Every Thanksgiving we drew our family's Christmas gift exchange names. Our rules had been established years ago...we still purchased for our parents and any children until after the 2nd birthday. We could purchase a little gift for our godchildren but were supposed to stop at age 18. Those were the rules until this year. They really ganged up on me and almost deleted everything for this Christmas 2006.

I guess I was one of those difficult ones.... I have some odd gifts to prove it! There are a couple more hard-to-buy-fors in our clan. My younger brother's family is the largest so they have been guaranteed to get at least three of us "difficult" ones on their shopping list. His poor wife really put a lot of thought into these gifts and I don't blame her for wanting to end it all.

I almost forgot to mention that we had a price limit of $30. (I guess I am guilty of ruining this cause I really started stretchig it!) So, shoot me....I love to give gifts! Anyway, I thought I would give a "gift of sharing" by this article! (I guess having an online shop which sells gifts and home decor will help me, too!)

Do not dread getting "difficult" people in name drawings now! There are so many ways to please thenm and give you the reward of satisfaction at the same time. Today's selection of gifts are so plentiful and varied that you can actually have some fun with purchasing! (Ok, maybe "fun" is not exactly the correct word!)

Collections are a terrific way to buy gifts. If they don't have one, you may start one after you think of something they might enjoy. For example, I mentioned one day, out of the clear blue, that i always admired different atomizers and perfume bottles. Well, you guessed it! Next thing I knew, my birthday and Christmas gifts were filled with gifts for my new collection! Now, I am thrilled and enjoy them thoroughly. Also, how neat is when I go on vacation, I always have to find one as a souvenir! I absolutely love collecting and beleve me, have collections galore! To name just a few, I have a collection of cook books (recipes of appetizers and desserts), children's books, frames, Scottie dogs, Real Estate items, all kinds of stickers, holiday serving pieces including Santa Clauses and snowmen collectables, and Dept. 56, a snow village. Of course, there are many more but space is at a premiun, you know. You could start anyone's collection with any of these or other ideas...so, why not start with our shop online and begin these 'difficult' people a collection. Change your mindset to one of fun shopping ...and enjoy!

Buying presents for 'difficult' Him is another way you can enjoy shopping. For example, my husband, Art, loves estate sales and tag sales. He has started and continued collections for himself and others. He started his mom years ago, with "chotskies!" These are expensive home accessories but she must get them at bargain or wholesale prices! She now has all styles of "chotskies" decorating her living room curio cabinet, kitchen shelves, bedrooms, family room shelves and just about everywhere you can think of! They really look good,not cluttered as one might think. Art has his own preferences of sets of white dishes, blue and white accessories, silver serving pieces, silver flatware, terrific wall groupings and so much more! Again, space is so limited here.

I must say that I think having a good memory is essential here. Art remembers what colors, patterns, styles and anything relevant for everyone he meets. He has purchased for my friends, relatives and just about everyone he has met who discuss prefernces with him!

We offer some great, lower priced items which can be part of or the beginning of collections. One that immediately comes to mind, tin and metal signs! They are generally lightweight, photo sized and can be hung ididually or in a grouping of wall hangings. They are appropriate for teens, seniors, man in your life, women in your life, friends, acquaintances, etc. They are one wonderful way to add to decor while eliminating the dreaded problem of gift-giving!

How about our wide selection of mini-pencil sharpeners? Yes, that's right...pencil sharpeners! You really need to check these out....they are so authentic looking and inexpensive! What about a golf cart, submarine, airplanes, helicopter, (to just name a few) setting around in the at-home office, den, family room, rec room or bedroom? It can say so much about a person...and flattering, at that! A sports collection is a "must have " for many difficult men buyers. Perhaps, golf is so popular because, unlike some sports, you can play golf at a healthy old age! We sell out of them right away so hurry if that's what you've decided.

For her, you can start a frame, paperweight, baskets, pefume bottle, blue and white, any brand names, southwestern decorating items, or personal attire, etc. For example, I have a friend who absolutely has everything she'd ever want or need and, yet, a few years ago, we started her a cute assortment of socks and now she goes gaga over them everywhere she goes! What a great collection of socks she now can show off....and does!!!!

Don't forget about your pet....I'm a big dog fan so I love anything that smacks of them! So, there's really nothing difficult if you change your thinking a little for gift-giving regardless of who is the recipient! Some of my friends spend hundreds as their limit but they absolutely HATE shopping for gifts. Being on the other side, which we call the CHEAP side, we still can and do buy classy gifts.....and usually at ridiclously low prices! Forget about how much it is....think instead; is it something they would like or does it apply to them? If you change your mindset....be creative...you may just surprise yourself....and ENJOY your gift shopping!

Oh, and one more thing....Happy Celebrations!