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Does deciding on a gift stress you?
Does shopping sometimes frustrate you?
NEVER AGAIN!
A+ Gift Ideas
How to Pick Perfect Presents
For Anyone on Any Occasion
and Shop Stress Free
You Are Going To Feel
When You See Their BIG Smile!
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Includes a “Second Book” Inside!
Greetings and Well Wishes for Every Occasion!
Does deciding on a gift stress you?
Does shopping sometimes frustrate you?
NEVER AGAIN!
+ Gift Ideas
A
How to Pick Perfect Presents
For Anyone on Any Occasion
and Shop Stress Free
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Valentine’
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Any Occasion Or None at All!
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Copyright 2012-2013 Jerry Gill
All Rights Reserved
Simple Quick has distilled the topic of Gift Selection
for you. And if you want to dig deeper there is a free
pdf download of resources and references for this book
available at http://www.sqbookstore.com
The information can be viewed online where you can
easily access the sites listed or you can print the page
Just visit the link above for the Simple Quick bookstore
and go to the “Supplemental Information” page.
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Gift Shopping Should Always be Fun!
Each of us enjoys buying a gift for special people
in our life and most of us have been conditioned to also
feel obliged to buy gifts in many circumstances, too.
Have you ever considered all the occasions on
which we give gifts?
Christmas
Mother’s Day
Graduation
Baby Shower
New job/office
Anniversaries
Get well
Moving away
Share vacation
Welcome Back
House warming
Birthdays
Father’s Day
Weddings
Divorce party
Thank you!
Gift for the hostess
Back to school
Completion of a task
Promotion
To the bridesmaids, etc.
Just because!
Is it any wonder that shopping can sometimes
seem a hassle at best and a nightmare at worst?
Bonus Book! 174 Greetings, Blessings & Well wishes
Sometimes when we send a gift we want to say more
than we feel the gift can say alone. We want to put our
thoughts into words. Just the right word or combination
of words can make a gift extra special.
On the bottom half of each page you will find a
treasure trove of quotes, blessings, and well wishes. Use
them as is or tweak them for your occasion!
1
If you let it happen, you can get really stressed
buying a gift for someone. First problem is usually,
“What can I get?”, “What will she like?”
Then if a gift is tentatively identified, the second
problem arises. Either, “That’s a lot of money!” or “I don’t
know, that’s kinda cheap. I don’t want to look cheap”.
Of course a third problem, at Christmas especially,
is the crowds. They block your view, get in your way,
take your parking, take the last one just before you get
there and just make shopping a tiring hassle, physically
and mentally.
STOP! It shouldn’t be like that! Presumably you
want to go shopping, so why wouldn’t you – shouldn’t
you -- enjoy it? What a good feeling it gives to see a
family member or friend smile and show pleasure at a
gift you’ve given!
In the following pages you will receive several tips
for putting fun and magic back into gift selection, giving
and buying! Plus a ton of ideas for selecting special gifts
with meaning for anyone on any occasion. You’ll never
again stress over shopping. You’ll look forward to it!
Making an entry work with any occasion is often
simple. Just say, Happy birthday!, Happy anniversary,
etc. Then write the blessing. Or if it is smoother, make
the transition with something like, “I found this quote
that seems perfect for this occasion.”
Sometimes if the wish specifies an occasion, like a
birthday, it works just fine to substitute another word such
as anniversary, graduation and so on. A wish for father can
become a wish for mother by changing one word.
And you can use what you find here as inspiration
to write your own, too.
2
How to Take the Pain Out of Gift Selection
For the most part we buy gifts for people we care
about. It should be fun. Yet, too often it becomes a
chore. And the longer you look, the harder it gets! Well,
here are some ways to make shopping easier and help
you make better choices, too.
1. Don’t wait until the occasion. Buy gifts all year round.
Whenever you see something and think, “So-and-so
would love that!”, buy it! Hide it away until Christmas,
birthday or other appropriate occasion rolls around, and
you’re ready. No sweat!
2. Keep notes. Start a small notebook on all those special
people you buy for. Info like favorite color, music, or
animal. Do they collect something: pig figurines, match
books, stamps? In a conversation did they say something
like, “I love modern art!” Great clue to note down.
When it comes gift buying time, this information will
make the task so much easier!
3. Splice the first 2 ideas. If you get an idea for a great
gift for someone but buying it right then is not an option,
make a note of it.
Friendship is the golden
May you have thread that ties the heart
Walls for the wind
of all the world.
And a roof for the rain,
- John Evelyn
And drinks bedside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire Sisters by chance,
- Celtic Blessing
friends by choice.
3
4. Buy things on the day after Christmas and other holidays.
No doubt you’ve noticed how prices for seasonal products
drop the day after the holiday. It’s a good time to take
advantage of some deep discounts. Except for food, those
items will be just as good next year and may make nice
gifts for other occasions, too.
5. Take the last idea a step further. Customize the items
you get. Best example: buy tree ornaments en masse.
During the year, get out your artist brushes and hand
paint each one or each set for someone special.
6. Don’t resist buying the same gift for several people.
There are times when it is both easy and appropriate. For
example, when you are on a trip and feel obligated to “get
something” for all those people back home. Don’t stress
trying to pick individual gifts. Buy bulk and divide it up.
Depending on the number of people and how much you
want to spend, here are some idea: calendars, food that
your destination is noted for, t-shirts, key chains, posters,
coffee mugs or tea glasses, or caps. You can do this same
thing at Christmas for people who don’t know each other.
7. Along the same line, giving the same thing to a person
every Christmas, birthday, Mother’s Day, etc, is fine, if it
The rain may be falling hard outside,
But your smile makes it all alright.
I’m so glad that you’re my friend.
I know our friendship will never end.
- Robert Alan.
If I had a flower for all the
times you've made me smile
and laugh, I would have a
Friendship is a sheltering
garden to walk in forever.
tree.- Samuel Coleridge
4
fits the person. Don’t make shopping difficult when it
doesn’t need to be. For example, if Uncle Don collects
ball caps, it’s a no brainer, get him a ball cap (different
design of course) every year, every occasion even! He
will either wear it or proudly display it in his collection.
If your mother love’s to eat out but just never does on her
own, and she loves roses, don’t fight it. The perfect
Mother’s Day for her is dinner and roses!
Don’t forget idea number 1. If you see something
that chimes out Uncle Don’s name, you can skip the caps
for a year! Otherwise go with the flow!
