Guide to Gift Giving

Okay, so we all do it. We agonize over what are we going to get whoever for whatever reason.
"They have everything"
"What do they NEED?"
"What do they WANT?"
"Where can I find it?"
and of course -- "CAN I POSSIBLY AFFORD THAT WITHOUT PUTTING A SECOND MORTGAGE ON THE HOUSE?"

So, here is the Quint guide for what to give:

Your significant other: Okay, you have been with them HOW LONG? and you STILL don't know what to give? What do they do? What do they like? What are their hobbies (if any, besides football, even though that is a GIMME for gift giving -- WHO IS THEIR FAVORITE TEAM? Duh!) If you don't know the answers to these ever important questions, are they REALLY your significant other? and for that matter, what are you waiting for? FIND OUT! Okay, that was easy.

Next, your kids, grandkids, etc.:
TOYS! Video Games (age appropriate, of course) Sports paraphenalia. Music (again, age appropriate), Computer games (same thing), etc. etc. and if they happen to have an artistic gene (and we all know that it is NOT from your side of the family) art supplies, models, ANYTHING to keep the QUIETLY occupied.

Okay, parents, grandparents, etc.:
If you DON'T know what your elders like, find OUT! Okay, easy things -- wind chimes, stationary, collectibles, craft stuff, and above all else: GIFT CERTIFICATES!! Be it the craft store, or dinner out. Gift certificates NEVER go out of style.

Now, for the moment you have been waiting for: SIBLINGS!! That one is easy. Money. Or gift certificates. Gift cards for Walmart, or dinner out for their anniversaries, that sort of thing. Most siblings need to hear that you love them, and here is some money.

Extended family (cousins, aunts, etc.) Thank you cards, or well wish cards. Unless you are REALLY involved with them on a day to day basis, a "thank you for remembering" note is all that is necessary. or a "I remembered you!" note. Phone calls usally seal the deal. Now, for the ones that you deal with daily, treat them as (as appropriate) parents, siblings, children, etc.

In-Laws: Ah, this is the thorn. If you LIKE your in-laws, treat them as close family. If you DON'T like your in-laws, treat them as extended family. That was easy.

Employers: Okay, now this is TRICKY. you don't want to seem like you are sucking up, but again, you don't want to act all "I can't be lived without". So, IF you LIKE your boss, treat them like a parent, respect, understanding, know what they like and how far you can take things. IF you DON'T like your boss, you still could surprise the hell out of them by doing something unexpected, or remembering an occasion for them. Hell, they might even start liking you!!

Well, I hope that this has been helpful.

Oh, yeah, can't forget your friends. Friends you probably know better than your significant other. So, you already know what to give them.

Good luck!!