Get Busy on A Thoughtful Gift Today!

Forget the overpriced flowers, usual boxed candies or predictable greeting
cards. Show your significant other that you care enough to put serious thought
into the gift. Nothing says "I love you" or "I appreciate you" like paying
attention.

Hate holidays and birthdays? Never know what to get or where to go? Get over
it. You don't have to spend a lot of money or observe the floral ritual, but
can you really afford give the impression that you are the Curmudgeon of
Romance? I think not. This is not the time to be an activist. Do something
special for your someone special--everyday.

This requires you to spend some time thinking about the object of your
affection. What do they like to do? Do they collect something? Is there
something they keep meaning to do for themselves that you can do for them? An
indulgence or small luxury you can treat them to?

Before you rush off to eBay to find a gift…there is a No-No List.
For a woman, no matter how much she needs one, do NOT buy her a vacuum cleaner
or a handy car emergency kit. "I just want to make your life easier, honey!"
Time and place, dude… make her life easier with a new mulch shovel on Arbor
Day. Same goes for men's gifts; even if they really want a riding mower, save
it for a birthday. Certainly don't buy them the tools they need to fix YOUR
car. Or a gift that reflects the job you want them to get, the clothes you
think they should start wearing, or the healthy habit you think they should
have.

Gifts should show that you spent time, and thought into selecting a gift.
Sure, some people love expensive gifts, but more likely, it will look like you
spent money to hide the fact that you couldn't think of something good. If you
spend a bundle, do it because you tracked down something rare and wonderful.
Never spend big money if money is a big issue in your relationship.

So, what is on the Yes-Yes List?

GIFTS OF ROMANCE. These are particularly special if you are normally
not a sappy, gushing, romantic fool. Have trouble expressing your feeling in
words? Spend time writing her a poem or an essay about what she means to you.
Give a special piece of jewelry
they have been dreaming about or a moment of special attention… remove all the
things that normally keep you from relaxing together. That can be tough for
working families. Farm out the kids, put away the work, ignore the undone
housework, and spent time reminiscing about why you love about each other.
Make a lot of all the things you like about the other person and read it out
loud. Make the list loong and feed him/her a bite of sweet dessert or share a
peeled grape with each other. "Over the top" is the key.

GIFTS OF RELAXATION.
Get a fancy hotel room in your own city, order in room service, and watch
movies for a whole weekend. If your partner has kids, YOU arrange the
babysitter (enlist a relative). Give her a gift
certificate for a spa weekend or a women's retreat. Give him a afternoon
at a men's spa for his first facial and massage. Get lightly-scented massage
oil and set up a "spa"
at home.. perhaps hire a professional massage therapist to give you his-n-hers
massage or foot reflexology.

GIFTS OF ORIGINALITY.Did you know that you can hire an artist for a
reasonable sum and get custom art or illustration. Have a favorite poem
illuminated by a calligrapher. Make something with your own hands… jewelry,
art, pottery, carving, or his portrait in tile mosaic… walk around an art
store for ideas. Or have something with personal importance framed
elaborately… a cocktail napkin you saved from your first date… the ticket
stubs from the movie where you first whispered, "I love you."

GIFTS OF COLLECTABILITY. Do they love collecting dolls,
figurines, a
particular author, actor, or movie? Track down a first edition book, a movie
theater lobby poster, or an autographed item. Buy a sheet of uncut collector
cards for sports teams, comic book heros, or fantasy games. Movie animation
cells, rare recordings, and hard-to-get editions from other countries… all of
these show you did some work to get them something they will love.

GIFTS OF SERVICE.Give a weekend of your time fixing or cleaning
everything that needs it, without making the person feel be-holdin' for it.
Give a gift certificate for a meal you cook and clean-up after, especially if
you never do that. Even if you can't cook, the effort will be both amusing and
thoughtful. Do dishes for the first time in your life… find someone who knows
how and ask them. The fact that you did that will be impressive. Give a
weekend of your time waiting on her (or him) hand and foot. Fetch her purse,
open every door, call her m'lady and focus on what she wants next. Ever
painted someone's toenails? Be her loyal servant for a day or two (and see
what you learn about her.)

Getting the idea? Start brainstorming…a Great 2009 Holiday season is just round
the corner.