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How to Fake Enthusiasm for a Bad Gift

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Dec 202010

Don't Like the Gift? Don't Show It. (Photo Courtesy of TomPagenet)

Gift giving is rampant. It’s no longer just reserved for spouses and close relatives. Chances are you’ll get gifts from your neighbors, second cousins and your Sunday school teacher. And we can bet not all of those gifts will hit the nail on the head as far as what you want and like. A recent Women’s Health poll showed that 63% of women have faked enthusiasm for a gift they hated. If you find yourself in that position, here are some tips for getting through it without hurting anyone’s feelings.

Use the Right Expression

What matters more than what you say is how you say it. Keep your eyes wide open. Examine the gift closely. Stay focused on it for a few minutes before allowing the attention to turn elsewhere.

Choose Words Carefully

The gift may be so bad it leaves you speechless, but don’t let the giver know that. Have a few words ready to go. Say things like “I’ve been wanting one of these”, “I just admired this in a store a few days ago”, and “How creative!” Explain how you plan to use it or where you’ll show it off.

Try It Out Right Away

If it’s an accessory that your niece made by hand or a sweater your colorblind aunt Sue knitted, slip it on. Run to a mirror and look at yourself in it. If it’s a pair of slippers, put them on and gush over how comfortable they are. If it’s a gift you can use right then and there– do.

Give Them a Hug

Most people don’t give bad gifts on purpose. Give the gift giver a big hug, make eye contact and say thank you. Remember, it’s the thought that counts.

Follow Up with a Thank You

Sending a thank you to someone who gave you a gift is common courtesy. Write a nice note and let them know you appreciated their generosity. Because even though you may not have loved their gift, you can still appreciate their kindness.

How to Find Free Printables for the Holidays

Christmas Gifts, How To Comments Off

Dec 092010

Why buy party invitations, gift tags and even wrapping paper when you can find it for free online? There are plenty of extra expenses during the holidays, but we discovered there are also lots of freebies! Here are some free holiday printables that will make your packages prettier and your parties even more festive.

Make Your Packages Look Extra Pretty (Photo Courtesy of Spin Spin)

Wine Bottle Labels: It doesn’t matter if you bought that bottle of wine at the discount super store because it will still look fancy with this free printable wine bottle label from Martha Stewart.

West Elm Party Packs: West Elm has a bunch of great printable freebies that include everything from menu cards to gift tags. There are four different designs for entertaining and four designs for gifting.

Printable Wrapping Paper: This may not be practical for big gifts, but for tiny packages you can definitely use this free printable wrapping paper from designer Mae. It comes in six colors and designs. There are also two sets of free printable wrapping paper with coordinating tags from designer Kellie Medevitz.

Holiday Party Invitations and Matching Address Labels: Here’s a fabulous freebie from designer Emmy Lu. Rather than buy fancy invitations here are some great ones you can print for free. The designs also come with coordinating address labels that can be printed on a full sheet label and cut out. There’s no doubt that your invites will appear far more fancy and festive with the help of this great designer.

Custom Gift Tags: These free gift tags from Life As Mom come in two designs: snowflake or Christmas holly. They are especially great because you can type in the name of the gift recipient and the name of the giver. No need to ruin a pretty package with messy handwriting.

Simple Free Gift Tags: Here’s another style of free printable gift tags from TipJunkie.com. So no matter what color your wrapping is you should be able to find a free coordinating gift tag.

