After the holiday season, businesses evaluate what products were the best sellers so they can tailor their stock for the next holiday season. I read recently, that gift cards dropped significantly in popularity this past Christmas. Really, it’s no surprise. Gift cards tell a person that you either waited until the last minute to buy a gift or didn’t care enough to think about what they might like to receive.
I’m not knocking gift cards entirely; they’re nice to have on hand for those surprise guests that tend to come out of the woodwork just in time for gift giving. A gift that is custom made is the epitome of thoughtfulness that really makes a person feel loved. This past Christmas I gave my nieces custom gift baskets. I filled each basket with little samplers of beauty products, hair ties, books, and treats according to each girls’ tastes. They were extremely happy with their gifts and have already sent me the most gracious hand-written thank you cards.
My daughter went away to college about a month ago, and since then my husband and I have missed her dearly. It’s only natural to experience some form of empty nest syndrome, and the pain is lessened somewhat by regular phone calls. It sounds as if she’s making a successful transition by staying on top of her studies while making plenty of new friends.
Last week it occurred to me that we should send her a care package just to show her that she’s always in our thoughts. Knowing that she loves to take luxurious baths whenever possible, I went online and created a custom gift basket chock full of handmade soaps, bath fizzies and moisturizers. With any luck, she’ll have enough time to enjoy its contents between classes and her other priorities.