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What To Buy Them For Christmas - A Simplified Approach
By L.A. Nelson, Fri Dec 9th

Got something you didn't want last Christmas? Or the Christmasbefore that? Well, you're not the only one. They got stuff theydidn't want either. "They" are your gift-recipients, the onesyou gave a stale fruitcake or a can-opener or that tackymulti-colored Christmas-themed sweater to. The same fruitcakeand sweater that someone, most likely, gave you.

You hated it didn't you? So why pass it on? Probably because youjust didn't know what to get them. In today's fast-paced world,we hardly have time - or take time - to listen to what ourfamily and friends really want.

Or we half-listen and think we're on to something. Your wifecomplains the microwave is on the fritz all year. But do youthink she wants to find a kitchen appliance under the tree? Andreally, does your husband need yet another color-coordinatedshirt and tie?

So what's a clueless gift-giver to do?

First, tune in. Listen to what your loved ones say they want,they wish for, they'd like to have someday.

Second, understand gender differences. Men and women don'tgenerally desire the same types of gifts. Most women likejewelry, for example, but only some men wear jewelry, many donot. Not everyone is the same, of course, so make sure you knowthe taste and style of the person you're buying the gift for.

Third, don't confuse personal gifts with business gifts. A manshouldn't give a ring or "eau de sexy nights" cologne to hisfemale colleague. She's bound to take it the wrong way.

Finally, if all else fails, just follow this simple gift-givingguide:

For her: Women want to feel pretty, no matter how old we get. My70+ year-old mother still slathers on scented lotion and dustingpowder after a bath. Bath and body oils or a spa basket, whichcan include fragrant soaps, lotion and bath gels are always agood choice. Or buy her one of her favorite fragrances. Manycome in gift sets, coupled with scented lotion or soap. Andplease, don't forget the jewelry!

For him: Men like their toys, whether it's a powerful stereosystem or a new Ferrari. Of course, if neither is in your budgetyou can always get him a high-tech gift such as a handheldcomputer from Palm,

Casio and other companies. Is he a golfer orinto fitness? A new golf shirt or gloves, even personalized golfballs make great gifts or stocking-stuffers. Men like personalgifts too, but know your man. Would he prefer a new watch, to agold chain or bottle of cologne?

For kids: Children change so rapidly from year to year, thatit's often hard to know what will hold their interest and keepthem challenged. Make sure the gift is age appropriate so he orshe can play with it now. A pre-schooler will get much more useout of an activity center than an older child's toy like Merlin.Give them different types of toys so they have a variety ofactivities to choose from. In other words, don't give them alldolls or all trucks. Add some educational games to the mix. Andbuy what the child likes. If he prefers a train set to racingcars, the train set will get used.

For mom and dad: You can pretty much follow the For her/For himsuggestions. But, depending on how old they are, you may have toage-up a little. An older woman would probably prefer a moretraditional fragrance like Chanel No. 5 or Halston to HarleyDavidson's Destiny. A string of pearls or a pretty brooch arealways nice. If dad's a golfer, a fisherman or enjoys some otheractivity, find an item he can use or something related that'sfun.

For friends and others: If you're close to the person, gifts canbe more personal: bath sets, clothing or accessories, a piece ofjewelry. Give a business associate an organizer or a smalltravel case. Or you can give anyone a more generic present likea gourmet gift basket that may include candy, fruit, nuts orother food items. This kind of gift makes a lovely addition toany home.

And, it sure beats that stale fruitcake!

Copyright 2001 L.A. Nelson

Save on holiday gifts - most items mentioned in this article canbe found at The Art of Gifting http://www.artofgifting.com