a gift-giving cheat sheet

With birthdays, graduations, weddings, etc. cropping up, I’ve been a gift-giving machine lately. I’m fairly confident in myself as a gift-picker-outer and always try to choose things are personal, thoughtful, not completely predictable and occasion-appropriate. Here are a couple favs that have gone over well and work for almost anyone…

1. Stationery – Call me an old lady, but I love handwritten notes. Personalized or just plain pretty stationery is a great gift for women. Paper Source, Papyrus and Etsy all have great selections.
2. Tickets – The pinnacle of my gift-giving career took place in the summer of 2008 when I surprised the boyfriend with tickets to Eddie Vedder (his god) the night of the show for his birthday. They were a pretty penny, but he still talks about what a perfect gift it was. I’m a big fan of “experience” gifts and will spring for sports/music tickets whenever possible.
3. Initial necklace – I actually got one for myself from a fun boutique in Chicago, Art Effect, before I realized that it made the perfect gift for girlfriends. They’re dainty, pretty and a working girl-friendly 25 bucks.
4. Circle scarf – This scarf from American Apparel is a great, generic holiday present since it comes in a ton of colors, costs about $30 and is unisex.
5. Food – Annual family trips to the Delaware shore each summer mean that my dad will undoubtedly stock up on this amazing caramel corn, Fishers. Since most places like this ship around the country, it’s a great, unexpected surprise when he receives it in the dead of winter. Giving food that you know so-and-so loves is fool proof.
6. Padfolio – I know this seems lame, but I got one for my college graduation, and it was incredibly useful for job hunting and interviewing. Ever since, it’s my go-to graduation gift.

Comments

[Witless Exposition]

I'm with you 100% on the stationary. I think we still all get a thrill from receiving mail that's not a bill or circular. You can actually find some really pretty small packs at dollar stores now. They make great stocking stuffers or additions to gift baskets.

[Robin]

I'll take one of each, please! And I agree with Jessica - you really can never have enough cute cards and I always love receiving them. Not a surprise but specialty food gifts are my favorite. I recently gave a friend some Dean and Deluca black truffle salt as a housewarming present and she loves it!