| 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. |