Martha Stewart Monogrammed Gift Tags: Here’s another great freebie straight from one of the world’s most creative people. Print out these cute monogrammed gift tags at MarthaStewart.com. Cut out the letters you need for each of your holiday packages.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas Gifts, Gifts For Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for those who have everything Comments Off

Dec 082010

When you purchase sustainable and eco-friendly gifts for Christmas, you play a small yet important role in preserving the environment. As you shop for your loved ones, seek out gifts that are described as ‘organic,’ ‘eco-friendly,’ ‘fair trade,’ ‘sustainable,’ ‘green,’ and ‘recycled.’ A few suggestions include:

Recycled and Sustainable Jewelry

Nowadays, there is also a new crop of artists that create jewelry and other accessories out of recycled materials. For example, the Recycled Bicycle Chain Bracelet adds an edgy touch to any casual outfit. Today, jewelry is made out of many different organic, sustainable and recycled materials, including bamboo, bottle caps, dominoes, seeds, cork, and sea glass (like the Pastel Sea Glass Cluster Necklace shown, which displays hand-gathered materials from along the California coast.

Hemp Electronics Case

For the eco-conscious man in your life with an iPad, equip them with a stylish case that doubles as a sustainable gift made out of hemp. This type of gift is offered through a company called Eco-Nique. Other hemps cases offered by Eco-Nique include for the Sony Reader, Nook, Kindle (shown), and Casio Zoom cameras.

Fair Trade Coffee Sampler

Fair trade companies take into consideration the environment, workers, communities and the consumers when producing their products. Coffee is a popular fair trade item to add to your sustainable Christmas gift list. Coffee lovers and music lovers alike will certainly enjoy Larry’s Beans Fair Trade Organic Coffee, Rat Pack Set, which offers three 12-ounce bags of brew. The set includes Frankie’s Blend, Bean Martin, and Sammy Decaf Jr.

Organic and Biodynamic Wine

When you’re attending a holiday party and need to quickly bring something along as a gift, a bottle of organic wine will surely do the trick. Seek out biodynamic selections and winemakers that use certified organic grapes.

Recycled Art

From scrap metal to broken goods long discarded in the trash, some of the most beautiful works of art come from recycled materials. Made from found or reclaimed materials, the Recycled Metal Flying Pig Garden Art Sculpture makes a thoughtful one-of-a-kind gift – especially for pig fans.

How to Add Flair to Your Holiday Packages

Christmas Gifts, How To Comments Off

Nov 262010

Make Your Gifts Memorable (Photo Courtesy of craftapalooza)

You spend lots of time picking out the perfect present. You toil over whether to buy the crimson shirt or the maroon one. You stress about the decision of whether your grandma would like gloves or mittens better. But often when it comes to wrapping those lovely presents we just shove them in an old gift bag or pull out last year’s wrapping paper and hope there’s enough left on the roll to make it around the box. This year, resolve to put a little more thought into what’s on the outside. Here are some tips for adding flare to your holiday packages.

Stick with a Color Theme

Rather than adding a hodgepodge of wrapped gifts under the tree, pick a color scheme. It doesn’t have to be the traditional red and green, either. By sticking with your color theme you’ll create a cohesive look with your gifts and make more of a style statement.

Always Include Ribbon

A Christmas package without ribbon just seems incomplete. Stock up at your local craft store. Buy ribbons that work well together and on their own. Try stacking a thicker ribbon under something thin and sparkly. And don’t be afraid to recycle the ribbon once you’re done with it.

Head to the Office Supply Store

Gift tags are like earrings for a package. Don’t overlook this important accessory. You can even get creative with them. Simply head to an office supply store and purchase some jewelry tags. Embellish them with stamps, glitter, or even by stitching on some ribbon. Get as creative as possible.

Use “Green” Tissue

Instead of buying tissue paper, try something more creative, cheaper and more green. Put old, discarded wrapping paper through the paper shredder. You’ll end up with a colorful and earth-friendly alternative to tissue paper.

Put a Gift on the Gift

Use your ribbon to tie a small gift onto your package. Include a Christmas ornament, small picture frame or even a gift card holder onto the top of the box. By making the outside so appealing, you’ll build even more excitement for what’s on the inside.

