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GIFT GUIDE
Just For Him!
Ok gentlemen, bookmark this site, (if your wife or girlfriend hasn't already done it for you) so you will have the perfect gift resource always available. We are here to hold your hand and guide you through every step of gift giving to make it as easy a possible! We will help you with any gift needs you have such as Valentine's Day, Christmas, Mother's Day, Birthdays, Secretary's Day. If your questions aren't answered here please contact us directly for answers to your questions! info@thebluetophat.com or (858)349-8998 or (804)916-0446.
Men's Guide to Gift Giving
1. A gift is a direct reflection of how you feel about her. What you choose will speak volumes. For example buying her a vacuum cleaner says, "I think you need to do a better job cleaning the house." A bouquet of beautiful flowers says, "I can't stop thinking about you!"
2. The presentation of the gift is also a direct reflection of how you feel about her. You could select the finest piece of jewelry in a store but, if you don't take the time to present it properly, you will leave her feeling like you have other more important priorities. Everyone wants to feel as though they are the most important thing in the world. Taking time for details is a great way to show they are important! A great card, beautiful wrapping, (don't worry, many stores will do this for you!), or a creative way of giving it to her such as a special date can all add to the experience.
3. It is all about her, not about you! When giving a gift you should consider what makes her happy. When do you see her really smile or get excited? This has been the area where my husband and I have improved the most over time. We both have very different expectations of gifts. He loves things that are completely practical and functional. I want things that are luxuries that I wouldn't ever buy for myself. When I buy him something I think would be great, like a luxury item, he is disappointed because it doesn't seem to have any practical use. On the other hand, if he gets me something practical like an appliance (a definite no-no in our house!) I am left feeling disappointed. Learn to focus on things she wants, not what things you think would be great gifts for you.
4. Expensive gifts are nice but the thought is what counts. Everyone loves to be spoiled but spending a ton of money isn't the only way to spoil someone. Your greatest resource is your time. Use it to be creative and plan something unexpected like a picnic at the beach or a treasure hunt to find a gift. Writing a special letter or searching for just the right gift that reminds her of your first date can have a great impact.
5. Her girlfriends can be your best resources. More often than not, her girlfriends will be very in touch with her sense of style and be able to guide you in the right direction for what she is really wishing for. My husband used to take my best friend shopping with him and always came back with exactly what I wanted. She was like his own personal shopper. When she moved out of state he would call her when he was at the mall so she could go online and virtual shop at the same store that he was in. That way when he was in one of my favorite stores she would be on their website directing him to find specific items for me. It worked so well that he has graduated and no longer requires her assistance to find great gifts for me!
Ok gentlemen, bookmark this site, (if your wife or girlfriend hasn't already done it for you) so you will have the perfect gift resource always available. We are here to hold your hand and guide you through every step of gift giving to make it as easy a possible! We will help you with any gift needs you have such as Valentine's Day, Christmas, Mother's Day, Birthdays, Secretary's Day. If your questions aren't answered here please contact us directly for answers to your questions! info@thebluetophat.com or (858)349-8998 or (804)916-0446.
Men's Guide to Gift Giving
2. The presentation of the gift is also a direct reflection of how you feel about her. You could select the finest piece of jewelry in a store but, if you don't take the time to present it properly, you will leave her feeling like you have other more important priorities. Everyone wants to feel as though they are the most important thing in the world. Taking time for details is a great way to show they are important! A great card, beautiful wrapping, (don't worry, many stores will do this for you!), or a creative way of giving it to her such as a special date can all add to the experience.
3. It is all about her, not about you! When giving a gift you should consider what makes her happy. When do you see her really smile or get excited? This has been the area where my husband and I have improved the most over time. We both have very different expectations of gifts. He loves things that are completely practical and functional. I want things that are luxuries that I wouldn't ever buy for myself. When I buy him something I think would be great, like a luxury item, he is disappointed because it doesn't seem to have any practical use. On the other hand, if he gets me something practical like an appliance (a definite no-no in our house!) I am left feeling disappointed. Learn to focus on things she wants, not what things you think would be great gifts for you.
4. Expensive gifts are nice but the thought is what counts. Everyone loves to be spoiled but spending a ton of money isn't the only way to spoil someone. Your greatest resource is your time. Use it to be creative and plan something unexpected like a picnic at the beach or a treasure hunt to find a gift. Writing a special letter or searching for just the right gift that reminds her of your first date can have a great impact.
5. Her girlfriends can be your best resources. More often than not, her girlfriends will be very in touch with her sense of style and be able to guide you in the right direction for what she is really wishing for. My husband used to take my best friend shopping with him and always came back with exactly what I wanted. She was like his own personal shopper. When she moved out of state he would call her when he was at the mall so she could go online and virtual shop at the same store that he was in. That way when he was in one of my favorite stores she would be on their website directing him to find specific items for me. It worked so well that he has graduated and no longer requires her assistance to find great gifts for me!