8. College students can be a special breed of people to buy
for. Remember most of them don’t live in their permanent
residence, they may be living in a dorm room or studio,
many have no car, and many will move at the end of the
semester or sooner. They don’t really need “stuff”. And
unless you are a student also, your idea of fashionable
clothing may not match theirs. Now, if you know they
need a fridge for the dorm room, or a new laptop or the
like, that “stuff” is ok. If they are your kids and live at
home, you will certainly hear what they would like
True friendship consists not in the multitude of friends,
but in their worth and value. - Ben Johnson
Depth of friendship does not depend on length of
acquaintance. - Rabindranath Tagore
Simplicity, clarity, singleness: these are the attributes that
give our lives power and vividness and joy. - Richard
Halloway
5
If you can, talking to their friends may help. Ask
the kinds of things they like and what might make a good
gift. This is a group where it is really important not to
buy what you think is cool, because odds are good they
won’t agree. Otherwise keep it simple. A token gift if
you want, or food, a ticket home, gift card for the coffee
shop where they study, or a photo of the last birthday
party they missed for a younger sibling. A perfect gift of
course is any bill of currency which sports a number
larger than 20. It will elicit smiles and gratitude from almost any student!
9. One concept upon which all successful, hassle free
shopping rests and which is important to selecting gifts
they will love - don’t buy what you like or want, buy
what the other person likes. Don’t buy a thing because
you really like it. Try to get into their skin - what would
the recipient think - cool or “no thanks”?
10. For events like weddings and baby showers, be sure to
ask if there is a gift registry set up somewhere. Choose a
gift from the registry and you know it is something wanted. If a gift from the registry just doesn’t seem special
enough, there are ways to “specialize” it - coming up!
No man can be happy without a friend, nor be sure of
his friend till he is unhappy.- Thomas Fuller
May this year be your best ever.
May all your wishes and dreams come true.
A year older and a year better.
It's gotta come from the heart, if you want it to work.Susannah Clark
6
11. A final tip. A great gift need not be expensive or
unusual in itself. The design can make the most common
objects into wonderful gifts. Take a t-shirt for example.
Most t-shirts are not bought because a person needs a
t-shirt but because the person likes the design. And you
could even come up with your own design (could just be
a saying) and get it printed on a t-shirt.
Another example is a deck of cards. The playing
side is much the same for any deck, but the reverse has
no limits. For someone who plays a lot of cards, a
rare or unique deck would be a simple yet terrific gift.
Other than buying a person a specific gift they
have asked for, perhaps the very best way to give a gift
that is meaningful is to give a gift which has it’s own
symbolic meaning. Or the symbolic gift can be an “add
on” to another gift to enhance it’s value to the giftee.
In the remainder of the book you will find several
pages of good luck symbols, traditional and modern
anniversary gifts, signs of the zodiac, feng shui objects,
flower symbolism and more. If you don’t “believe” in
the power of the symbols, that’s OK. Read on to find
why a symbolic gift is still a wonderful gift.
Here’s to another year of experience (or ?)
Today is the first day of another 365 day trip around the
sun. Have a great trip!
May the best of your past be the worst of your future.
Have a great day filled with special memories!
Babies are bits of stardust; blown from the hand of God.
7
Meaningful Symbols
Symbolism has been a habit of people for as long
as there have been people. We attribute meaning to all
manner of places, things and acts. Whether you believe
in the power of a symbol or not is irrelevant. When you
give a gift of a symbol you are literally giving your wish
for that person.
If a person dreams a lot and remembers them, a
book of dream interpretation might be a good gift. Stories
can also be symbolic, as in Aesop’s Fables, Zen parables
or the Bible. All nice gifts.
You could also create something like a symbolic
wall hanging. You can use Native American symbols,
Egyptian hieroglyphs, petroglyphs like those painted on
cave walls by our great ancestors. You could even make
up your own symbols or use stick people and make a
“cave painting” that expresses what you feel.
Remember the old saying about it’s not the gift
that counts but the thought behind the gift. A symbolic
gift can be worth a 10,000 words! On the next few pages
you’ll find categories of symbols to choose gifts from.
I hope you get a wonderful surprise for every candle
on your cake!
You’re not getting older, just more________
Hope you have a _______ that’s as cool/hot/awesome/?
as you are!
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. Aristotle
8
Western Zodiac
Aquarius, Water Carrier, wind, Jan 20-Feb19
Pisces, the Fish, water, Feb 20-Mar 20
Aries, the Ram, fire, Mar 21-Apr 20
Taurus, the Bull, earth, Apr 21-May 20
Gemini, the Twins, wind, May 21-Jun 20
Cancer, the Crab, water, Jun 21-Jul 22
Leo, the Lion, fire, Jul 23-Aug 22
Virgo, the Virgin, earth, Aug 23-Sep 22
Libra, the Scales, wind, Sep 23-Oct 22
Scorpio, the Scorpion, water, Oct 23-Nov 21
Sagittarius, Archer Centaur, fire, Nov 22-Dec 21
Capricorn, the Goat, earth, Dec 22-Jan 19
Asian Zodiac
(The signs all repeat in 12 year cycles.
Rat (Yang, Water): Rat years 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936,
1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 Dec 7 - Jan 5
Ox (Yin, Water): Ox 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949,
1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021. Jan 6 - Feb 3
If you ever find yourself against a wall, I promise to
throw down a ladder!
Hope you have the best ________ ever!
You’re the best!
I chose these flowers for you because they signify _____
and that is what I want to ________
9
Asian Zodiac Continued
Tiger (Yang, Wood): Tiger years 1902, 1914, 1926,
1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010. Feb 4 - Mar 5
Rabbit (Yin, Wood): Rabbit years 1903, 1915, 1927,
1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011. Mar 6 - Apr 4,
Dragon (Yang, Wood): Dragon years 1904, 1916, 1928,
1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012. Apr 5-May 4
Snake (Yin, Fire): Snake years 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941,
1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013. May 5 - Jun 5
Horse (Yang, Fire): Horse years 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942,
1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014. Jun 6 - Jul 6
Sheep (Yin, Fire): Sheep years 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943,
1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015. Jul 7 - Aug 7
Monkey (Yang, Metal): Monkey years 1908, 1920,1932,
1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016. Aug 8 - Sep 7
Rooster (Yin, Metal): Rooster years 1909, 1921, 1933,
1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017. Sep 8 - Oct 7
Dog (Yang, Metal): Dog years 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946,
1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018. Oct 8 - Nov 7
Pig (Yin, Water): Pig years 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947,
1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019. Nov 8 - Dec 6
Best of luck and wishes on your ________
May each day bring you blessings/adventure/happiness/?
May you find every treasure you seek and some you’ve
not yet imagined!
On this special occasion, remember _____ and look
ahead to ______.
10
Anniversaries: Traditional gift/Gem/Color/Flower
1 Paper, gold/pearl/peridot, gold or yellow, orange
blossom/pansy/carnation
2 Cotton, garnet, red, cosmos/lily of the valley
3 Leather, pearl/jade, white/jade green, fuschia/sunflower
4 Flowers & fruit, blue topaz/zircon, blue or green,
geranium/hydrangea
5 Wood, sapphire/pink tourmaline, blue/pink/turquoise,
daisy
6 Candy, amethyst/turquoise, calla lily
7 Copper/wool, onyx/yellow sapphire, yellow/off white,
Jack-in-the-pulpit/freesia
8 Bronze, tourmaline/tanzanite, clematis/lilac
9 Pottery, lapis lazuli/amethyst, poppy/bird of paradise
10 Tin/aluminum, diamond/blue sapphire, silver/blue,
daffodil
11 Steel, morning glory/tulip
12 silk/linen, peony
13 Lace, hollyhocks/chrysanthemum
14 Ivory, dahlias/orchid
15 Crystal, roses
20 China, emerald, day lily/aster
25 Silver, silver, iris
In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends
are a sure refuge. - Aristotle
May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your home.
