious plus of using Christmas gift bags instead of conventional gift wrap is how much time it will save you. With the least amount of effort you can make your gifts look fancy. You can avoid the mess of cutting tape and the hassle of measuring gift wrap by using gift bags for all your gifts. You will be able to finish gift wrapping in less than an hour with the right bags.

You can also make the bags distinctive enough that everyone gets a completely different bag and you wont have to think about gift tags. Cute cartoon gift bags for the kids and simpler one colored bags for the adults are just one way to make sure your gifts dont all look the same. Using Christmas gift bags leave you with time to actually enjoy the holidays.

Rohit Chopra has written several useful articles on topics like Christmas Gift, Christmas Gift Basket, Christmas Gift Idea, Unique Christmas Gift, etc. Get more useful information on Christmas Gift at http://www.wine-gift-basket-kit.com

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Are you looking for a gift for the writer in your life? You may be tired of the boring gifts. You know the deco pen set or the dated looking cloth blank book. No worries; with a little help from a fellow writer (that’s me); you can choose a gift that your loved one will love to keep. Besides all of that they will marvel at how thoughtful you are. To celebrate the writer in your life here’s 7 gift ideas to choose from:

1. eBook Reader
Most writers are avid readers. But like any millennium professional person, they struggle to find the time to fit reading in their schedule. Give them the gift of an ebook reader. The Amazon Kindle was listed as one of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2008. Your writer would enjoy the easy on the eyes electronic reader. Using cell phone technology one can download the books straight from the Amazon Kindle store after purchase. The books are cheaper and in a few minutes you’re reading your favorite business book or novel.

2. Laptop
Any writer would be thrilled to receive their very own laptop. If you are budget conscious, you may get the system one step behind the latest technology to save dollars. Consider getting the platform (Mac or PC) they are already using. Or find out if they desire to switch platforms before getting the new laptop.

3. Laptop case
Aspiring authors who own laptops enjoy a nice case. Try to suit it to your writer friend’s personality. If your loved one is one of those wonderful wacky writers, they would probably enjoy a creative looking case with lots of color. Of course, if their personality is on the conservative side then a more professional black or brown brief case would best fit. Or perhaps, if your loved one is female, she would enjoy a purse looking case.

4. Other mobile computer accessories
If your writer already owns a laptop and case, consider some of the mobile accessories. According to what came with their laptop, you might get them a mobile min-mouse, mobile printer or lap cooling desk. Thinking of mobility, a broadband card would be great. Your writer can be anywhere and connect to the Internet for business or fun without using Hot Spot technology. Some companies like AT&T or Verizon offer the card free with a 2 year contract at $40-$60 per month.

5. Dinner out
Hard working writers enjoy a dinner out at a restaurant they couldn’t usually afford. Expensive is great but you’ll find a little appreciation will work wonders in the aspiring author’s life. So whatever your budget can afford, make it a special meal. If you want to add a personal touch get a bouquet of flowers along with the dinner. For males consider a cookie gift basket, bottle of celebratory wine or champagne.

6. Writer’s survival kit
Create a gift set; or hire a creative person to design a kit with fun pens, pencils, notepads, coffee mug, pencil sharpener, eraser, favorite writing books, journal, novel and chocolate. Or make up your own list; just include both fun stuff and serious things. On the fun side, look for a miniature life raft or rope, oxygen mask. Anyway, you get the idea. Have fun and you can be sure it’ll be fun for your special writer.

7. Writer’s gift basket
On the same note as the writer’s survival kit, design a gift basket. In your gift basket instead of a survival theme go with a pamper theme. Put things that will pamper a writer’s hands and/or body. You can start with hand lotions, manicure gift certificate, bath oils and bubbles along with favorite book. Another idea would be to purchase their favorite novel and build a theme around it. Use the colors from the novel and perhaps some things from the setting of the novel. For example, if the novel is set in another country, use items native to that country.

Don’t let the writer in your life think you don’t appreciate him. Choose one of the gifts above and touch their soul. I’m almost sure they will gush all over you with thanks. No need to tell them where you got the idea. Just enjoy the holidays with family and friends!

Are you ready to receive a gift for YOU the writer or your writer friend? You can get instant access to the Writers Holiday Gift Ideas guide at the http://www.writetowin.org web site From Earma Brown, 14 year author and book writing coach

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Christmas is nearly approaching, carols and bright lights are everywhere. Christmas is the time where the change of atmosphere, the thick chilling air and festive ambiance are being awaited. This celebration is one of the grandest and biggest parties all over the world, where bountiful food, drinks and merry making are enjoyed by everyone. It is the season of love to spend with family and friends, and of course the eminent season of gift giving.

