| Good ideas for gifts come through | | | | What is the occasion? How old is the |
| spontaneous acts of giving or | | | | recipient? What is his or her |
| pre-planned gestures of universal | | | | personality like? How much can I afford |
| significance. No matter their size, | | | | to spend? What am I trying to convey |
| shape or value, gifts are always tagged | | | | through my gift? |
| as symbolic expressions of recognition | | | | Once you have worked out answers, plan |
| and regard that delight the giver and | | | | your gift through a broad spectrum of |
| recipient alike. | | | | items that are purely functional, |
| Buying gifts can be as easy or | | | | fashionable, droll, personalized, |
| complicated as your intentions or | | | | collectible or spiritual. Acts of |
| cultural background. What you choose to | | | | generous giving that include personal |
| gift, who you choose to give to, where | | | | community service time can be another |
| and at what time, can be dictated by the | | | | ingenious way to show your appreciation |
| calendar, market-driven lifestyles, | | | | and commitment. Other "gifts" that can |
| financial standing and finally your very | | | | catch the eye include stock options, |
| own personality. Remember, a gift | | | | paid holidays and of course, that |
| definitely signatures your sensitivities | | | | once-in-a-lifetime bequest. |
| and perceptions as much as it marks the | | | | And that's not all. Alternative giving |
| occasion. | | | | is fast gaining ground for that perfect |
| So how do you choose the right gift for | | | | gift idea-adopt a pet, educate an |
| all those special moments that deeply | | | | orphan, donate with a world-view. |
| impact on your life and relationships? | | | | Let that moment of giving touch the |
| Perhaps a few simple questions can steer | | | | heartstrings, and promote a windfall of |
| you through those impossible | | | | sharing, caring and love. |
| bottlenecks. | | | | |