Top 10 Tips
for Gift Givers
for Gift Givers
1. Gifts are an expression of how you feel about the person you are giving the gift to. Take the time to choose or create something that reflects your feelings.
2. The most memorable gifts are often free or inexpensive. If you money is a concern, spend your time finding or creating your own special gift. You will be surprised at the reaction a gift from the heart receives!
3. Do your best to know the recipient's likes and dislikes. Even if you don't like shopping from a registry, it can be a great starting point to find out favorite colors, styles and/or interests.
4. Receiving a gift is a memorable experience. Put thought into all aspects of the experience. You could get the most beautiful diamond necklace in the world but if you just toss it at your wife and move on about your business you will be diminishing the gift greatly. Make sure that you have put care into the presentation as well as the actual gift.
5. There are an unlimited number of ways to present a gift.
- beautiful wrapping
- treasure hunt with clues
- surprise them with an unexpected gift and then present your main gift
- play a game where you may trade one wrapped gift for another
6. Remember that The Art of Gift Giving is like anything else. It takes practice. Have fun thinking of new ways to be creative!
7. Always keep your eyes open for great gifts. Don't limit yourself to buying a gift only the week before a birthday or event. If you see a great gift that would be perfect for someone, buy it and store it until a special occasion comes up for that person. You can find amazing deals by purchasing gifts off-season. For example, if someone has a summer birthday, consider shopping for them in the fall when all the summer items are on sale.
8. Re-gifting is a no-no! If you don't want the gift, why would they? Finding out a gift wasn't chosen specifically for you can sour even the greatest gift. Of course there are exceptions to every rule but please, use discretion here!
9. When giving to the same person repeatedly for years such as a spouse or family members, try to have a variety of types of gifts. For instance, if you like to give practical gifts, try to inter-change that with a humorous gift, a luxury gift, a charitable gift, or an experience such as tickets to an event, and then repeat types from time to time. It is terribly mundane to give the same J. Crew cable knit sweater every birthday to your son. No, changing the color each year does not help! Be creative and step out of your box!
10. Always remember that the gift you give speaks volumes whether you want it to or not. Make sure your gift is saying what you want it to!
Idea of the Month
July 2008 Give Yourself a Gift of Memories
June 2008 School's Out for Summer!
Celebrate Summer -
Sun drenched days and starlit nights...
-- Gooseberry Patch
The kids are finally out for 3 months of summer fun. As a kid I remember the absolute freedom of no homework, no schedules, staying up late, and days in the sun. These days our lives are so busy and it feels like every minute is spoken for. This summer I want to give my children the gift of a blissful summer of fun! While I can't completely avoid the scheduling of some activities, (swim team, ballet class, and football camp); I'm trying my best to limit those activities. I'm leaving more time for impulsive decisions, staying up too late, sleeping in and general relaxation. Even if you work full time and you can't break from the normal routine, try to schedule a day a month when you skip work and let the day take you where it may. Every kid deserves a carefree summer in their youth! Let them dictate how you will spend the day, when you will eat, when you will get out of pjs, where you will go, who you will spend time with. You may be surprised by the choices they make.
This month, give the gift of a blissful summer!
May 2008 Teacher Gifts
A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. ~Henry Brooks Adams
We are so blessed to have wonderful teachers for our children this year! Day in and day out they are lovingly caring for the physical, mental, emotional and intellectual well being of our children. As the school year comes to a close it is a wonderful time to show them our appreciation for a year of service and impact in the lives of our children.
Here are a couple of gift ideas to get you thinking!
April 2008 Baby Showers
The old saying goes, "April Showers bring May Flowers." This month we are focusing on great ideas for baby showers. Here are a couple of fun ideas:
Summertime is the perfect time for relaxing days and lazy weekends. Take advantage of some quiet moments this summer and give yourself a gift of memories. We all have tons of photos in boxes and stored on our computers. Make it a priority to tell just one story of your life with pictures that you've stored up. You could create a special memory of summer vacation, a family tree, the story of a child's life or your parent's love story. This is a great gift you can give yourself that will be enjoyed for years to come.
There are so many wonderful options for organizing photos out there these days. I have always loved the photo books that you can do online because no one can take out the best pictures and forget to return them. You can customize layout, text, and photos. There are many great services for this out there. Check out www.tabithageary .com for fabulous ideas for Memory Gifts. If you don't have time for a project, treat yourself to a new frame or digital frame and freshen up your home with a new photo or two!
