You
might think you know someone very well, but when it's time to give him
or her a gift, you draw a blank. The solution? Simply create a
Personalized Gift Profile for those to whom you give on a regular basis.
The
Personalized Gift Profile is designed to inspire a variety of gift ideas
based on your relationship with the recipient and on the recipient's
preferences and interests. As you learn of a person's likes, dislikes,
pastimes, needs, and wishes, enter the relevant information in the forms
in Present Perfect: Unforgettable
Gifts for Every Occasion. The more specific the information, the better your chances of
finding a sensational gift.
Points
to consider when creating the Personalized Gift Profile can be found below
and throughout the book in sidebars titled Consider This.
-
Practical
or extravagant gifts? Some people are uncomfortable about receiving
extravagant gifts when their basic needs are not being met.
-
Clothing
styles. When giving gifts of clothing, consider the answers to these
questions: Does he prefer casual or tailored clothes? What fabrics
and colors does he favor? Where does he shop for clothing?
-
Wants
and Needs. Wants and needs vary from physical and expressed to
emotional and unexpressed. The need to be pampered, to feel pretty,
to develop outside interests, or to know one is cared about, can all
be addressed through sensitive giving.
-
Hobbies
or Interests. Beware: giving gifts directly related to a hobby or
interest can be tricky. Devoted enthusiasts have very specific
preferences.
-
Collections.
Add to an existing collection or start a new collection to which you
might later add items. "Theme" or "sequence"
gifts are also fun.
-
Home
Furnishings. Note the recipient's style preferences—contemporary,
traditional, art deco, country, eclectic—as well as the scale and
color scheme of his or her furnishings.
-
Dislikes.
Although these are not always expressed, close observation may
reveal a recipient's indifference to certain styles, colors, food,
music.
-
Transitions.
Current and forthcoming transitions often suggest changes in
physical or emotional needs. Is the recipient preparing for
parenthood, an empty-nest, or retirement? Is she starting a new job,
leaving home to attend school, or embarking on a military career?
-
Restrictions.
Consider cultural, religious, dietary, space, physical, and other
restrictions.
-
Major
purchases. Has the recipient recently made a major purchase—a VCR,
computer, microwave, or recreational vehicle—for which accessories
in all price ranges could be given as gifts?
|