Gift Giving For Strangers

It has happened to us all. There is a Christmas Party, or a new family in the neighborhood, or maybe we meet our significant other's family for the first time. You know you should bring a gift, but what do you bring for someone you know nothing or very little about? You don't want to risk embarrassing yourself with a gift that is to bland, yet you don't know the recipient's likes or dislikes. This article describes my thinking process when I am put in this situation. Hopefully, the tips presented here will help you as well!

Occasion is always a factor in gift giving. If it is the Holiday season, then you should be able to find gift sets of everything from fruit and wine, to cologne and bath products. However you should know the recipient to some degree before presenting this type of gift. What if the stranger doesn't drink alcohol or is allergic to a certain fragrance?

No matter what the reason for giving a gift is or who the recipient is, we are all able to put
ourselves in the position of another person to some degree. Even if we don't know very much about
the person, we do know a few things. Let's identify them.

1. This person is either male or female.

2. We know where we met or will meet this person.

3. This person is receiving a gift from us.

Now, we can put ourselves in there shoes for a few minutes. Let's assume that I am buying a gift for a lady that just moved into my neighborhood. I know that I am a female that will receive a gift from a neighbor I have never met, most likely in my doorway. Now I know that I need a gift
that is a comfortable size to carry and hold while in a doorway. I need a gift that is not
overly specific. I need a gift that would appeal to me if I had been under the stress of a new
move.

Now let's brainstorm using what we know.

1. An assortment of coffees, teas, and hot chocolates covers a wide variety of tastes. It would
be easily handled while standing in a doorway. It communicates to the recipient that I know she
has been working very hard and could use a break.

2. An address book and pen set would be useful to anyone moving into a new neighborhood. It is
also light enough not to be a inherence. I could throw in a list of local restarts that deliver
to add a personal touch and remove the need for her to cook a meal!

3. A gift assortment of candles would help my recipient set up for a much needed night of relaxation. Again it is easily handled in the doorway. After the excitement of moving in settles down, they would be a nice decorative addition in her new home.

This technique can be used under almost any circumstance. If you are put in these types of
situations often you will get to practice this skill and become a master. Why not start now
and buy for casual aquaplanes for no particular reason. Then you will be ready when the pressure
is on, and you might even make a lasting friendship!

About the Author: Crystal Thurman owns the Distinctive Charm website, specializing in gifts, decorations, and more. Visit Distinctive Charm at http://www.distinctive-charm.com