Calandra -> RE: A question about gifts... (6/21/2006 7:49:04 PM)
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hi joy, great question! I think gifts can be one sure way to ruin a fist meeting or cement one... I am very outspoken and open about likes dislikes and just general life... it is very very easy to discover the things that mean a lot to me on a day to day basis, and if a gift expresses that someone noticed and paid attention to detail, I'd be very flattered. On the other hand, I tend to be turned off by flowers (unless you discover my favorite flowers), chocolates (unless you find something unique or know my favorite ones), perfumes (I'm alergic to some of them), and alcohols (once again, unless it's unique and/or you've discerend what My basic tastes are). Lifestyle gifts are perceived as hints that you want to play... Expensive gifts can be taken to be boastful or showy. Some of the most endearing gifts I've received were: 1.)Teas - One sub went to their local health food store and hand picked and blended various teas and dried fruits to assist me in relaxation, energizing, etc. He had researched the effects of each ingredient, and asked for help online in a chat forum. He'd then created a basket lined with beautiful fabric, natural dried grasses, and matching bows. He'd made unique labels naming each tea and describing it's effect. 2.) Rose Petal Wine - I'd mentioned in passing that I'd visited a wonderful winery in Indianapolis once, and enjoyed this interesting wine made from rose petals. The sub researched the wineries in the area, discovered that even though the wine was no longer made, a few bottled were still available local to Indianapolis. He ordered two bottles (maybe $12 each) and since he couldn't legally get them shipped to Georgia, had them shipped to himself and then re-wrapped them for shipment to me. 3.) A gift certificate to a local day spa - The certificate entitled me to a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage, and hairdressing. This one did cost $99 but the person who gave it to me was fairly well off and I knew that the focus was not the price, but the fact that they could pamper me while he could not... it was very sweet. Most of the time I look at what the INTENTION is behind a gift... Is it to impress me? To make me feel indebted? To help me feel as wonderful as the person thinks I am? To help comfort me or pamper me? Is it just a way to show the person is thinking of me? There aren't any hard and fast rules in gift giving, but I know one thing I'll send back without using - A gift card... so impersonal!!!
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