There are so many wonderful options for organizing photos out there these days. I have always loved the photo books that you can do online because no one can take out the best pictures and forget to return them. You can customize layout, text, and photos. There are many great services for this out there. Check out www.tabithageary .com for fabulous ideas for Memory Gifts. If you don't have time for a project, treat yourself to a new frame or digital frame and freshen up your home with a new photo or two!
June 2008 School's Out for Summer!
Celebrate Summer -
Sun drenched days and starlit nights...
-- Gooseberry Patch
The kids are finally out for 3 months of summer fun. As a kid I remember the absolute freedom of no homework, no schedules, staying up late, and days in the sun. These days our lives are so busy and it feels like every minute is spoken for. This summer I want to give my children the gift of a blissful summer of fun! While I can't completely avoid the scheduling of some activities, (swim team, ballet class, and football camp); I'm trying my best to limit those activities. I'm leaving more time for impulsive decisions, staying up too late, sleeping in and general relaxation. Even if you work full time and you can't break from the normal routine, try to schedule a day a month when you skip work and let the day take you where it may. Every kid deserves a carefree summer in their youth! Let them dictate how you will spend the day, when you will eat, when you will get out of pjs, where you will go, who you will spend time with. You may be surprised by the choices they make.
This month, give the gift of a blissful summer!
May 2008 Teacher Gifts
A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. ~Henry Brooks Adams
We are so blessed to have wonderful teachers for our children this year! Day in and day out they are lovingly caring for the physical, mental, emotional and intellectual well being of our children. As the school year comes to a close it is a wonderful time to show them our appreciation for a year of service and impact in the lives of our children.
Here are a couple of gift ideas to get you thinking!
- Neat and Tidy: Our preschool teachers will be getting beautiful aprons in trendy oilcloth fabrics with 4 large pockets. Each student is bringing in an item to stuff in the pockets such as a gift card, fancy soaps or lotions, candy, small book, stationary or note. These aprons are fantastic because any mess just wipes right off.
- Blooming With Gifts: Select any plant or small tree you would like and place it in a beautiful pot. Go to your local florist and ask for the plastic sticks to hold cards. Get one stick for each student in the class and ask each child to draw a picture on a small note card or bring in a photograph and send in a gift card of their choice. The teacher will enjoy remembering each child as they have a special treat from them.
- Beach Bound:
The teacher's have worked so hard this year! Give them all the
accessories for a wonderful rest at the beach or the pool. Fill a
great beach bag with a plush towel, Tervis Tumbler or other cup, flip
flops, sunscreen, fun summer music cd, chapstick, pool toy, magazines,
tropical drink mixes and any other summer items.
The old saying goes, "April Showers bring May Flowers." This month we are focusing on great ideas for baby showers. Here are a couple of fun ideas:
- Decorations: Use a clothes
line and old fashioned clothes pins as a decoration and fill the line
with adorable booties, hats, bibs, onsies, and outfits. You can ask
each guest to bring something to hang on the clothes line, the host can
provide items or you can ask the expectant parents to dig up their baby
clothes for the occasion.
- Food: Design a menu with "baby" themed foods such as petite portions, baby carrots, mini quiches and so on. Check out the "Martha Stewart Throws a Wedding" section of her website for fantastic mini brunch foods that would fit this theme perfectly.
- Favors:
For a fun twist on the usual favor, give everyone something to
celebrate with when they hear baby has arrived. Purchase mini
champagne bottles from your local liquor supplier and make custom
labels with a great baby graphic. Add a different quote to each label
about babies, parenting, children, boys or girls. Guests can sip a
glass of champagne in the baby's honor upon news of his/her birth!
- Gifts: Of
course the hit of a shower would be a Blue Top Hat Baby Gift to help
the parents celebrate each month in the new baby's life but if you are
looking for other options...check out www.secure2me.com, the only baby blanket that clips on and stays on!
March 2008 Get Well Gifts
During this time of year we see a lot of requests for Get Well Gifts. People are sick more often this time of year, have the "Winter Blues", or have a surgery that requires time off their feet. Whatever the reason, it is always a wonderful surprise to get a little pick me up for a friend.
Here is an idea for you to try to spread joy to someone a little under the weather!
Dreaming of Brighter Days Gift
Assemble a gift of a gardener's journal, a pack of playing cards of all the trees of nature, and a set of botanical stationary. Tuck quotes about the beauty of nature into the gift box and wrap beautifully.
During this time of year we see a lot of requests for Get Well Gifts. People are sick more often this time of year, have the "Winter Blues", or have a surgery that requires time off their feet. Whatever the reason, it is always a wonderful surprise to get a little pick me up for a friend.
Here is an idea for you to try to spread joy to someone a little under the weather!
Dreaming of Brighter Days Gift
Assemble a gift of a gardener's journal, a pack of playing cards of all the trees of nature, and a set of botanical stationary. Tuck quotes about the beauty of nature into the gift box and wrap beautifully.
