Gifts = Your Image After You Leave
The images are embedded as clearly as HDTV in our heads ... "Here, darling, give Daddy this tie for Father's Day." Or, "You can give your brother socks for graduation. He always needs socks."
Yes, we remember those gifts in order to know what to never do again.
Gift giving is a form of art-from-the-heart that will endear you as the super-cool-love-to-hang-with Auntie, or forever label you as "I can't believe my brother re-gifted my own gift back to me."
So, at this very family and friend-focused time of year for Dad, Grad, newlyweds or summer-cottage visits, be sure your gift projects an image that reflects your sentiment and something about the recipient that is meaningful to you both.
For Dad, is he a hammock-rocking-book-reading kind of guy? Or, is he happiest out blading and boogie-boarding with the kids? Take some time to find something he'll love and actually use. He'll remember it fondly forever and you'll never have to apologize for trying to change him. Leave that to Mom.
For the Grad, let's face it, cash is king. As an alternative, music and technology show that you're connected to the future and the present.
What was that special something that brought the newlywed lovebirds together in the first place? Is there a unique item that represents their union, brings a smile to their faces and ignites the memory of you, the giver, in the most special way? Could you select a one-of-a-kind piece from their bridal registry to help you stand out, as opposed to being "china place setting #4" in the future? If you're not sure...ask.
Of course, you're going to help with the dishes and tidy up around the cottage when you're the weekend guest. You will do everything in your power to be invited back. So, start with a small token upon arrival to thank your friend/host in advance for the kindness, generosity and hospitality. Flowers are always lovely, a bottle of wine may be just fine, a great book for the lazy afternoons is perfect or a basket of freshly picked goodies from the farm-stand you passed along your way. The possibilities are endless.
The gifts we give are the images we leave behind. They will most certainly create fond memories or fodder for family story-telling for generations to come. You decide.
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I'm Lauren Solomon, President of LS Image Associates, and 