It is time for you to step aside for a less experienced and
less able person.
11
30 Pearl, pearl, sweet pea/lily
35 Coral, jade
40 Ruby, nasturtium/gladiolus
45 Sapphire
50 Gold, violets/yellow rose
55 Emerald
60 Diamond
75 Platinum
Ideas for traditional anniversary gifts years 1-5
Paper: framed poetry, books, travel or event tickets,
money, stationary, handmade paper for a scrapbook
enthusiast...
Cotton: clothing, sheets, blankets,
Leather: clothing, purses, jewelry
Flowers and fruit: fruit basket, floral arrangement,
fruity treat like a banana split, potpourri, pressed
flowers framed....
Wood: anything framed, wooden jewelry, jewelry or
music box, carved wooden figurines, a walking stick...
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back,
The sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall softly upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
May you live as long as you want and never want as
long as you live. May neighbors respect you,
Trouble neglect you, The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you.
12
Here’s an idea! These guidelines for anniversaries
are traditionally used for wedding anniversaries. But why
not use these same ideas for other anniversaries like a
birth date?
Anniversaries: Modern gift 19 bronze
1 plastic/clocks
2 China
3 crystal/glass
4 appliances/linen
5 silverware/sapphire
6 iron/wood
7 brass/desk set
8 linen/lace
9 leather/lapis jewelry
10 diamond
11 fashion jewelry
12 pearls
13 textiles/furs
14 gold jewelry
15 watches/glass
16 silver hollowware
17 furniture
18 porcelain
20 platinum
21 brass
22 copper
23 silver plate
24 musical instruments
25 silver
26 original pictures
27 sculpture
28 orchids
29 furniture
30 Pearl
35 Coral
40 Ruby
45 Sapphire
50 Gold
55 Emerald
60 Diamond
75 Platinum
Things are never quite as scary when you’ve got a
best friend. - Bill Watterson
My best friend is the one who brings out the best in
me. - Henry Ford
May you find a measure of peace in treasured memories
If there is any way I can make things easier, please….
13
Birthstones
The concept of a birthstone has been around for
centuries probably first being used in India in Vedic astrology. A true birthstone is based on the day of birth, not
just the year, and has astrological significance.
Birthstones are said to impart different powers
depending on the stone, but all birthstones serve as a good
luck talisman to the owner. Birthstones are different for
different cultures. So, if you look up birth stones is two
references you might get two lists which are not the same.
The modern, “official” list of birthstones in the
United States was created in 1912 by the American
National Retail Jewelers Association so was probably
based at least in part on the marketing needs of the time.
Following is a list of modern birthstones with
significance and then a chart of four other traditional
birthstone lists. One care: if a person is “into” astrology
or any mysticism, they might not consider a birthstone
from the modern list to be their true birthstone. It might
not be a good gift for that person. But for the rest of us, a
birthstone in any format from any list will be appreciated!
Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don’t
walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me
and be my friend. - Albert Camus
It’s been years but I feel like it’s just been a wonderful
weekend. I still mean “I will” and I still mean “I do”.
Thank you for being a special friend to me - totally funny, totally crazy (like me) and totally caring.
14
Modern Birthstones-January: garnet, provides guidance, good health and
protection from bad dreams.
February: amethyst, encourages even-temper, tranquility
and sincerity.
March: aquamarine, protects health and provides optimism (may substitute bloodstone;
April: diamond, strengthens the body and soul;
May: emerald, sharpens the mind and allows healing;
June: pearl, eliminate misfortune, bring clarity, symbol of
purity, faith and charity - may substitute moonstone;
July: ruby, powers of love, passion, integrity and devotion;
August: peridot, protects against envy, fear and irritation /
empowers wearer to understand a wrong situation and return to the right path;
September: sapphire, wisdom and good fortune, mind
clarity and creativity;
October: opal, increases confidence and allows expressive
nature of wearer to flourish - may substitute tourmaline;
November: citrine, energizing, makes wearer cheerful,
lighthearted, hopeful for future - may substitute yellow topaz;
December: turquoise, enhances healing and immunity,
brings wisdom - may substitute blue topaz.
A brother is a friend God gave you; a friend is a
brother your heart chose for you.- Proverb
A friend is someone who is there for you when he’d
rather be anywhere else. - Len Wein
Sending good vibes your way
To cheer you up and brighten your day!
So get well soon and let’s go play!
15
Use birthstones in any type of jewelry and also on
a figurine, bookmark, photo frame, hanging for rear view
mirror, or anything you can imagine, including simply a
stone in a leather pouch.
Traditional Birthstones
January
Arabic
Hebrew
Hindu
Roman
Garnet
Garnet
Ruby
Garnet
Amethyst
Topaz
Amethyst
February Amethyst
March
Bloodstone Bloodstone Opal
Bloodstone
April
Sapphire
Sapphire
Diamond
Sapphire
May
Emerald
Agate
Emerald
Agate
June
Agate
Emerald
Pearl
Emerald
July
Carnelian Onyx
Sapphire
Onyx
August
Sardonyx Carnelian Ruby
September Peridot
October
Peridot
Zircon
Aquamarine Aquamarine Coral
Carnelian
Peridot
Aquamarine
November Yellowtopaz Yellowtopaz Cat’s eye
Yellowtopaz
December Ruby
Ruby
Ruby
Topaz
Perhaps the most delightful friendships are those in
which there is much agreement, much disputation, and
yet more personal liking. - George Eliot
Nobody would choose to live without friends even if he
had all the other good things of life. - Aristotle
I don’t always show it but I want you to know it. I
appreciate you and think you are the best _____in the
world!
16
Tips for Kids Gifts
> Don’t gender restrict your decision. Plenty of girls would
rather get a science experiment kit or skateboard than a doll.
> Get what they will want, not you. Even if you think it
is great, consider whether the child will agree.
> The gift should be age appropriate. Safe for their age
and something they can use immediately, not wait a year.
> Think about their activities - are they in a club, have a
hobby, play sports? Those are good clues.
> Do you want them to have another “toy” or something
more? If the latter, consider items like: a savings bond,
savings account, stock, a tutor, gas up their car, etc. If
this is your child, grand child or other child close to you,
give something more personal, too, even if only a very
nice card saying how much you think of them.
> For infants - safe and colorful. If you have been
around infants, you know you can hand one a colorful
sheet of cardboard and she will caress it, chew it, slap it,
laugh at it and fall asleep with it. They don’t care about
the label. Just something new to experience.
> Be sensitive - is the family super “green” or would the
gift conflict with the family religion, etc?
Friendship redoubles joys and cut grieves in halves.