Receiving gifts during Christmas is one of our yearly traditional experiences. Whether you have acknowledged that your old enough to unwrap gift boxes, you’ll still find yourself flashing back to times when you were a little kid, very excited to tear off the wrapped present from Santa. Giving gifts, on the other hand, is another scenario. You may find it easy when buying Christmas presents for your mom, dad, sister, brother and even your closest friends because you obviously know their preferences. But what if your colleagues and bosses at work are included in your who-to-buy gift list? Surprisingly, it is quite daunting and challenging to think of great gifts to give for career-oriented people.

Because giving something wrapped for business people is quite a hard task not only for you but for many gift givers, you might tend to disregard this idea altogether. But then, that would be so pro-grinch of you. After all, your colleagues and bosses are those people who have helped you ease your daily tasks. Your presents for them are a definite means to show concern for your workplace camaraderie and very basic human decency.

When shopping for business items, where the real challenge takes place, you should consider a few factors to lead you to the appropriate gift for them. First, gifts for business people must signify professionalism. Pick items that can function and be used at work. You can think of unique items rather than usual collections of office supplies. Consider personalized office accessories like personalized desk sets, pen holders, business card holders, desk clocks or other decorative business items. Think outside the box, ordinary accessories may also be turned into elegant-looking memorabilia to accentuate his/her office appeal.

Also, your gifts are measurable by the degree of your relationship towards your receiver. Personalized gifts are enough to make a perfect Holiday gift for the most closest colleagues of yours, but not too perfect to cross boundaries for your not-so close officemates. You don’t want to seem like trying to be the center of everyone’s attention or the bosses’ favorite. A personalized mug, pens and business card case are appropriate and can make very simple business gifts.

And for the final touch, be creative, look for business gifts that have charisma. Don’t go with tasteless, dazzling and florid designs, but rather choose something that are simple and elegant to be recognized without seemingly looking too formal as well as inappropriate. Think of items that will ideally suit any business person’s taste like metals, wood and leather. You may consider a leather business card holder or perhaps a silver money clip.

Jnet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics. For more information on christmas gifts, visit the website Mybusinessgifts.com and browse their extensive collection. Get unique desk accessories online!

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With Christmas coming up we all need to start thinking about getting gifts for our loved ones. Well, if you know a fishing enthusiast, then this article should help you choosing a present they will love. Having the right fishing equipment to fall back on brings us anglers a lot of joy.

Many anglers fish from a boat and this might be your main concern at first when you are deciding on a gift. The preferred method is a small row boat with a small outboard motor because a fisherman can actually stand in one of these when he wants to cast. Although it is best to row to the spot where you intend to fish, a small trolling motor is handy for traveling some distances. Big lakes are often best fished with a slightly larger vessel with higher sides as inland waters can also become choppy given half a chance when the weather turns rough. If you have a large budget then these can be great gifts for a fisherman at Christmas.

The right type of footwear is an important part of fishing equipment, especially when you are standing by the side of any lake. What anglers really need is a pair of hip boots because the great thing about these is they can be rolled down when you are not in the water. Many fishermen use hip boots all the time but if you are entering the water a great deal, then hip or chest waders are really better at the job of keeping you dry. These are best purchased so they are a comfortable fit bordering on the loose because tight fitting waders will have more strain placed on the seams and could leak when used for extended periods. Another great gift idea!

Of course you can guarantee if you don’t have a waterproof jacket with you it will rain heavily and these are available in long and short versions generally an an essential piece of fishing equipment. Wading through shallow water or while fishing from a boat would necessarily require a long jacket. Of course the opposite is true if you intend to wade up to your chest level where a shorter jacket is the order of the day. If you wear a jacket with lots of pocket, you find it very useful when you have to put away some lure or other pieces of small fishing equipment. Carry a hat with a visor as staring into the water might hurt your eyes and you need some protection. Jackets can be expensive, but again, any angler would love to receive one as a Christmas gift.

Something, which every angler needs include: the three stashes of lure and tackle box containers and these are for home stockpile, for the boat and the last is for the car. This provides protection against any loss or in the event of any mishap. Getting all your fishing supplies in huge quantities towards the start of the season is a wise idea as this keeps you ready for fishing at night. These types of things are a little lighter on the pocket and may be more suitable if you are buying gifts on a budget.

