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Choosing presents for people, whether they are friends or
relations, can be very difficult. This is especially true at
Christmas, when we will probably have many presents to buy,
and when we buy presents for our fellow over 50s. After all,
what do you buy for the man or woman with everything? So
this Guide will give you some ideas that will hopefully make
the process easier and give you some good ideas.
It doesn't claim to be comprehensive; how could it be? So you
also have the opportunity to tell laterlife your own ideas
for presents. In particular, you are invited to tell laterlife about the
best or most unusual present you ever received and the best or
most unusual one you ever gave.
This should help inspire your fellow readers! Just use the
standard guide
feedback form
When we buy presents, the chief objective is to
give the person something that we believe they will enjoy. It
might be something transient or it could be something to keep
over the years. Whichever it is, the criterion is that the
person will enjoy receiving it. This, in turn, should increase
our pleasure in giving it.
So how do we try to ensure that they will enjoy
it? The most obvious answer is to ask them! However, if you like
to give surprises or you know that they like surprises this
might not be the best option. Think about it, though. It's the
best way of ensuring you buy the right present. If you decide
not to ask them, here are some tips for choosing a present they
will value:
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Listen to what they say in normal
conversation and make a note of any clues you get
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Think about their hobbies and if there is
anything you can buy that will help them enjoy one of them
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When you are buying for grandchildren,
involve the parents
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Ask other people what they think the person
would like
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Start looking early. You don't need to buy
early, but the earlier you start looking the better.
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Use all the sources of presents: the
Internet; catalogues that come through the post;
advertisements in the newspapers and on the television; and,
of course, good old fashioned shops. The book cover shown
here is all about buying lovely gifts online. Click on it to
see it at Amazon.
In some ways it is easier to buy presents for
people whom you know very well because you can pick up the clues
much easier. You can subtly try to guide conversations round to
the topic of presents and you will overhear what they say to
other people. Take advantage of these opportunities but do make
a note of the hints and clues that you get so you don't forget
them.
On the other hand, buying for those people you
know very well, such as your partner, may be more difficult
because you may have completely run out of ideas! So ask other
people what they think - if it's for your husband or wife, your
children will probably be able to come up with some ideas. You
may even be able to share a bigger, more lavish present with
your children rather than everyone buying one smaller gift.
To get you started, take a look at the
laterlife site map. Go to the Celebrating in Later Life
section and you will see many references that provide
suggestions for presents. Just click on the ones you think will
be helpful and have a look at the wealth of ideas on those
pages.
If you would like to help make this Guide even
better, either fill in the
feedback form or visit the
Forum
and tell us any ideas you have. In particular, tell us about the
best present you have ever given or the best one you have ever
received. We'll then add your ideas to the Guide.
Now read the rest of the Guide by clicking on
the links in the box. It will ease the dilemma of trying to
choose the perfect present.
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