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FIND GIFTS:  for her  |  for him  |  for couples  |  for tots to teens  |  for business associates

Tommy wants some in-line skates, Susan wants a Barbie, Kimi wants a gory book . . . the list goes on and on. So how do you choose a single gift the entire family will enjoy? When choosing gifts for the entire family, base them on a theme: An activity the family enjoys together—camping, hiking, cycling, photography, or the arts; a family project—remodeling the house or landscaping the yard; or a family concern—the environment or education.

gift ideas  (excerpted from Present Perfect)  

See also: group gifts

For a bit of friendly outdoor competition, give lawn games: croquet, badminton, tetherball, lawn billiards, horseshoes, or volleyball. A swing set or sand box would make a fun gift for a family with young children.

If the family enjoys being outdoors, give a gas grill; a colorful wind sock; a patio lantern; wind chimes; a hammock with a pillow and canopy; a porch swing; lawn and patio furniture; a bird feeder or bath; a sundial; or outdoor planters.

For indoor family fun, give a mini table tennis or billiards table, electronic dart game, or game table and chairs.

To thank a family in whose home you've been a guest, give a food basket, board game, or accessory for the family's home entertainment equipment.

Give tickets to a sporting event, concert, or movie of interest to all family members.

Give an ice cream maker with all of the ingredients for homemade ice cream, or a popcorn popper and a gourmet popcorn recipe book.

Outfit a picnic basket with dishes, linens, and flatware for the entire family.

Pay for family membership at a recreation center or swimming pool.

Engage the services of a genealogist or historian to research the family's genealogy or write the family's history.

Give something special for the family pet.

Have color slides, home movies, or family photographs transferred to videocassettes.

Collect as many favorite recipes as possible from family members. Format, copy, bind, and give family cookbooks as gifts to all those that contributed. (Sherri wishes someone in her family had done this. There are still favorites the grandchildren try to duplicate, but, without the original recipes, they have not had much luck.)

Present Perfect: Unforgettable Gifts for Every Occasion is filled with gift ideas for families and everyone else on your gift list. In addition, you get tips on gifting etiquette, shopping, wrapping, special presentations, and much, much more. To order the book, click here.

NEW!  To start shopping for gifts right now, click here.

Have any family gift ideas you'd like to share?