- Francis Bacon
Here’s showering you
with the best wishes possible for future happy days
with your
husband/wife/new baby!
May the saints protect you,
and sorrow neglect you,
and bad luck to the one
who doesn’t respect you.
17
Giving Flowers
There is a rich history of symbolism of flowers
(and herbs and other plants). Each has a special meaning
or set of meanings which, if known by gifter and giftee,
add another level of emotion to a gift of flowers. Flowers
can convey virtually any emotion, from romantic love, to
consolation over a loss, to congratulations.
Even without reference to their symbolism,
flowers make great gifts simply due to beauty and the
fabulous scents that many bless us with. With or without
symbolism, flowers can sometimes express what 1000
words cannot.
The symbolism, as you might imagine, varies
between cultures and religions and locales. It would take
probably several large books to cover all the meanings
that have been attributed to all the flowers and other
plants in the world. So listed on the following pages is
just your introductory list - several flowers and plants
along with popular traditional symbolism of Western
cultures (unless otherwise specified)
The only way to have a friend is to be one.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because
reality is finally better than your dreams.- Dr. Seuss
May your fire be as warm as the weather is cold.
Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor
under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.- Cindy Lew
18
Traditional Symbolism of Flowers
alstroemeria - devotion and friendship, aspiring
amaryllis - dramatic, pride, beauty
ambrosia - love returned
anemone - fragile, unfading love
apple blossom - promise
aster - wisdom and good fortune, patience, love,
contentment, elegance
azalea - abundance, take care of yourself for me, Chinese
symbol of womanhood
baby’s breath - festivity, everlasting love
bachelor button - anticipation, celibacy
bamboo - strength, grace, longevity
begonia - deep thoughts
bells of Ireland - good luck
bird of paradise - magnificence, splendor
black-eyed Susan - encouragement
bluebell - constancy
bonsai/topiary - stability
camellia - graciousness, good luck gift to man
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but
only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
Friendship dances around the world bidding us all to
awaken to the recognition of happiness - Epicurus
Grow old with me. The best is yet to come!
You are a light in the darkness. Thank you for your hard
work.
19
carnation
red - admiration, flashy
white - innocent love, beauty, remembrance, good
luck gift to woman
pink - eternal remembrance, gratitude
yellow - cheerful
striped - refusal
cattail - peace, prosperity
chrysanthemum, general - fidelity, abundance
bronze - excitement
red - sharing, love
yellow - secret admirer
clover - good luck
cornflower - new things coming
cosmos - peaceful
crocus - foresight, cheerfulness
daffodil - singular love, respect
dahlia - royalty, splendor
daisy - innocence, purity
dandelion - wishes come true
delphinium - boldness
Always I will love you - more than yesterday, less than
tomorrow!
Hoping that our friendship is as much a blessing to you
as it is to me.
One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.-Euripides.
You are a shining example of what your profession is all
about.
20
fern - sincerity, fascination
maidenhair - secret bond of love
freesia - spirited
forget-me-not - remember me forever
forsythia - anticipation
gardenia - joy, secret love, you’re lovely
garlic - courage and strength
geranium - comfort
ginger - proud
gladiolus - remembrance and vibrance, strength of
character, love at first sight
heather - protection, wishes will come true, admiration
hibiscus - delicate beauty
holly - domestic happiness
honeysuckle - generous and devoted affection
hyacinth - sincerity
hydrangea - appreciation
iris - long happy marriage, faith, wisdom, promise,
inspiration, valor
ivy - fidelity, marriage, friendship
jasmine - grace and elegance, attracts wealth
Friends… they cherish one another’s hopes. They are
kind to one another’s dreams. - Henry David Thoreau
May you look back on the past with as much pleasure
as you look forward to the future.
May the rocks in your field turn to gold.
A good parent makes a good child.
21
jonquil - love me, affection returned
larkspur - beautiful spirit
lavender - devotion, loyalty, fervent but silent love
lemon balm - brings love
lemon verbena - attracts opposite sex
lilac - love’s first emotions
Lily
calla - regal, devotion, beauty, transition, growth
stargazer - ambition
tiger - wealth, pride
of the valley - happiness, purity of heart, devotion
day - enthusiasm
lotus - sensuous, self indulgent
magnolia - dignity, sweetness, beauty
marigold - desire for riches, comforts the heart, grief
marjoram - joy and happiness
mint - protection from illness
myrtle - love, Hebrew emblem for marriage
nasturtium - patriotism, conquest, maternal love, things
slow to start but go on forever
orange blossom - fertility, brings wisdom
Whenever I think of you I see greatness and feel pride!
When I feel discouraged I think of you and all that bad
stuff piled up high is nothing.
Becoming a parent is pretty easy. It’s being one that gets
difficult and complicated.
You are the best and dearest ____ ever. You have
taught me so much.
22
orchid - love, affection, understanding, delicate beauty
palm leaves - victory and success
pansy - loving thoughts
passion flower - passion
peach bloom - longevity
peony - good fortune, riches, honor, healing, aphrodisiac
pine - hope
poppy - consolation, dreaminess, eternal sleep
Queen Anne’s Lace - delicate femininity
rhododendron - beware
rosebud - general - beauty and youth;
red - pure & lovely;
white - girlhood; moss - confessions of love
rose full bouquet general - gratitude
pink - friendship, happiness
red - love, passion, hope, unity
silver - love at first sight
white - unity, ultimate love, purity
white with pink - I love you still and will always
white with red - unity
yellow - inner beauty, prosperous marriage, joy
You are the best _____________ anyone could hope for.
You will be the best _____________, too.
It is a joy to see you ___________.
I heard the news! It’s so exciting to see you ________
May the joy of your future sweep away the pain of your
past.
23
Star of Bethlehem - hope
statice - success or rememberance
stephanotis - happy marriage, good luck, desire to travel
sunflower - loyalty, constancy, devout admirer, adoration
sweatpea - shyness, thank you, goodbye, blissful pleasure
tuberose - pleasure
Tulip
red - declaration of love, elegance,
pink caring
white forgiveness
purple royalty
yellow hopelessly in love
violet - faithfulness, commitment, I return your love
wisteria - steadfast, beauty, poetry
yarrow - good health
zinnia general - thoughts of absent friends
magenta - lasting affection
scarlet - constancy
white - goodness
yellow - daily remembrance
Happy_________, and even happier days to come!
You can count on/ lean on / rely on
me.
Take me for granted, because you can always count on
me no matter what.
Your future is full of promise and may each promise
over shoot the mark!
24
Good Luck, Friendship & Other Nice Things
Neither you nor the gift recipient need to believe in
luck for these items to be a wonderful gift. You are not
giving luck. You are giving your wishes and hopes that
the person will always have good luck, success, happiness
or whatever the object represents. And what if the recipient
doesn’t know the symbolism? You tell them. On a card
or tag inside the gift just say something like, “When I
found (the symbol) represents (meaning), I knew it was
perfect for you (or the occasion)!”
