by Gabby Bugwadia

Created on: April 26, 2010

All of us need to choose gifts for our friends and family at one time or the other. Gifting appropriately for any or all occasions, can come naturally to some or can be cultivated by those who are truly interested in doing so. The essence of choosing great gifts lies in the degree of “thoughtfulness” that goes into the process of gifting. What goes into the gift-choosing exercise truly matters.

We can make this a joyous experience or brush it aside as a mundane task for ourselves. We can choose to have our gift leave a lasting impact on the recipient or have no qualms in receiving just a casual acknowledgment. The key is to ask ourselves: Have we put in our valuable time, our keen interest, and some careful thought in choosing the gift?

Here are some specific guidelines to help you choose great gifts for any occasion:

* Meaningful

You could choose great gifts for any occasion if you ensure that the gift is meaningful to the recipient. Consider what gift would be meaningful to the receiver. Recognizing and acknowledging what he/she would value would be an important factor in choosing the gift.  Your gift could be something small and inexpensive; yet hold special significance for the recipient.

* Touching

The sensitivity with which the gift is given is vital to touch the cord within. As I now recall, I can almost visualize the joy on my dad's 93 years young face when I gifted him a leather wallet. Although he no more had use for the wallet, he clutched it eagerly with his wrinkly clasp, feeling the crisp notes tucked inside.  I know my dad was so touched by this gesture, despite his Alzheimer; it bore testimony to his youthful days when he had been monetarily responsible for his large family and times when his pocket was never empty.

* Eye-catching

A great gift is eye-catching; it catches the recipient’s attention; this kind of gifting requires giving attention to details. Perhaps the idea could spring from casual comments made unawares by the recipient in the household or something significant linked to an inner desire or interest that had caught his or her attention. This was the kind of gift my husband gifted me; a beautiful painting I had admired in a local art gallery. I was so touched when I saw it hung over my dresser on our wedding anniversary.

* Thoughtful

A gift that reflects your love and interest could be most appreciated-far more than the most expensive piece of jewel. One's thoughtfulness in spending time and individual

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