Gift tips for special occasions
There are many ocassions in the lives of our friends and loved ones where we can show them how much we care.
| Common Occasions | Other Personal Milestones |
|---|---|
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But you really need not wait for a special occassion to give a personalized gift. As survey revealed, receving gifts on "no special occassion" makes loved ones feel more special.
Birthdays
If you are considering giving jewelry as a birthday present, make the person feel extra special by giving him or her a birthstone. Find out the person's birth month and use the guide below to determine the person's birthstone.
 January - Garnet |
 February - Amethyst |
 March - Aquamarine |
 April-Diamond |
 May - Emerald |
 June-Pearl |
 July-Ruby |
 August - Peridot |
 September- Blue Sapphire |
 October - Opal |
 November - Topaz |
 December - Turquoise |
Wedding Anniversaries
This handy guides shows the Traditional as well as the Modern gifts to
give on various wedding anniversaries.
For weddings, here are gift-giving etiquette from EmilyPost.
When Do I Send my Gift? Send the gift to the bride before the wedding or to the couple soon thereafter. In some regions gifts are brought to the reception and placed on a special table. Contrary to a current rumor that you have a year to send a gift, it really should be sent right away or within three months of the wedding.
Do I have to choose a gift from a registry? No. A registry is for your convenience and you are not limited to what is on the list.
How much should I spend? There is no rule, so it is entirely up to you. Let your affection for the bride and groom and your budget be your guide.
Is it appropriate to give money? In some cultures it is THE traditional gift. If you are uncomfortable about giving cash or a check, you have several options. You can give a gift certificate to a store where the bride and groom are registered. Another good idea is an American Express GiftCheque. They are a thoughtful gift and much appreciated by brides and grooms because they are easy to use, universally accepted and timeless. (They have no expiration date.) They arrive beautifully packaged in a gold envelope and they are replaceable if lost or stolen.
What do I do if I haven't received a thank you note? Ouch!! This is an awkward situation. It is certainly OK to call and ask the couple if they received the gift. If you find this too awkward and the gift was sent from a store, you can call the store and have it traced. Just as a gift should be sent right away or within three months of a wedding, a thank you note should be written right away or, at the very least, within three months of receiving a gift.
Valentine's Day and Other Romantic Occasions
When it comes to interests of the heart, survey revealed that the gift most Americans want to receive from an admirer is flowers or houseplants - followed by jewelry, clothing and perfume or cologne.