Amber - burned as incense by the Chinese and Muslims
as a protection against evil; thought to hold the power of
the sun and bring good fortune by the ancient Greeks.
Ankh: a cross topped with a loop,
Egyptian symbol of eternal life,
an indispensable luck charm
for the Pharaohs.
May hope sustain you, friends surround you, And love
give you strength.
A dream come true!! We are so excited for you and wish
you all the best for the newest addition to your family!
May this anniversary reflect all the special moments
you've shared and all the wonderful moments to come!
With many happy wishes for joy in your hearts.
25
Bamboo - good luck accompanies a gift of bamboo.
Bats - In China, a red bat is a symbol of long life and
wards off evil; amulets are worn as lucky charms. A
group of 5 red bats represent the 5 good fortunes of
health, longevity, love, wealth and virtue.
Bujeoks - Korean charms against bad luck, can take
many different forms but a common one is yellow
or white mulberry paper printed in red with designs,
symbols, words that have special meaning.
Butterflies - joy and longevity.
Carp - signify perseverance,
faithfulness in marriage
and general good fortune (Asian)
The future is a rainbow of beautiful tomorrows when you
hold a dream in your heart! Congratulations!
Whatever you do, here's hoping the future is happy for
you! Happy retirement!
Just wanted to brighten up your day! May your day be
as wonderful as you are. Just because you're you.
Whatever your dreams might be, may each become a
reality! I’m proud of you! Happy Graduation!
26
Circle: said to represent eternity, sacred female, the
universe or completion.
Claddagh symbol - Celtic symbol with 2 hands
holding a heart between them with a
crown on top of the heart. Represents
friendship, love and loyalty;
giving your heart to someone
Pronounced clah duh
crowned with your loyalty. Used in
traditional Irish wedding rings.
Cranes - longevity and good fortune symbol, especially
associated with Japanese New Year and weddings.
Cricket - for thousands of years a symbol of good luck
in Asia, North America, Europe and the Middle East.
Wards off the evil eye.
Crossed arrows - Native American symbol for
friendship between 2 persons or groups
Chrysanthemums - long used in Japan to symbolize a
close friendship
Daruma Dolls - red figure brings hope,
optimism and good luck (Japanese)
I cannot imagine living without you at my side.
Every time you look at these flowers know that someone
far away is thinking of you.
Now that you’ve been educated, sophisticated, matriculated,
articulated, and graduated, Consider yourself congratulated!
Don't count the years! Count the blessings! May all your
hopes and dreams come true and your future be filled
with happiness. Have a wonderful Birthday!
27
Dolphins - a symbol of general good luck by early
Christians, Native Americans and ancient Greeks,
Romans and Egyptians.
Dragonflies - represent change and the subconscious;
symbolize prosperity, strength, courage, peace and purity.
Dream Catchers - from Native American culture,
bring good luck and catch all negativity from dreams.
Eggs - in folk religion has many powers: brings good
weather, promotes fertility, protects children and cattle
and wards off the evil eye.
Elephants - symbolize longevity, strength, wisdom,
power, loyalty, intelligence; is the Hindu God of Luck
and is good luck in feng shui.
Four Leaf Clover - symbolizes general good luck.
Friendship bracelets - braided bracelets to show your
friendship, a Native American custom.
May you find comfort in knowing that your loved one
touched the lives of so many others and gave them the
gift of many happy memories.
If I had a flower for all the times you've made me smile, I
would have a garden to walk in forever!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by moments that take our breath away.
28
Frogs - In ancient Egypt, frog goddess Heket protected
newborns and frogs are the symbol of fertility and
birth. They symbolize prosperity, friendship and
abundance in many cultures. Said to attract friends
and find long lasting love. (Also good luck to Australian
aborigines, Native Americans of the Southwest).
Horseshoe - Symbol of fertility to the ancient Greeks,
and a symbol of good luck, power over evil and good
fortune. On a wall or over the door, it protects the home.
Hotai or Laughing Buddha - Buddha with a pot belly
to bring good luck and happiness.
Infinity: looks like an eight lying on its side; represents
perfection and unity between male and female.
Jade plant - traditional representation of joy and
energy from a deep friendship
Kachina - dolls that represent native
spirits of the Hopi, Zuni and Pueblo
nations of Native Americans. Making
a Kachina/spirit a member of the family
brings good luck and protection.
Closers for Valentine’s cards
I just can’t stop loving you
I love you today, tomorrow and forever
I only have eyes for you
I will always love you
Lucky to have found you
For the sweetest ____________
With endless, unconditional love
My love must be the universe - still expanding with no
end in sight!
29
Ladybugs - when worn as an amulet, said to give you
patience, brighten your day and lessen your burdens;
said to bring good luck and prosperity and to free you
from day to day problems (Sweden and others)
Lapis lazuli - a blue, violet or greenish blue semiprecious
stone, used as beads as far back as neolithic times; a
symbol of friendship and truth, said to promote harmony
in relationships.
Mandala - an object or drawn pattern, originally used
in Buddhist and Hindu religious ceremonies, now also
used in other cultures as a focal point for meditation or
simply an attractive design. There is no single design;
all mandalas have a central focal point that is circular
and are symmetrical. Otherwise they can vary as much as
the artist’s imaginings. Good gift
for a Hindu or Buddhist but also
anyone who meditates or just
appreciates exotic art. For
meditation you contemplate the
center and clear your mind of
Find several full page designs
other things.
at www.sqbookstore.com
Kids love to color them!
on the Supplemental page.
Happiness is having you in my life
The slightest thought of you makes me smile; that’s why
I walk around grinning all day long!
Even on the hottest day, the sun cannot warm my heart
like you do
After winter comes the summer. After night comes the
dawn. After every storm, there comes clear, open skies. Samuel Rutherford
30
Scarab Beetle - Ancient Egyptian protector from evil
and symbol of rebirth and transformation.
Shamrock - a regular 3 leaf clover, a symbol of Ireland
and Irish Christianity. One legend is that St Patrick used
the shamrock to illustrate the concept of the holy trinity.
Square: sides represent to 4 directions or the 4 elements
- wind, water, fire and earth.
Swallows - a symbol of good luck, fertility and fidelity in
marriage (Japanese).
Tigers - protection and lucky in Chinese astrology.
Triangle - the 3 points may represent father, mother,
child; past, present, future; or body, mind and spirit.
Triquetra - also known as the Trinity Knot, and the eternal circle of life, for Christians
it represents The Holy Trinity.
For the Jewish it represents the
tripartite nature of the human
condition: man’s relationship
with himself, his relationship with
others and his relationship with God.
You are the best__________ ever. I can’t wait to brag to
my friends about how you _____________,
I was born to love you.
Be proud. You have finished a goal that took 12 years of
hard work. Remember that if you ever have doubt about
your ability.
I just have love, honor and devotion to give you. But as
much as you want!
31
Turtles/Tortoises - symbolize mother earth, longevity
and have power over dark magic.