There is nothing wrong with spending time to obtain the correct fishing equipment if the recipient of your gift takes this pastime or sport seriously. The last thing they want is to be frustrated on a good catch because their equipment lets them down or they just don’t have the right gear to handle the catch with. Just like the boy scouts - they need to be prepared which help you overcome any situation and make the fishing more enjoyable.

Armed with this, try to get good quality fishing gear when you are gift shopping. It will be highly appreciated and there is something to suit every budget!

If you are looking for a cheap Christmas gift then check out the Australian Travel and Living shopping guide at NowGoDo. There’s something for everyone!

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How to read a man’s mind to prevent buying gifts for him you’ll both regret…

Observed in a trendy Mayfair restaurant one Friday lunchtime: a thirty-something man was receiving a series of gifts from a clearly enamoured girlfriend.

Once the gorgeous wrapping came off, there was a boxed DVD set of Band of Brothers, a bottle of aftershave, a pair of Haivaianas flip-flops and some pants (admittedly these were Gucci, but underwear tends to be pants in every sense to most men).

All of which made me certain that however well acquainted she was with the innards of his bathroom cabinet (and if she wasn’t, she clearly wanted to be) the girl was perilously ignorant of his tastes in travel, TV or footwear.

So what should she have done before hoovering the high street in a hurry? Her selection positively screamed, ‘but they were near the door!’

Well, she could have stopped to consider one of the abiding principles of successful shopping for Christmas gifts for men and standing in his shoes (and we’re not talking flip-flops).

Now, I hear your cries of derision from here: all men are hopeless at communicating their desires and are usually hell-bent on pleasing themselves anyway, especially when it comes to buying that just-right single malt or cooler-than-thou cufflink.

Well, you’re wrong. The simplest thing to do when faced with a buying Christmas gifts for men is to follow the advice of business gurus, and think outside the box before considering what to put in it.

For example, men are continually advised to dress not for the job they currently have, but for the one they want. Take heed. Don’t buy gifts for him you already know he’d like (if he bangs on about Seinfeld, chances are he already owns the complete DVD boxed set).

The gift he really wants? Script-editing software for his iBook so he can pursue that comedy-writing dream. Or how about a Silverjet ticket to New York so he can stroll down the same avenue as his hero?

You could also try something that his bachelor kitchen is lacking. Tread carefully though; champagne flutes or shot glasses are likely to go down better as Christmas gifts for men than a chopping board will.

What I’m suggesting is this: rather than trying to match the present to the man you think you know, choose gifts for him that allow him to think you have an idea of who he wants to be.

Finding this out is the fun part. Invite him to spend an imaginary £1,000 on high street fashion (increasingly hard to do, so should flag up around 50 usable suggestions), or list the first five items he’d replace in his flat/bedroom/bathroom/kitchen/sitting room. From these you’ll soon establish his pecking order of priorities.

It’s tempting at this stage to indulge in a little personal retail therapy of your own, and finesse your findings until they match, by and large, your own tastes. Don’t, as nothing barks, ‘Your dismal flat totally needed a vase’ with a gift that says everything about you and very little about them.

My final piece of advice? Don’t say it with flowers. Ever.

Deputy editor of GQ Bill Prince is a member of the expert panel of style journalists and trendsetters who vet and select gifts for The Handpicked Collection, a website and catalogue featuring a selection of unique gifts for him.

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Christmas is a time of celebration a time for families, a time for friends and, most importantly, a time for fun. Perhaps it’s the holidays from work, or even the thought of opening up all those Christmas gifts that somehow brings out the child in us, and the older we get, it would seem, the more immature we can become.

For those of you who can still remember the anticipation of waiting for Santa Clause on Christmas Eve, and the fun of tearing off the wrapping paper on those Christmas gifts on Christmas morning, then you might believe that Christmas no longer has that same level of excitement, and if this is the case, then you’re simply not trying hard enough! With a little bit of careful thought and consideration to what you buy your friends and family, it is possible to recreate that feeling of Christmas joy with some fabulous Christmas gifts.

The trick to buying good Christmas gifts for people is to really get an understanding of what they like, what they don’t like, what they’re good at, and what they’re hopeless at.

If your partner has a passion for something other than yourself, or if your parents are partial to a particular past time, then why not indulge them and look for those Christmas Gifts that will have a practical use as well as making them smile. If you know someone who enjoys cooking for example, then why not treat them to their own herb garden gift box this Christmas? Ideal for the kitchen window sill or garden pot, these Christmas gifts are great for those budding gardeners too. Or what about a Mini Putting Practice gift for those golfing enthusiasts?

