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

Some gift givers maintain that giving gift certificates ensures the recipient will get exactly what he wants. Some gift recipients maintain that giving gift certificates is an easy way out on the part of the giver. Like everything else, the success of giving gift certificates seems to depend on the circumstances.

gift ideas  (excerpted from Present Perfect)  

Most businesses and service providers offer gift certificates. Treat someone to his or her favorite dining, recreational, shopping, or educational experience, or introduce a friend to a new restaurant, store, or amusement. Gift certificates are available for the following

• Dinner at her favorite restaurant
• A hair styling, manicure, pedicure, or facial at a salon
• A color consultation or wardrobe analysis
• Art, music, dance, or voice lessons
• Tennis, karate, or swim lessons
• Long-distance phone calls
• Movie tickets and concessions
• A pair of tickets to a sporting event, a concert, or the theater
• An all-expenses-paid weekend getaway, vacation, or honeymoon
• A tuition-paid adult education class
• A tree, shrub, or lawn ornament from a garden center
• A hot-air balloon ride
• Car detailing
• A massage
• Catering service or party planning
• Limousine service
• House cleaning or yard care
• Membership at a pool, spa, gym, or country club

Purchasing holiday gift certificates from the recipient's favorite department store, specialty shop, or mail-order catalog allows him to take advantage of after-holiday sales.

Books of discount coupons, such as those sold for school fundraisers, are fun gifts for people that like to shop, travel, or dine out.

Present Perfect: Unforgettable Gifts for Every Occasion is filled with ideas for gift certificates and many other creative gifts. 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 gift certificate ideas you'd like to share?