How to Get Organized for Holiday Gift Giving

Christmas Gifts, Halloween Gifts, How To Comments Off

Oct 242010

The Gift List Book from Organize.com May Help. photo courtesy of Organize.com

The holidays will be here before we know it. Do you really want another year of rushing and stressing out? Start preparing now and getting yourself organized for holiday gift giving with these simple tips.

Get Help from Your Phone

Have an iPhone? Get some cheap help organizing your gift giving with the Holiday Gift List app from Mobile Simplified. For just $1.99 you’ll be able to categorize your gift list into four groups: family, friends, work and other. Set a gift budget for each person and make a list of gift ideas. The app will automatically keep a running tally of how much you’ve spent so you can make sure you don’t break the bank.

Try Elfster.com

Will you be the one to head up the office Secret Santa gift exchange? Or perhaps you do one with extended family? Take some of the hassle out of this fun holiday tradition with the help of a free website. Check out Elfster.com for a way to organize this quickly and easily.

Print a Free Planner

Perhaps you’re more comfortable with a pen and paper. There are plenty of free resources that will help you get your gift giving ideas in line way before the rush of the season sets in. Check out this free printable Holiday Gift-Giving Planner. Or check out this free printable Master Gift List from Organized Christmas.

Create an Online Checklist

Sometimes it’s best to keep important documents like this online. That way you know they won’t be lost or fall into the wrong hands. If you plan to share your gift buying tasks with someone, the Lifehacker Holiday Gift Planner can be incredibly useful. It’s based in Google Docs which means you can give access to others, or you can keep it password protected for your eyes only.

Track Ideas

We’ve all been there– we come across the perfect gift for someone. But when it comes time to actually buy them a gift, we’ve long forgotten about that perfect present. Make Christmas shopping easier on yourself by picking up a copy of the Gift List Book from Organize.com. It’s $24.99 and will be useful long past this holiday season.

How to Return Gifts for What You Really Want

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Dec 212009

Hold On To Your Gift Receipts (image courtesy of billaday)

Is that new sweater too small? Get a gift that you already have? Or perhaps you just want something different? Returning gifts for what you really want can be a hassle, but it can also be great to exchange something you don’t have a need for for the present you were really hoping would show up this holiday season. Here are a few ways to return gifts for what you really want.

Use the Gift Receipt

Chances are retailers are going to be a bit more strict post-Christmas than they have been in the past. They know lots of consumers may want cash-in-hand instead of the gift they received. If you’re lucky, your box held a gift receipt along with your present so you can return it. Some stores still may only give you gift cards instead of a refund. This is OK if you like the store, but if not you may have to get creative.

Sell the Gift Card

Whether you were given a gift card for a store you don’t usually shop at, or you ended up with one because you had to return something, you can still sell that gift card online for cash. A couple of sites to check out are PlasticJungle.com or SwapaGift.com. With Swapagift.com, the card must have between $25-$200 in value and be one of the dozens of stores on the preferred merchant list. They’ll pay you up to 70% of the card’s value. You’ll get the most if you’ve got gift cards from stores like Best Buy, Lowe’s, Target, Wal-Mart and Whole Foods. You’ll take a hit on the value of the card, but at least you’ll be able to put that money towards the gift you wish you would have received.

Ask for the Receipt

If you didn’t get a gift receipt, consider asking for the original receipt. This can be a touchy situation depending on your relationship with the gift giver. Be tactful and honest. Explain why you’d like to return or exchange the gift. With the original receipt you shouldn’t have a problem getting a full cash refund for your item. If you expect the person to get offended, you may want to consider another alternative.

Sell the Gift

If you can’t return the gift, try selling it yourself. List it on eBay or even Craigslist.com and then use the cash to buy yourself something else. This option is a little risky since you may not know what kind of cash the sale will generate. But if you truly hate the gift you received, or you simply don’t have a need for it you may as well try to get something you really want.

