The Gift of Giving
During the early part of December 1999, my wallet was facing a literal avalanche of gift giving occasions. Mrs. Teply was graduating from college, her birthday is shortly into the New Year, our first anniversary was just after Christmas, and then there was Christmas. For each and everyone a substantial financial layout was needed. (This is a problem for someone whose wallet is stamped MADE IN ETHIOPIA.)
I ended up approaching Melissa and striking a deal. I would get her one very impressive gift to cover the entire gamut. Of course, small tokens would be expected on each specific day but the major gifts would be satisfied.
Her selection was an antique fold out secretary with bookshelves and a glass-faced door.
When the year 2000 began coming to a close, I found myself in a nearly identical situation. She wasn’t graduating from college but our anniversary, her birthday, and Christmas still cast shadows over my checkbook. ( This isn’t good news for a checkbook that has WARNING: DISPLAY PURPOSES ONLY – ENLARGED TO SHOW TEXTURE.)
The deal was renewed and each year I blow our budget on one special gift. With one shot, I need to get it right each time. To help insure success, I’ve created a few rules for gift giving…
Point #1- There’s nothing wrong with asking someone what they want.
Why not? Don’t you want to get them something they really desire? How many times have we seen children tear through 20 toys at Christmas, and wind up playing all day with just 2? You know, the ones they asked for.
People (at least in my family) are starting to catch on to this. Do you what to get them what they really what? Is it a mystery? Then ask!
Point #2- Be careful about clothing or decorative items.
Most people are somewhat peculiar about their appearance and some are strict about what goes in their homes. You’re taking a risk if you buy that vase that the other person may or may not like. If they have to hide it in the guest bedroom closet when you’re not around only to drag it out when you show up, it wasn’t a gift it was an extra chore!
The expensive shirt you bought will sit in a closet until it goes out of style then sold at a garage sale for a fraction of what you paid for it. (I’ll bet this has happened 349,956,458,939 times.)
Point #3- As far as gifts go, Quality beats Quantity.
If you’re sure they want it, don’t be afraid to spend the extra money to buy someone a gift that has genuine value. This principal is of the greatest relevance to those most precious people in your lives…typically moms and spouses.
Did she ask for earrings? Make sure their real gemstones with gold backings. Those plastic pink hoops you’re looking at won’t go over very well. Trust me.
Point #4- When all else fails, make sure the gift is practical.
If you cannot think of anything you know they want, then get them something you know they will use. Most people think along these lines when shopping for their guy and no doubt he will appreciate something useful. But it is something he’ll really enjoy or is excited about?
(Grandmas have been doing something like this for years. Twelve grandsons means filling the shopping cart with twenty-four packages of new underwear. I think of both of them each and every time I put on a pair. Thanks grandma!)
Bonus Point #5- For crying out loud! Wrap the stupid thing!
I don’t know where these silly “gift bags” came from, but one thing is for certain. Unwrapping a gift is a heck of a lot more fun than pulling it from a tissue stuffed bag!
September 29th, 2008 at 9:19 am
I am a little suprised you didnt mention the old rule “if you dont know what to get your spouse or loved one, tham get them an xbox.”
September 30th, 2008 at 8:33 am
i agree 100%. Part of the fun in gift-giving is wrapping them, and part of the fun in receiving gifts is tearing into them.
September 30th, 2008 at 9:36 am
i have 29 pairs of underwear thank you grandma k
October 1st, 2008 at 11:35 am
The BVD’s are still impressive!!!:)
You have normally hit the spot on those gifts!!!! I am wearing the diamonds in my ears as we speak!!!