Turquoise - (Friendship Stone) is one of the oldest
symbols of friendship. Present this special gemstone to
your friend to create a protective shield around your
friend and symbolize a growing and healthy relationship.
xi - (pronounced “she”) Chinese character for happiness.
This is xi written twice - known as double happiness;
very popular for weddings and newly weds.
It was wonderful to see you ______________
You did/will do super!
It’s been (going to be) difficult. You will not be alone.
Count on me. I’m here beside you always. Count me in.
May a band of Angels forever be at your side.
Great parents don’t tell their kids how to live as much as
show them. Role model is their biggest responsibility.
32
Traditional Ethnic Holidays & Gifts
Every nation has it’s own holidays and often traditional gifts are associated with each. It’s another topic
that deserves a book of it’s own, but if you have little or
no experience with cross cultural gift giving, here is a
little information to help you begin to understand how
intricate it can be.
Before actually buying gifts to fit the traditions or
holidays of another culture, do some research. The best
research is ask a third party from that culture. At
www.sqbookstore.com you can go to the page
“Supplemental” and find the sources we used with links
to the pages of the websites.
Probably most people reading this have at some
time heard the term “bar mitzvah”. There is also a “bat
mitzvah”. The words “bar mitzvah” and “bat mitzvah”
mean “son of the commandment” and “daughter of the
commandment” respectively. To be the son or daughter
of the commandments is a positive state. In the eyes of
Jewish law, a thirteen-year-old boy and a twelve-year-old
girl have reached a rite of passage and are now obligated
I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder
I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake.
- George Bernard Shaw
Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.
- Douglas MacArthur
A book is a gift you can open again and again.
- Garrison Keillor
33
to fulfill mitzvot, the commandments. Though the celebration of this rite of passage is based on the concept of a
Jewish boy and girl transitioning from childhood to young
adulthood, it is perceived somewhat differently by the
many streams in Judaism.
There are no "traditional" gifts. When looking for
a gift keep the child in mind and shop as you would for any
13-year-old boy or girl. It is generally not a good idea to
buy Judaic gifts. These are given by the parents, grand
parents or other people who are very close to the family.
March 3rd is the day for Japanese Doll Festival or
Girl’s Day, devoted to young girls in a family. Families
pray for the health and happiness of their daughters and a
collection of dolls is displayed wearing traditional court
attire. With the collection is an offering consisting of
white sake, diamond-shaped rice cakes and dry rice cake
pellets along with peach blossoms.
If visiting the family you can take a gift of sweets
for the daughters and maybe a small gift like a plush
animal. Don’t worry that the son’s will feel left out. There
is a Boy’ Day for them.
No one can / ever will __________________ like you!
You are irreplaceable!
A milestone passed, new things begun, dreams as shining
as the sun, a goal achieved, a victory won!
That's Graduation!
I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles,
to the highest of your hopes, through the windows of your
opportunities, and to the most special places your heart
has ever known.
34
January 25 is Student’s day in Russia. Also known
as Tatiana's Day after saint Tatiana, patroness of Russian
studentship. Typical gifts for students are books, and for
any one named Tatiana also perfume and flowers.
This very brief introduction to cross cultural gift
giving should alert you to how complicated it could get.
The repeat of the best advice is warranted. Ask a third
party from their culture.
Gold and Silver
When we want to give an especially nice gift, gold
and silver quite often come to mind. There are a few
things you should know to help you choose a nice gift of
gold or silver. Professionals at a jewelry store can give
you much more information but this is enough to help
you ask questions.
One consideration with either is whether the gift
recipient may have an allergic reaction. Many people
may develop a rash for example, where they wear the
jewelry.
Here is the deepest secret nobody knows.
Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
And the sky of the sky of a tree called life;
Which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide.
And this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart.
I carry your heart. I carry it in my heart.- e. e. cummings
If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably
doesn't lead anywhere. - Frank A. Clark
35
This seldom happens with more expensive jewelry
because the reaction usually isn’t to gold or silver. It is to
the alloy they have been combined with, usually copper
or nickel. More expensive items have less alloy and more
gold or silver and so are less likely to cause a reaction.
Below are charts of some gold and silver contents. Plus a
few other facts to get you started. Gold %
Carats Gold Fineness
.999 fine silver 99.9% silver
Contains .001 trace metals
10K 41.67%, 417
14K 58.33%, 583
.925 sterling 92.5% silver 18K 75.00%, 750
7.5% copper.
22K 91.66%, 917
24K 99.999%, pure
> filled is better quality than plating
> a filled piece is at least 1/20 precious metal by weight and
should be stamped to show the karat value of the fill
> regular white gold causes more allergy problems than yellow unless it is alloyed with palladium instead of nickel.
> Karats may be signified with either K or C
> Fine jewelry should be stamped with karats or fineness
> Vermeil Gold is gold plated over silver
Age should not count except with cheese and wine.
May all your dreams come true and your wishes be
fulfilled.
Oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe
with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor
measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as
they are. - Dinah Maria Mulock
36
Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway)
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese approach to
influencing how our environment affects us and
translates to English literally as wind-water. Feng shui
is at least 3,000 years old. It attempts to balance the
energies within a space to assure good fortune and
health for the people within the space. A large part of
feng shui is placement of furniture within a space but
many specific items can also contribute to making a
space harmonious and in balance.
Feng shui items make excellent gifts anytime but
may be especially meaningful for moving into a new
home (or dorm room) or getting a new job or office.
Whether you believe in the power of feng shui or not,
you are giving your hopes and wishes for well being and
good fortune when you give a feng shui gift. A feng shui
shop will have many things and can tell you more but
here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Koi, carp (fish) either real, figurines or paintings; bring
abundance and good luck
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do
what you have to do. - Epictetus
Many years from now may you both remember your
wedding day as the day you loved each other least.
I really feel blessed. You have been so ___________ I
don’t know what I would do without you. Thank you!
I am so proud of you. You did so well!
37
2. Wind chimes for protection, to slow down fast moving
chi or to lift the energy of a space.
3. Water fountains, as moving water brings prosperity
and good luck
4. Faceted crystal balls magnify your intention and
radiate blessings. Hang with red cord or ribbon cut in
lengths that are multiples of nine for added power.
5. Plants and trees of all kinds enhance prosperity and
good fortune. Bamboo is especially popular as it
represents growth in relationships, life, careers or money.
6. Tortoise - good luck, harmony, longevity.
7. Chinese dragon - symbolizes power, benevolence,
intelligence, goodwill, mystery, yang energy, strength
and goodness. Placing a dragon on your desk, can bring
good luck as well as protect from harmful energy.
8. The Education Tower or the Pagoda Tower is said to
possess powers which helps to transform unruly minds
into well-disciplined minds. It is a good symbol for those
who wish to achieve academic success.
When you purchase a feng shui gift, ask about
it’s placement. You can use that information in a nice
personal note with the gift.
Thank you for loving me in spite of my flaws. I will
likely never be perfect but your love gives me reason to
keep trying.
A Traditional Housewarming
Bread - So you never go hungry.
Wine - So your life is always sweet.