How to Stuff a Stocking

Christmas Gifts, How To Comments Off

Dec 202009

Stockings Still Empty? Fill Them Up! (Image Courtesy of Dawnzy58)

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but if they’re empty this post should help. Christmas is rapidly approaching and chances are you’ve got a lot on your to-do list, including picking up some stocking stuffers. Need some inspiration? Here are some tips and ideas on how to stuff that stocking in time for Christmas.

Candy

Candy always makes a good stocking stuffer. Jelly BellyÂ offers a great selection of unique candy in over 50 flavors. This is a great way to start a tradition, too. Pick a treat and put it in the stocking year after year. May we suggest Fruit Gems?

Coal

As the old story goes, anyone who’s been more naughty than nice can expect coal in their stocking. Play a Christmas morning joke on your loved ones by filling their stocking with coal. Of course this coal is actually blackberry bubble gum and comes packaged with cute quotes like “because you’ve been very bad” and “It’s all you get.”

Activity Books

Stuff your stockings with activity books that will be perfect during that relaxing time after Christmas dinner. Choose small books like Sudoku, word finds or crossword puzzles. These are good fillers for just about every stocking hanging on your fireplace.While you’re at it, throw in a pack of playing cards to keep everyone occupied before dinner, too.

Socks

Throw a little irony into Christmas morning and stuff socks into your stockings. These Christmas Tree Pom Slipper Socks from Sears are the perfect blend of festive and tacky.

Funny Trinkets

Give everybody something to laugh at when they unpack their stocking Christmas morning. How about stashing in some astronaut ice cream, a mic sponge for singing in the shower, or a hot dog coin purse. Chances are these funny little stocking stuffers will be what your loved ones remember most about Christmas morning.

How to Support Causes with Christmas Gifts

Christmas Gifts, How To Comments Off

Nov 252009

Give More Love This Christmas. photo courtesy of mysza831

As you tackle your Christmas gift list, try to think about how your dollar can do good. Not only will you be getting great gifts for your loved ones, but you’ll be supporting worthy causes at the same time. Here are some ideas that will make your dollar do more this Christmas season.

Flowers

Check out OrganicBouquet.com’s Flowers for Good section. Not only do these flowers smell good, but they do good, too. There are fifteen gorgeous bouquets to choose from, each one supporting a great cause like the American Lung Association, Nature Conservancy and Humane Society. Five percent of every purchase will support these charities.

T-Shirt

Everyone needs a funny t-shirt. Even though you can find these wardrobe staples in about three-fourths of the stores at the mall, why not pick one up at BringtheHope.com where 25% of profits go to charitable causes? That will make an ordinary t-shirt seem way more special.

Art

The beautiful photography found at AllieArt4Children’s Etsy shop supports Reach Out Children’s Fund, an organization committed to improving the lives of those living in the remote Andes mountains of Peru. Not only will you be purchasing an original work of art, but you’ll be supporting a great non-profit. And most of the art in the shop is under $20.

Soap

Magic Senses, the designer soap company, created a “Believe in You” Butterfly soap to support “Count Me In” in their efforts to promote economic independence and the growth of women owned businesses. 25% of the proceeds will be donated to this cause.

Purse

At Clutch for Cures, $10 from every purchase goes to a charity. When you make your purchase you’ll be asked to choose from a selection of non-profits and that’s the charity that will receive your $10. The unique clutches are designed by a mother of six in St. Louis. Choose from dozens of colors and designs to find one that someone on your gift list will love.

Food

Who doesn’t love good food? It’s a great gift idea for just about anyone on your list. And when you buy the food from AmericanFeast.com you can feel good about supporting family-owned sustainable farms in your area. Search for meat, cheese, and sweets that are made by farmers– not huge corporations.

How to Prepare Early for Holiday Gift-Giving

Christmas Gifts, How To 1 Response »

Oct 232009

Before you know it the holidays will be here. From family events to special gatherings, schedules will be filled will lots of extra demands. Want to make this Christmas season stress-free? Then start preparing for holiday gift-giving early with these simple tips.