Sometimes Christmas can be a great excuse to have a little bit of fun with those people in our lives who perhaps need reminding of a little bad habit such as struggling to wake up quickly in the mornings. The ‘Clocky Clock Alarm Clock’ is a great Christmas gift for those reluctant teenagers, particularly for Christmas morning, and it runs away from sleepy people to ensure that they are more than wide awake when they go to switch it off. Or what about those members of the family who are a little bit accident prone? There is a wide selection of designer Plasters such as the ‘Art School Collection’ or the ‘Crime Scene Bandages’, which can make great stocking fillers for any member of the family.

Sometimes buying Christmas gifts for people can be a great excuse just to be naughty and for those who are less sentimental about the religious connotations of Christmas, (or who want to buy a cheeky gift for those who are!) then Christmas gifts don’t get much cheekier than ‘The Good Book flask in a book’: a hip flask secretly hidden inside a bible.

Christmas can be a great time of year to come across those everyday items that may at first glance look peculiar, but once you have them you wonder how you ever managed without them. These Christmas gifts can be ideal stocking fillers, or simply just fun presents for the whole family to enjoy. Try out the Robocup Egg Cup and you’ll understand.

No matter how well you know someone, occasionally there are just those moments when you a draw a blank when it comes to thinking of what Christmas gifts they might want or need. What do you get for the person who has it all? If you’re lucky enough to be best friends with a millionaire for example, then how do you ensure that you get them something that they will remember? The simple answer is to buy them nothing literally. Believe it or not, it’s finally here the Christmas gift of ‘Nothing’ in the form of a small ball that doesyou guessed itnothing at all. The Three Wise Men might have had something to say about this, but at least Santa won’t have to carry very much.

If it’s the thrill of opening up the presents that excites you most about Christmas then what do you do later on the day when everything has been unwrapped and the Christmas dinner has become a messy pile of washing up? Make sure that the fun keeps on going with a series of party games that everyone can join in with. Remember not to take this too seriously however with all the drink around and spirits high it might be easy to find things getting a bit heated, but with the right person in control, a series of challenges and games can bring everyone together. Try the Christmas Game Tin for a bit of variety, or maybe even design your own Monopoly game to make sure there are no fights about who gets Mayfair and Park Lane. Both make for real fun and original Christmas gifts for your loved ones.

To explore our range of christmas gifts further, please visit our website at http://www.gettingpersonal.co.uk.

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It’s almost that time again Christmas is right around the corner. The holidays always seem to sneak up on us and leave us with no money to buy gifts. If you’re a college student you most likely have a tight budget and find it hard to pay for Christmas presents. Christmas presents are something everyone dreads buying because we know that it’s going to burn a large hole in our pocket. Although Christmas shopping can be very expensive, it doesn’t have to be. There are many gift ideas that can help save us money on Christmas presents. If you have a tight budget this year and you’re looking for cheaper Christmas present ideas continue to read below.

Food arrangements – Food arrangements are a great Christmas present. If you’re going to a friend or relatives house bring a place to pass along. Making their favorite dinners or desserts is something that means a lot to a person. Just taking the time to get a plate ready for them means more than enough. This is a great present to give that is very inexpensive.

Pictures – Pictures say a million words and also make another great gift. If you’re looking for a gift to give to your family member or friend keep in mind pictures. You can set up your favorite pictures and put them in a very nice picture frame for cheap. Consider this idea and
another small gift and you’ll be all set.

Fun hobbies into gifts – Do you have a fun hobby that you like to do? If so think if you can make it into a gift. There are people that like to scrapbook, make jewelry or even hunt. You can turn your hobbies into great gifts. With those examples you can make someone a scrapbook, pieces of jewelry or even gift wrap meat that you’ve come across due to hunting.

Clothing – Everyone loves new clothes and can always use them. Clothing is a great gift because we will buy an item that someone will be happy with and we can usually get it for cheap. Store often have huge sales around Christmas time and you can get their favorite clothing for maybe even 50% off! Definitely consider this item. If someone has been watching for a certain item to go on sale, get them that piece of clothing and you’ll be guaranteed to give a great present.

Stockings – Stockings can hold the best presents. Get together some of their favorite items and put them in a stocking. For example you can give their favorite candy, their favorite knick knacks, and lower priced gift cards. These can make the best gifts because you put what that certain person likes in the stocking instead of a general present everyone can use.