Salt - So there is always spice in your life.
And a Candle - So you always have light.
Will you marry me again?
38
Gifts for Someone Under the Weather
Being ill is never fun. Whether in the hospital or
confined to bed at home, a well selected gift can mean a
lot! Attention and service may be the most important
things to give a sick friend. Just spending some time with
them can be so important - have you ever spent time in a
hospital? It can be really boring!
Do things need to be taken care of while the friend
is ill? Plants watered, pets fed or walked? Help allay
their worries about things getting done and that can reduce
stress and actually encourage their recuperation.
If the person is in the hospital, the first thing to do
is check with the hospital about their rules. Find out what
is allowed and choose gifts accordingly.
Did you know that research has shown that laughter can actually help people heal? It’s true. Tell jokes
when you visit, if you’re good at it. Otherwise, a good,
tasteful joke book or comedy on dvd are great. (Does the
hospital allow a personal dvd player?)
Help them fight boredom! There are lots’s of
You are the best __________ever. I didn’t know it at
the time, but you always gave me the best advice and
when I needed it, you always showed you care.
I don’t know how to express just how much I love and
respect you except to say, I hope I can be as good a
parent for my kids as you were for me.
He’s my friend that speaks well of me behind my
back - Thomas Fuller
39
ways: books, puzzles, MP3 player, radio, cd/dvd player,
and games including hand held electronic games.
Are they an artist? Make sure they have drawing
materials and a sketch pad. Many people would enjoy a
journal and nice pen to record their thoughts while ill.
Comfort is another great gift. Maybe a silky robe,
warm slippers,comfortable fuzzy blanket, “sound machine”
that plays sounds of the beach or rain forest as they drift
off to sleep. Or a potpourri based on aromatherapy. A
lambskin to lie on.
Your friend may enjoy a gift of convenience.
There are many types of gadgets that help out someone
having trouble getting things done. Suggestions: a reach
extender, electric can opener, a shoe horn that can be
used without bending, a wrist cuff to hold utensils, a
book stand or a bean bag lap desk for writing in bed.
Flowers are of course traditional get well gifts.
Tell the florist you want lots and lots of color. Bright
colors will help cheer the person. And if some of the
flowers smell as good as they look, so much the better!
You are in my thoughts and prayers
I wish there was something I could do or say to easy
your agony,
If you need anything, I am here
You may be just one person to the rest of the world but
to this one person you are the whole world.
40
Religious Gifts
If you are not thoroughly familiar with their religion,
but want to give a religious gift from their faith, do your
research: books, on-line, AND ask someone who knows.
If the person is of another religion, giving a gift
from your religion can be appropriate if done correctly.
Include a note that explains. Something like, “In my
religion, this symbolizes ______ and that’s what I wish
for you.” Or “I wanted to share something important
from my culture because out friendship is special.”
For Christians, here are some ideas:
> Bible, prayer book, concordance
> Special scripture framed, on a scroll or pillowcase
> Crucifix, cross or other jewelry
> For children a Bible story book
> Christian music cd
> Any form of the fish, dove or cross
> Angels
> A medallion of a favorite saint. There is a patron saint
for anything or group of people you can name.
My wish for you
Happiness that surrounds you like the air
Love deeper than any sea
Friends more sure than the pyramids
A mind more prolific than a pair of rabbits
Success that clings so tightly you couldn’t shake it free
Adventures that make your heart pound and give you
stories to tell when you’re old
A life you are proud of as you live it and again when you
look back on it.
41
Shopping Outside the Box
Here’s a slew of gift ideas that most people would
not normally think of:
stocks, bonds, silver dollars,
monogrammed Bible or clothing,
astrology report or palm reading,
magazine subscription,
framed poetry (original even better!),
class or private lessons (language, skydiving, music),
ie mix with cutters, breakfast in bed,
l ive plants (maybe a tree), seeds,
a coupon book good for services from you,
adventure (bungee jump, zip line park)
paint their living room, clean their car
a custom t-shirt of favorite photo or quote.
If you’re an artisan, crafter, carpenter, sculptor,
potter, florist, gardener, quilter, etc. - give something
from your world but not the usual, not something you
always do - stretch to use your skills for something new.
From the day we met I have been so blessed to know you
You are big now but I still see you holding your favorite
(toy) smiling and reaching up for a .warm cookie out of
the oven. Your smile still warms me.
Happiness is like a butterfly. Chase it and it flies away.
Sit still and it will come to you. May you be covered by
butterflies all your life.
Pain is inevitable, misery is optional.
42
Make a Simple Gift
A homemade gift gives your time and love.
1. Bake something. Cookies, cakes, pies are all great
gifts. To add to the specialness, just make it a different
size than usual, or an unusual shape.
2. Do you have a flower garden? Cut and create an
arrangement instead of buying one.
3. Have a garden or fruit trees? Make a gift basket of
goodies you grew yourself. It is thoughtful, useful and
could be quite expensive coming from the market.
4. Give your best recipe and a bag of everything needed
to make it.
5. Can you draw (or paint)? You don’t need to be
Rembrandt. A sketch of the person, their favorite pet,
their home, their favorite... Draw it, frame it. It’ll be a
much appreciated gift!
6. Photos can be wonderful gifts. Any photo to which the
person has a special attachment. A special trip or place,
family, friends, a personal event (receiving an award or
diploma), pets and so on. If you have a photo they have
admired, get an enlargement and frame it. They will
cherish it!
May the joy of eternal happiness rest in your heart. You
deserve it. If I could give you the world it wouldn’t be
enough!
Best Wishes on your ________________
May every day bring you adventure and satisfaction.
God has a place and a pair of wings for you. Thanks!
The greatest gift of my life came from God. You.
43
7. Have nice handwriting or good with a computer? Put
an appropriate poem or inspirational quote to parchment
and frame it.
8. You can create a “gift basket” out of more than just
a basket. Use a can, pan, cup, bowl, box, plastic
container, gift bag, coconut shell, large clam shell, hat or
cap, a large soft drink bottle cut in half (either direction),
basically anything with a hole or depression where you
can place the contents. And those contents can be anything, from the usual fruit, vegetables, other food, to toys,
writing instruments, books, kitchen utensils, mini plush
animals, silver dollars or.… A craft store is a great place
to get ideas.
9. So visit your local craft store. You’ll find tons of ideas
for making every kind of gift from bouquets and jewelry
to clay and wooden shapes. One simple way to create a
personalized, unique gift is to buy a “blank” of some piece
of clothing. A blank can be a t-shirt, apron, hat, vest, dress,
or anything else basically, that is a solid color without
any design. Purchase some fabric paint and brushes along
with the blank and let your imagination run wild!
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of
the womb is a reward. - Psalms 127:3
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who
mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.-Dr.
Seuss
I wish you a lovely day, today and every day; may you
always wake up with a smile on your face.
