by Ann E. Smith

Created on: January 11, 2009

Gift giving should be a fun thing and a way for you to show a kind gesture to someone you care for. But, on occasion, you may get invited to an office wedding shower or to a neighborhood birthday party for someone you just don't like.

It's a bit less fun to shop for a present for a person you don't care about, no doubt. For starters, you may feel a bit of a grudge to have to get him or her something. Also, you are less likely to know what kind of present the person would enjoy.

But, there are some presents you can get that are not too personal but also thoughtful. That will make finding a gift for the person you don't like a bit simpler.

* Starbucks gift card

The great thing about a Starbucks gift card is that almost everyone likes Starbucks, and you have complete flexibility about how much you want to spend. If you need to get a token present, then a $10 amount is ideal. It will provide the person with a deluxe cup of cofee and a piece of cake. What a treat!

* Basket of cookies

Most people love sweets, and so you cannot go wrong with selecting a basket of cookies or sweets. You can shop online for such goodies, or go to a local bakery. If you enjoy baking, a really nice touch would be to bake some homemade cookies and make your own basket.

* Manicure or pedicure

Women love to get pampered, so a gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure always makes for a well-received gift for a female. Some men enjoy pedicures as well. Do not feel obligated to get both a manicure and a pedicure, as you can get one of those services. If you are on a budget, you will do better getting the manicure.

* Gift card to Target

Everyone likes Target! So, purchasing a gift card to Target is always a good option. Similar to the Starbucks card, you can have flexibility as to the amount that you spend. And, the person you give it to can apply the card toward a higher-priced item if they select something more expensive. It's just a win win.

* Bottle of wine

You can get a decent bottle of wine for $15 or less, and it makes for a nice gesture. One cool thing you can do is to go to your local liquor store and ask the workers there to make a recommendation for you. These guys usually know what they are talking about, and have good taste in wines. And, they will be the first to tell you that you do not have to spend a fortune to get a good bottle of wine.

In conclusion, it may be more fun to shop for someone you like, but you will at times need to find a present for a person you do not like. When shopping for that person, keep it simple and somewhat generic. You can get some neat things they are sure to like, and perhaps this gesture will help bridge the tension between the two of you.

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