There are many affordable gift ideas that college students can use for Christmas presents. Consider some of these ideas and see how you can save a lot of money on Christmas presents this year. Another great thing to keep in mind is to consider what they like, or like to do and apply it to them.

Start building your credit today with a student credit card, where you can also find more of Tom’s work.

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Holiday toys should be just as safe as they are fun. Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the perfect present.

It really is better to give than to receive. The holidays are that one time of year when everyone seems to go the extra mile to get that perfect gift especially for all the little ones in their lives. You’ve got to admit that watching a child get that present they’ve been waiting for is more fun for you! But while you’re in the middle of your gift-buying craze, here are a few safety tips that will keep mom and dad’s mind at ease.

Okay, so I know what you’re thinking, I don’t have time to do a little homework! I just want something under the tree. Just a few minutes on the web can save you hours in the returns line. This kind of research is focused on safety. Many stores are not up to date with the latest safety information on toys. In fact, I recently read an article about a woman that purchased a toy that had been recalled that she purchased at a local toy store. You can avoid this by checking out www.cpsc.gov. This website announces all of the most current recalls and can help you shop smart.

Let’s be honest, silence really is golden unless it’s the wonderful sound of kids laughing. Most people want to avoid toys that make a lot of noise; but did you know that there’s actually a good reason to avoid them? Certain toys that make sounds are not regulated and are actually loud enough to cause hearing damage to young children. Kids tend to put their ear next the speakers on these toys, and that can simply be too close. A good rule of thumb: if it hurts your ears, leave it at the store.

We see so many labels on products that it becomes “white noise” and it’s easy to glance over a safety label or ignore it completely. But they’re there for a reason! Before you get in line or press the place order button, take a closer look at the age recommendation. Many people argue that their child is advanced and can handle the more sophisticated toys, but when dealing with a child’s safety you are better safe than sorry. Small parts are a disaster in waiting and we all know that kids tend to place things in their mouth. Marbles, magnets, and other tiny pieces must be kept away from young children regardless of their intelligence level.

Last but not least is a comment on cleaning up. It’s Christmas morning, mom and dad have their coffee in hand and watch the kids open boxes like 49’ers going after a gold strike. Soon you’re surrounded by a sea of wrapping paper and empty boxes. Take a few minutes to clear the area, this won’t just help your house looking nicer; it will help keep your kids safe. The fact that the toy is safe doesn’t mean that the packaging is too. There are so many little plastic pieces and zip ties in that empty box that can be become a safety hazard in the wrong hands or swallowed by a family pet.

So now you have a list that you can check twice before your shopping adventure begins. Keeping these tips in mind and taking a little extra time before you hit the buy button will make the joy of the season cheerful and less stressful.

Alycia Shapiro is a mom and a toy store owner. She has filled her store at http://www.sensoryedge.com with fabulous educational toys and kids furniture that have made SensoryEdge a popular destination for parents, teachers and therapists. If you’re looking for a great gift,

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Friendship on a Shoe-String Budget

When Christmas rolls around the corner, stores offer BIG discounts. This year, the discounts are much welcome after the surge of rising prices. Your December wedding is timed perfectly and the last shopping chores won’t use up the remaining budget. You can indulge your groomsmen with cheap groomsmen gifts that won’t embarrass you or them.

After all, they’re your alter egos and your valets-cum-ushers. They’ll stand beside you and make sure you are fit as fiddle and looking your best from head to toe on your wedding day. Since it’s a Christmas wedding, you’ll have to double your effort to make your groomsmen gifts worth all their trouble.

It depends on your idea of cheap. Perhaps you are looking for gifts under $100, $50 or under $20. The discount in force will lop off a few dollars from the original amount thus your under $100 gifts for your groomsmen will be cheaper ad infinitum.

Before you cringe at the thought of dispensing cheap groomsmen gifts, take a look at this list:

– Colibre lighters
– high polish chrome Zippo lighters
– authentic Swiss Army Knives
– designer card cases
– money clips
– genuine leather money clips
– 8 oz. leather flask

There is nothing cheap sounding about these discounted gifts and these look great too. Your $100 can buy four Zippo lighters, or 7 shiny money clips.

Personalized Cheap Groomsmen Gifts

Cheap these may be but when cheap groomsmen gifts are engraved with the name of the recipient to go with the date of your wedding and your and your bride’s names the gifts become special. The engraved Swiss Army knife is no longer a so-so item, it’s a personalized gift meant for the recipient alone.

