Gifts for Any Occasion


by Avis Ward - Date: 2007-04-30 - Word Count: 771 Share This!

When we care enough to send the very best, is Hallmark our only option? Well, not according to Nieman Marcus and a host of other retailers and Gift Boutiques, I am sure. Consumers are constantly deluged with catalogs and other direct mail pieces with the hope of tempting us beyond that which we can bear.

Now that Mother's Day is fast approaching, not only am I being courted via email but also through the mailbox at the end of the driveway. Perhaps I am partially at fault. I am not one who necessarily enjoys shopping. It's easier to order online and/or through catalogs. Once you do, however, your name gets placed on the "Gotcha!" list. Companies from which I have never ordered will send catalogs with a "This is your last catalog. Order today!" sticker. I never requested the catalog in the first place. I sort mail over the garbage can in the garage before entering the house. Most of them are thrown away but quite a few survive.

Do not think I am a Gift Idea Guru. Hardly! I happen to think those major credit card gift cards are the greatest things since the Internet! So does my 10-year-old nephew. His Mom spent an outrageous sum of money on his Christmas gifts. I gave him a VISA gift card loaded with a mere $25.00. A month after Christmas, he discovered a game that came with the gift his parent's bought had not even been opened. This kid was in heaven because he had a "credit card!" That 'credit card' is still the biggest hit for my nieces and nephews. The one nephew received another for Valentine's Day. Needless to say, I'm the favourite aunt! (Since I have no children my siblings do not mind one bit.)

Other Gift Giving Resources (Listed in no order of preference.) Harry & David - This company could possibly take care of every adult on your gift giving list. Join a club and have gifts sent monthly or quarterly. Corporate clients are sure to love it, too!Sharper Image - Don't think I need to say more. Anyone with eclectic taste and possibly 'geekish' would enjoy anything received from this store/catalog. Also, that someone who has everything would be pleased with their gift!Collections ETC. - Every Item in this catalog is $14.99 or less! Hallmark.com - When you actually want to send the very best. Cards, flowers and FREE e-cards await you.Godiva's Business Gift Collection - Your clients (and significant other) will remain loyal to only you.The Tender Filet - For food connoisseurs (have you met anyone who wasn't?)Williams Sonoma - Any gourmet chef or amateur would be thrilled. Don't know what to buy? There are always gift certificates. You may also want to try their "Home" edition. Wow!Red Envelope - High-end, classy, unique and stylish gifts for the entire family but primarily adults.Massey's - Does glass slipper tells you anything? Zappos.com - If she loves shoes, another option. Okay, I must admit, I'm nuts about this site. Does free overnight shipping make you tingle?Gumps - One of San Francisco's finest retailers for elegant, unique and quite exceptional gifts!Learning Express - Toys, Books, Games and so much more for kids!The Baker's Catalogue - Self explanatory with tasty recipes included.Baudville - Putting Applause on Paper. The purrfect way to motivate your team.Frontgate or GrandinRoad - Quality, exclusive, not cheap but affordable and variety for the home. Adler's Jewelry - Saving the best for last. Diamonds are said to be a girl's best friend. I would not order a diamond sight unseen but their Lladro figurines, engagement/wedding gifts and Signature Collection are worth knowing about, I feel. They are a retailer with a dot com.

This list could go on and on but I stopped here for that reason. There would be no end anytime soon to this article. Customer service has been excellent from the experiences I have had from each of these companies. Not one of them has me on their payroll or as a consultant. What Consumer Reports does on specific products has been shared with you about specific companies. I will add to the list, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and Pier 1 Imports because you can't lose no matter your choice.

Happy shopping! If you wish to throw in a gift for me, I'll send you my shipping information. Just kidding. Hopefully, you'll save time and frustration with these resources. The prices of gifts range from inexpensive to very expensive. I am pretty sure you'll find a gift for anyone no matter the occasion. I can somehow feel the piercing stares of husbands after seeing the look of euphoria on the faces of their wives. I'm out of here!

Copyright © 2007 Avis Ward of AWard Consulting, LLC


Related Tags: shopping, gifts, credit cards, catalogs, consumer, mothers day, hallmark

Avis Ward is an aspiring writer who enjoys writing about her spirituality, self-improvement, relationships, and women's issues. She is a Dental Marketing Consulting specializing in Orthodontics. http://aviswardconsulting.com/ or Avis Ward Avis invites you to view her blog.

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