Make a List

First things first– grab a pen, a piece of paper and get to work. Make a list of all of the people you know you need to buy gifts for. Talk it over with your significant other to make sure you’re not leaving off any important names.

Brainstorm

Now that you’ve got your list, start brainstorming gift ideas. A sweater for Aunt Rita, a book for Uncle Joe, and maybe a new video game for your nephew. Come up with several ideas for each person on your list. When you’re not focused on one idea shopping will be a lot easier. Go high tech with your planning and budgeting by using an iPhone app like Better Christmas List. That way your list will always be with you and you’ll be able to track your spending when you start shopping for those on your Christmas list.

Start Shopping

Now for the fun part– start shopping! Rather than rushing around just before your deadline, start this step as early as possible. Keep an open mind when running errands or walking through the mall. Don’t leave all of your shopping to be done at once. Taking care of it over time will make it more fun, less stressful and easier on your budget.

Get Crafty

Perhaps you’ve decided to go handmade with some of your gift giving this Christmas. Making gifts is a great way to save money, but it’s done best when you give yourself plenty of time. Since you’ve started your Christmas gift-giving early, you’ve got lots of time to get crafty.

Buy Extra

Chances are there are people who have inadvertently been left off your list while planning. Buy a few extra gifts– perhaps candles, body lotion or a DVD. Keep the items flexible so they can be given to a wide variety of people who may pop up on your list as Christmas approaches.

How to Pull off Surprise Gift-Giving

How To, Today's Cool Gift Idea Comments Off

Dec 182008

Shhh! Surprises Make the Best Gifts. photo courtesy of powerbooktrance

I happen to be someone who is very hard to surprise. It’s not that I’m hunting for clues or searching for secrets. I am just observant. I notice things. So if you’re trying to pull off a gift-giving surprise, here are six ways to make that happen, according to someone who is very hard to surprise.

1. One thing I’ve noticed about marriage is that it can be extremely tough to surprise a spouse. They’re always around. They know your hiding places. And they have access to your bank account. That’s why paying with cash is key for pulling off a surprise. Chances are they’ll log on to the online bank account and see where you’ve been spending. Avoid that by using cash so your purchases can’t be tracked.

2. Maybe it’s women’s intuition or maybe it comes from my years of peeking at presents under the tree when my mom wasn’t looking, but I have a pretty good idea what’s in that box under the tree. So if you really want to surprise someone, don’t put it there. Stash it somewhere else– even at a neighbor’s house or at your office if you have to.

3. Buying online? Don’t have the gift delivered to your home. Your spouse could get the mail before you do. Instead, have it shipped to a friend’s house for safe-keeping.

4. Be low-key. If your loved one makes a comment about something they would love to have, make a mental note and move on. Don’t ask tons of questions to draw attention to the fact that you find this tidbit of information extremely interesting. Listen, downplay the comment and store it away for a future gift-giving moment.

5. Destroy the evidence. Don’t let your hard work be ruined by a pesky receipt or a shopping bag with a certain store logo on it. Get rid of the evidence quickly and there’s a better chance you’ll pull off a great surprise.

6. Let them believe something else. This is a tip only for the pros. If you really want to surprise someone, drop a few clues that lead them in a totally different direction. Put a decoy present under the tree, but keep the really good ones hidden away. A few days before the big event, mention that you have been too busy to shop or that you have no idea what to buy them. They’ll be even more shocked when you pull off the surprise gift-giving.

Older Entries

How to Fake Enthusiasm for a Bad Gift

How to Find Free Printables for the Holidays

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas

How to Add Flair to Your Holiday Packages

How to Get Organized for Holiday Gift Giving

How to Return Gifts for What You Really Want

How to Stuff a Stocking

How to Support Causes with Christmas Gifts

How to Prepare Early for Holiday Gift-Giving

How to Pull off Surprise Gift-Giving

Today’s Featured Gift Idea

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