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Sunday, November 18, 2007
Gift Guide
The Citizen. Auburn, New York
Celebrating, spending time
with family and friends, and
gift-giving all are part of the
holiday season. However,
many people also experience
the stress of finding just the
right gifts. This is especially
true for those inevitably hard-
to-buy-for people, like daily
service providers or co-work-
ers, a new significant other we
really want to impress, even
old friends and loved ones who
seem to already have every-
thing they could possibly want.
For those who find them-
selves in this gift-giving dilem-
ma, consider these ideas for
your recipients:
* Daily Service Providers
It's almost always appropri-
ate to tip the mail carrier,
babysitter or maintenance per-
son during the holidays to
show your appreciation. But,
you also could consider per-
sonalizing your gratitude by
giving homemade gifts such as
your famous chocolate chip
cookies or other mouth-water-
ing treats. Put them in a pretty
package that can be reused
such as a decorative tin or
golden wicker basket and
include a personalized note in
a holiday card.
*A New Love
For that special someone
you've only been dating for a
few months, create a cus-
tomized, themed basket to
show you care. For movie
lovers, fill a basket with their
favorite classic plus a newly
released DVD, gift cards to the
local theater or nearby video
store, a popular or favorite
movie soundtrack, a poster, fla-
vored popcorn bags and their
favorite candy. Playing detec-
tive to find out that special
someone's favorite things will
not only help create a great
gift, but also is the perfect
opportunity to get to know
them a little better.
* Friendly Faces Around
the Workplace
Between the boss, col-
leagues and administrative
professionals, gifts for co-
workers are always perplexing.
Gift cards are good presents
for a variety of people because
they are widely applicable, like
the Shell Holiday Gift Card. It
can be used on items including
gasoline, car washes, repair
service or food and drinks at
any of the 14,000 stations and
convenient stores nationwide.
Pick up a few at participating
Shell stations, or plan ahead
and order them at www.shell-
giftcard.com.
*Friends and/or Family
that Have It All
Instead of a new kitchen
appliance or oversized sweater,
plan a memorable activity.
Take Mom out for lunch, a
manicure and then a musical.
Go to your spouse's favorite
restaurant and take a walk
around the local planetarium
to spend some time together
without the kids. Give your
brother or sister a new sleigh
and take them sledding on the
hill you played on as children.
From pottery classes to vaca-
tions, everyone likes activities
that make them smile and
remember the great times.
In general, regardless of
whom the gift is for, some-
times the simplest and most
effective strategy is to search
and shop year-round, not just
during the holidays. Look for
unique items at their favorite
stores, and keep your ears
open when they mention
something they'd love to have.
You also can go the creative
route by picking your favorite
photos with that person and
turning them into things that
can be showcased or used all
the time, such as a pillow, cal-
endar, deck of cards, mouse
pad, stationary or stamps.
Remember, every great gift
needs to be appropriate. You
wouldn't buy the same gift for
your boss as you would your
significant other. Make sure
the idea fits the occasion and
the relationship. The worst gift
is the one that is forgotten so if
nothing else, write a meaning-
ful note on an appropriate card
to show you care.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
The Citizen. Auburn, New York
Gift Guide
Sunday, November 18, 2007
23
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Finding the Perfect Holiday Gift
- Easier than You Might Think!
