never
say you're sorry
Don't apologize when
presenting a gift. Saying, "I wanted to get you something
else," or "You probably won't like it," only puts the
recipient in an awkward position. If you've done your homework, your
gift should be pleasing to the recipient. When presenting your gift,
simply say, "I hope you like it."
that's
puzzling
To add suspense to
your gift presentation, buy—or make—a puzzle depicting the gift. The
recipient discovers what the gift is by putting together the puzzle.
get
a clue
To build suspense,
leave clues about a forthcoming gift for the recipient to find during
the days or weeks preceding the giving of the gift.
hint,
hint
Put hints about his
present inside several balloons. Give the balloons—or have them
delivered—one at a time at regular intervals throughout the day.
coming
sooner or later
Compose a poem,
song, or riddle about a gift that will be delivered at a later date.
a
shadow of things to come
To announce a
forthcoming gift, give a miniature toy, ceramic, sculpture, bracelet
charm, or trinket relating to the gift.
how
embarrassing
Giving highly
personal, very extravagant, or off-colored gifts in the presence of
others might put the recipient in an uncomfortable spot.
hide-and-seek
"Our family has
a tradition of hiding gifts for the birthday person to find."—Tiffani W.
at
the appointed hour
Was he born at 2:00
a.m.? Then wake him at 2:00 a.m. with an enthusiastic, "Happy
birthday," and give him his presents to open.
same
time, next year
Take her to the
place you were married or honeymooned to present her with a special
anniversary gift.
beary
special
Dress a Teddy bear
in boating apparel to deliver with a gift certificate to a boater, in
workout garb to deliver with a gift of spa membership, in ski clothes to
deliver with lift passes, or in a chef's hat and apron to deliver with a
gift certificate for dinner at an exclusive restaurant. Or convey your
sentiments with a personalized Bear Gram from the Vermont Teddy Bear
Company. Phone: 800/282-3131. Internet: www.vtbear.com.
give
her the axe
A young man recently
told us he planned to give an ice axe to his wife for their first
wedding anniversary. He confessed it wasn't a conventional romantic
gift, but she loved rock climbing and the ice axe was something she
really wanted. He was pleased with our suggestion to simply attach a
note that read, "Let's climb together to new heights."
gifts
to go
There are many ways
to creatively present a gift of travel:
-
Record details of travel arrangements on a cassette
tape—perhaps with music and fanfare.
-
Give an atlas, travel brochures, or maps along with
details of arrangements you've made for transportation, accommodations,
and restaurants.
-
Give a basket of food specialties from the region or
country the recipient will visit.
-
Give airline tickets with foreign language tapes or a book
of phrases.
-
"Pack" a travel itinerary in a piece of luggage.
-
Attach a note to a toy airplane, boat, or train.
cashing
in
Take time to think
of clever and memorable ways to present gifts of money. It's possible
that the presentation might be remembered long after the cash is spent.
pleasant
little surprises
Tuck a small present
or note in one of the following:
good
things come in small packages
Tuck a small present
or note in one of the following:
-
Her handbag
-
Her pillow case
-
Her jewelry box
-
Her gym bag
-
A dinner napkin
when
more is better
It's always fun to
get a lot of a little something you really like. Turn the ordinary into
the extraordinary by giving in excess. Fill a basket, jar, tin, box, or
another container with any of the following: golf balls or tees, fishing
lures, napkin rings, candles, rolls of film, dollar bills or coins,
movie tickets, romance novels, garden seeds, gourmet pasta, scented bath
soaps, favorite candy, embroidery floss, or nail polish. For young
children, try any of these: personalized pencils, hair ribbons,
miniature toy cars, balloons, trading cards, fun straws, marbles, wacky
shoe laces, or markers.
Want
to see where you can find
additional
ideas for special gift presentations?
Have
any special gift presentation
ideas
you'd like to share?