You can have your cheap groomsmen gifts from list earlier mentioned engraved. Each designer card case, money clips, leather money clip, flask, and lighter assumes its own identity and becomes a cherished memento from your wedding.

But if you only have a groomsman to think of, perhaps there is no excuse to be a cheapskate. Lavish him with a leather envelope portfolio. Made of genuine leather this portfolio can contain his stack of documents and sample projects completed. For $85 you can boost his efforts to bag contracts and job opportunities. Consider this one of those cheap groomsmen gifts that will go a long way.

Engraving fee is minimal but be sure to order the items three days before the big day if you are shopping online because engraving takes one more business day. Normally orders are shipped the next business day so keep tabs of the dates.

Go the Extra Mile Just This Once

Before the wedding festivities winds up to a close, treat your friends to a hearty home-cooked meal at home. They’ll love it after all the fancy food and booze. It will be nice for a change to lounge comfortably around the fire and talk of the good old days. When you present your cheap groomsmen gifts, they won’t think of the word cheap but of the nice time they had with you during your wedding and the Christmas break.

Looking for quality but cheap groomsmen gifts? You’ll find the traditional stuff - engraved flasks and the immortal Zippo Lighter at ExecutiveGiftShoppe.com

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If you have older relatives and friends and you just don’t know what to give them, don’t despair… you are not alone! Many seniors have made or are in the midst of life changes, downsizing to smaller living quarters or perhaps have moved to a retirement, assisted living or skilled nursing facility. As a result, most seniors do not want to receive more “things”. Their adult children and friends are faced with a tough question of what to get someone who is trying to “unclutter” at this stage.

There are countless gift giving suggestions that will be appreciated. Instead of giving traditional gifts like a necktie or another doodad to dust – try giving creative, easily consumed gifts or services, to make their lives easier. Use your knowledge about the person to tailor gifts that will be helpful to them. Telephone cards, transportation tickets, coupon books for discount services or a donation to their favorite charity are appreciated. For those with health challenges such as poor eyesight or hearing, arthritis or other physical limitations, there are myriad items that will be welcomed. Gifts such as amplified big button telephones, talking room thermometers, voice activated light switches and specially adapted utensils with large grip handles are helpful suggestions. Personalized memory books, a framed picture of a loved one or themed gift baskets designed with the senior’s special interests in mind are hits! Subscriptions for magazine, large print novels, decks of cards and a stash of favored snacks are sure pleasers. With so many seniors striving to maintain their health, the “gift of health” goes a long way. Pampering services, such as a certificate for a manicure, massage or facial are surely welcomed. Keep in mind that Santa may be a distant memory, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t experience pleasure in unwrapping a gift!

For seniors living in assisted living or nursing homes, the holidays can be a depressing, lonely time. They may have memories of better times in their past, especially for those who have lost a spouse, have family members afar or are estranged from their families. Bring an old photograph album to refresh memories from long ago. Importantly, while visiting “mom” don’t forget her roommate or neighbors. Perhaps “adopt” a senior, to help ease their “holiday blues”. These individuals not only need recognition and a friendly visitor, but can always use personal care items or small pleasures and a friendly visit. Be prepared to listen, listen and listen!

Invite your senior to a holiday gathering, so that they still feel that they are a vital part of a celebration. Offer to bring wrapping paper and lend a hand in shopping for them to buy the holidays gifts they may have in mind. Most importantly, remember the caregivers and staff at senior communities, faithfully caring for your aging loved one. They deserve to be applauded for the hard work that they do!

High on the wish list for many seniors is something that can’t be bought in a store, the one thing their families may find in short supply – time. Plan ahead, make the time, involve the senior and above all don’t let their limitations interfere with an enjoyable visit!

Accent on Seniors, A FREE State Licensed Senior Living Referral Service, providing personalized information about senior living throughout California. Call 888-954-6637 to obtain a detailed listing of places for your loved ones and friend or go onto the website at www.AccentOnSeniors.com.

Copyright © 2008, Accent on Seniors Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form or by any means, including electronic or mechanical is not permitted.

Lori Solomon is President & Founder of Accent on Seniors, a CA State licensed FREE referral placement & info service. She has over 25 years of experience serving the senior community. With a Masters in Health Administration and CA Certification as a Residential Care Facility Administrator, Lori has served on a prestigious list of industry boards. http://www.accentonseniors.com.

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