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Hottest Gifts?
By Daphne | November 15, 2007
Don’t worry about what the hottest gift is.
The people on your Christmas shopping list may not care what the hottest gift is. If you look around do you own any of the hottest items? Would you want to own many of the so called hottest gifts?
A quick search for “hottest gifts” yielded a random smattering of articles. Most of the articles were press releases geared toward those indecisive shoppers who need help selecting a gift for a recipient. This search taught me that sewing and needlecrafts are the hottest hobbies around. That is according to one press release sponsored by a sewing machine manufacturer.  I am not really sure that people who participate in either of theses crafts would really care if they were participating in a “hot” hobby or not. They do it because they like it.
For holiday shoppers who are trying to stay within a budget buying the most popular items are not necessarily the way to go. The recipient may not necessarily buy into the hype, your wallet may not like the price or you may find it difficult to locate the item.
If you have made your holiday spending plan already, think seriously about your gift recipients before being swayed by flashy sites or advertisements.
Does your cousin have a hobby but you aren’t really sure what to buy? Ask him what stores he likes to go to or ask what supplies he might need for his hobby. Asking for a short list of up to three items in a certain price range also helps too. If you have ever participated in a gift exchange at work and you had to list three things in a certain price range it’s the same idea. That way someone who really didn’t know you would get you something that you would like.
Also, your idea of the hottest gift may not resonate as being that popular with a person of a different generation. A younger relative might not like your taste in clothing or accessories and an older relative may not want another item to take up space in their home.
For those relatives and friends I am unsure of what they would like, I am going to ask them for a list of 3-5 things that they might like. This way my job is easier and my gift would be used. If they really is a problem, hang on to those receipts in case you need to exchange something. But the truly savvy shopper knows that there is always a gift receipt.
It may seem crass to ask, but if someone asked you what you wanted you’d tell them right? Wouldn’t you be happy that they took the time to ask instead of going blindly to the store to get you what they think you might like?
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Topics: November 2007 |