April / 2009

Graduation Gifts – Tips on selecting the perfect graduation Gift

Graduation gifts for the most part are gifts that bring back great memories of one's school days. I believe that a graduation gift needs plenty of thought put into it as it is a gift that displays ones achievements are the most memorable occasions in one's life.  Gifts like picture frames with the moment captured in time of the graduation. A wall plaque with one's certificate of achievement done in a beautiful frame will never let your memory fade. Of course we now have digital picture frames and these also make a great graduation gift.

Money or a Car?

Some university grads hope for the elusive car. Some hope for money to pay down the credit card that has supported them through the many evenings of studies and pizza. One needs to look at what is next for the grad to see what gift would be of help, but more than that something symbolic of all their hard work over the many years in university or collage. For many the laptop comes into play as life for many grads is on the computer and having only the best will keep them ahead of the game. ( You may want to let them have some input into the laptop type and style they will need)

Gifts for Her

Prom night is a big night for many grads. Stay away from fashion jewelry that is only good for the one night and go with pearls or perhaps diamond studs for a gift instead. These gifts last a life time and she will always remember the night you gave it to her every time she puts them on. A beautiful watch with personal engraving on the back is a traditional gift that again can last a lifetime and retain memories of great times.

Ernest and Lee's Gifting Tips

Is there that special someone that you just don't know what to buy for?  Maybe it's a birthday, a wedding, or Christmas gift and you just haven't the foggiest idea what to buy for them.

Hey, even Martha Stewart probably has a tough time finding a gift at times.  No worries.  This is why we have written out these handy, dandy, gifting tips for you. 

Here's a list of do's and don'ts to give you some ideas on gift giving:

• 1)Have a definite price range in mind before you start shopping.  Be sure to keep a moderate price range though, and never buy a gift that is either too cheap or too extravagant.

• 2)For what occasion are you giving this gift? Birthday, Christmas, Anniversary, Wedding, etc, ...the type of occasion may help you with deciding what types of gifts you should be looking for. (Check out our occasion categories for ideas on gifts)

• 3)What is the age, gender, and personality of the person you are buying for? For example, your Grandmother who is 80 years of age and who enjoys sitting in her rocking chair doing needlepoint all day,  may really enjoy something old-fashioned or collectible like a porcelain doll or a china teapot.  Whereas your mother who is only 50 years of age, and enjoys hiking, may really prefer a new digital picture frame so she can download pics from her digital camera.  So knowing your recipient well can be very helpful.

• 4)Never assume to know a personality of a person just because they are a certain age. For instance just because you are a man of 48years doesn't mean that you automatically will love to have woodworking tools for a gift.  Some men of this age are really more interested in high tech electronic items than tools and they may not be at all handy in the way of woodworking.  Or just because you are a woman of 25years doesn't automatically mean that you would love to own a small dog in a purse just because Paris Hilton does. Some women at this age are more inclined to be interested in a designer handbag which doubles as an attache case for their laptop.  Again it is better to know your recipient's personality well when choosing a gift and never assume.

• 5)Have you ever made the mistake of purchasing a spa basket for someone only to find out later that they are highly allergic to almost all scented lotions and bath oils?  Investigate your recipient's allergies and preferences before you buy.

• 6)Is the person you are giving to religious?  If so are you familiar with what may or may not be permitted within their beliefs and perhaps give a gift that would be of a more spiritual nature  or perhaps something that would kind to the environment.

• 7)Lastly, keep it simple.  Less is more is often the answer.  It is sometimes better to give a simple understated gift than one that is lavish and overdone.