Do you have one of those people in your life – a not-so-gifted gift shopper? I am very fortunate in that I have very few of these in my life. However, a friend of mine has a not-so-gifted gift shopper in her family. This friend lost her sense of smell due to a fall several years ago. But, this past Christmas, she received an electronic scent-maker for her home, leaving her to wonder if her house had an offensive odor that she was unaware of. (It doesn’t!) Not the best gift she ever received!

My sister-in-law is a gifted gift shopper. She knows just how to pick out something I would love, but would probably never buy for myself. For instance, I rarely buy earrings or jewelry. So for my birthday one year, she gave me a pair of lovely beaded earrings I now wear all of the time.

I love to knit, but it never occurred to me to put knitting supplies on my Christmas list. A couple of years ago, she gave me some lovely bamboo knitting needles (the latest thing in knitting needles), and some felting yarn to make a felted bag (the latest thing in knitting techniques). I spent a relaxing Christmas vacation knitting a beautiful felted bag.

I also have a friend that is a gifted gift shopper. Over the years I have received several gifts from Beth, and each one makes me think of her when I see that gift. As a child, she gave me a beautiful silver chime Christmas ornament. For high school graduation, she gave me a simple, but elegant, silver broach. It is the perfect compliment to an ornate blouse or a simple coat. For a wedding gift, I received a beautiful long-handled silver spoon. It is perfect for serving mashed potatoes at holiday meals.

As for me, I probably fall somewhere in between a gifted gift shopper and a not-so-gifted gift shopper. I love it when someone gives me a list of items to choose from, then I know I can’t go wrong! But where is the fun in that? I am trying to become a little more creative, and find those gifts that remind the recipient of me and the happy times we have shared.

Here are some things I have learned from the gifted gift shoppers:
• Keep in mind the recipient’s hobbies – is there a new tool or technique available?
• Simple, every-day objects can make the best gifts
• Is there an item the recipient would not “splurge on” for themselves?
• Spend some time shopping in specialty stores or search on-line

Happy gift giving!