HOW TO GET PERSONAL IN YOUR GIFT GIVING

The key word is "Get Personal." And here are some tips how.......

Victorian, circa 1870 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tip One Personality Traits

Find out what is the personality trait of the intended recipient.  Are they active in sports, love fashion, artistic, active in charity work or love anything and everything that is gadget related? 

(You can find out more in "Personality traits of women" and "Personality traits of men")

Tip Two Make a List

Once you know what the recipient is passionate about, zero in on one of their interest. 

For example,

• A creative thinker likes handycrafts.
• Make a list of related items or products.

Tip on top of tip:  

Keep the list for future reference because there will always be another Christmas, another birthday or another anniversary to celebrate.  Most importantly, you can avoid giving the same present every year.  

Look at how many ties and sock you have in your drawers from Christmas past.

Tip Three Price

Go for the items that are within your budget. You like to give a present of value but don't break the bank doing it.  

Bonus Tip:

Consider this, the value of the thought you put into finding a gift is not measured by the value of a gift itself.  A handmade gift is of more value to the recipient than an expensive one because it shows your sincerity, you have made an effort and you have spent time making it.

This cannot be bought or sold or taken away from you.  It only shows that you are a person who cares enough to do it and your gesture will bring joy and warmth to your recipient.

Tip Four Use your own handwriting

 A card handwritten with a black pen wishing the receiver a happy birthday . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Even a simple handwritten "Thanks for being my friend" speaks volumes as to who you are and what the recipient means to you. 

Write a letter to thank someone or even a Company for their excellent service will put you above everyone else because you took the trouble to sit down, write your thoughts on a piece of paper, put it in an envelope, stick on a stamp, get into your car, go to the Post Office and mail it out.  

Tip Five Tipping

Cab drivers are people who work hard. If you are a regular, give them a tip and thank them for their services.

Hotel Staff

Tip the desk clerk upon check-in.  You will be surprised how attentive they will be to your every need and make your stay a very pleasant one.

Hotel Housekeeping staff

Before you check out, slip a note and tip underneath a pillow for them to find.  By not tipping them upfront speaks volumes than just a spoken "Thank You."

Waitress 

It is not a culture here in Malaysia to tip a waitress.  However, on your next food trip, you may find that you'll get a bigger bowl of noodles or extra fried wanton on your plate.

How Personal?

Little things that may seem insignificant can turn out to mean a lot to some people.  And we need to show more care in this fast moving world of ours.

Gift giving is not just to go buy something, wrap it in colorful present paper and sticking a ready made card to it.  Gift giving can be all of the above. 

Giving something and not expecting anything in return is the greatest gift you can ever give to anyone.

Here is something for all of you who is celebrating your birthday today.

Today is your Special Day,

I wish you a Very Happy Birthday!

The Fruit and Chocolate Cake,

Though can't be eaten because it's fake.

I hope you would receive and take,

A real delicious fruit and chocolate cake!

Copyright Philo Yan

You are free to use my drawing and poem to send to anyone who is celebrating their birthday.

Go to this link: https://picasaweb.google.com/115604348708138178965/MyArtCorner2012#5776790047559865234 

Right click, copy poem

Click Share button

Right click, past poem

Type in the recipient's email

Click Send

Have an AweSome Day!