44
Add a Special Touch to Any Gift
Simple ways to “add on” when you give:
1. Buy or have made rubber stamps that signify something special to you and those you know, or it may just
be something interesting or attractive. An image of any
of the symbols listed earlier will work. Another popular
idea is to use stamps of Chinese or Japanese characters
that symbolize an idea like good luck, prosperity, long
life or so on. Buy permanent, washable ink to use for
porous materials like paper, wood and cloth. There is
also ink you can buy that works on non porous materials
like glass or ceramic.
With this simple tool you can change a plain, white
set of dinner napkins into something special, simply by
imprinting each with an image. You can do the same to
any basic, unadorned sample of any of these :
Paper weight
book ends
Night light
a smooth rock
weathered wood
plastic container
lunch box
thermos
light switch plate
plate
Cups
salt & pepper set
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his
face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD
turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Your schooling may be over, but your education will
continue all your life.
We all want happiness and no pain, but the rainbow
needs the rain.
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2. From a craft or stationary store, buy nice handmade
paper or high quality textured stationary. The handmade
paper is nicer, but may not work in a printer if you decide
not to do this by hand.
Using your best handwriting, calligraphy if you know
how, or using a nice font on your printer, you can create
an elegant note card to go with a gift. On it you can write
any heartfelt message, a special quote or poem, or a
traditional blessing or wish.
A tip: if you feel your handwriting just isn’t all
that great, do the work slowly and lightly with a pencil
first. Then when you have it the way you want it, trace
over it with a fine tip pen.
You can also cut the note card into a shape - star,
butterfly, circle, eagle, teddy bear. If you have trouble
ask your kids or nieces or other kids to help you out!
3. A simple way to make a gift special, is to add a flower.
Attach to the gift a single flower, one with meaning (A
black eyed Susan for example signifies encouragement)
or just one that the person likes or one that is beautiful
and has a wonderful scent.
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter
for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of
you will be warmth for the other. Now there is no more
loneliness, for each of you will be companion for the
other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life
before you. Go now to your dwelling place to begin the
days of your life together. May your days together be
good and long upon the earth.- Apache wedding blessing
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Of course it doesn’t need to be scented or even be
a flower. Picture this: a gift wrapped in simple beige or
cream tissue paper; placed on it is a stem of green bamboo
(longevity) or a bright fern leaf (sincerity). You can
create a beautiful and a memorable gift like this. It will
add a great touch of elegance and couldn’t be more simple!
4. If you know the art or know someone who does, attach
an origami figure to a package. Try to choose a figure
with significance for the receiver.
5. Other things you can attach to the outside of a gift to
make it more festive and memorable include balloons,
beads, braided ribbons or create a design with glitter.
Pets
These are fairly easy. Food. All pets eat and there
are designer foods for practically all. Or if you know the
person well enough (and their pet), you may know that
they want or need a specific item: house, scratch pole, litter
box, toys, perch, food bowl, clothing, grooming kit, leash.
A great thing about a pet - they can be the basis for
a gift to the owner. Most pet owners would be glad to
get something for their pet for their birthday. And most
would love to get a nice framed photo of their pet.
May you truly spend your life as one; your hearts so
intertwined that when one weeps the other will taste the
salt of the tears.
May your joys be as bright as the morning, your years of
happiness as numerous as the stars in the heavens and
your troubles but shadows that fade in the sunlight of
love.- Old English wedding blessing
You make me feel like I can fly!
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If You Still Don’t Have Any Ideas
Some gift categories can go with virtually any
occasion to any person.
1. Flowers. Everyone, including men, likes to receive
flowers. They appeal to our senses of both sight and
smell. As you read earlier, there is a flower/plant to
express virtually any sentiment. People like to tell their
friends “I got flowers!”
Whether a bouquet, arrangement or a single flower
attached to another gift, flowers of some type are always
considered appropriate and are appreciated. Consider
that mankind has cultivated flowers for thousands of
years with usually no greater purpose in mind than to
look at them.
Research has shown that the presentation of flowers
elicits smiles and friendly behavior, even to strangers,
and they seem to keep a positive mood going for at least
3 days. It has also been shown that flowers can improve
episodic memory for elderly recipients.
He who takes no chances wins nothing.- Danish Proverb
The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a
warmth and richness to life that nothing else can bring. Oscar Wilde
There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved..
- George Sand, in a letter to Lina Calamatta, 1862
Heaven is the perfect, unconditional love for another.
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2. Books. Be careful with fiction. If you don’t know the
person enough to know what they already own, you may
give them what they already have. Of course there is an
exception. Even if they own a particular book, a
collectors leather bound or some other special edition
could be a real winner!
Non-fiction is always a good choice with the same
caveat as above, of course. Best bet: get a book that
counts: for a collector, a book about her passion; for an
amateur athlete, a book about her sport; for a pet lover a
book about her type of pet, and so on.
Books, like flowers, also make a great add on gift.
For example, it’s surprising how much nicer a cookware
gift can seem when accompanied by a good cook book.
The price of the book doesn’t matter much either.
It could cost $4.95 or $197.99 - the person will smile and
genuinely appreciate it as long as you choose the topic
well. The right books will last as a member of a personal
library whether that library be a single shelf of books
beside the television or an entire room.
Love is a symbol of eternity. It wipes out all sense of
time, destroys all memory of a beginning and all fear of
an end.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul
can reach. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Without duty, life is soft and boneless; it cannot hold
itself together. - Joseph Joubert
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3. Food. Everyone eats. Most like it. There are of course
countless sources of food packaged for gift giving. A
nice gift basket of meats and breads or fruits and cheese
is beautiful and can be appropriate for just about anyone
on any occasion.
But homemade is even more special. Do you have
a great recipe for something everyone loves? Needn’t be
exotic as long as people love it. Make some, package it
nicely and maybe include the recipe… Voila, a wonderful
gift!
Really no need to cook anything, though. Just put
together the ingredients with the recipe/instructions. For
example, if you cook a mean pot of pinto beans, fill a
glass jar with enough beans for a pot. Put together the
non perishable spices in another container. Make a
colorful label on your computer. Maybe attach a package
of cornbread mix or rice to go with the beans. I’m getting
hungry just thinking about it!
It where you live is famous for a food specialty,
check if local restaurants ship. Friends or relatives who
have moved from your area might especially enjoy a
treat of that special food.
A sunbeam to warm you,
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.
- Irish Blessing
May God grant you many years to live,
For sure He must be knowing
The earth has angels all too few
Roses are often lovely
And Heaven is overflowing.
to behold, but I'd rather
- Irish Blessing
be holdin' you!
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Still Stuck?
If you still have no ideas, there are a couple of type
shops to visit that may help you out. One is obviously a
gift shop. If the shop has the word “gift” in it’s name,
then it is likely to have a huge variety and will probably
offer a great array of prices.
Another great place to shop when you don’t know
what you’re looking for is an antique shop. This is an
especially good place to shop for very special gifts for
very special people in your life. An antique shop by it’s
nature offers some unique gift ideas; the recipient isn’t
likely to run into many other people who have one, too!
For the person “who has everything”, think unique
wishes or consumable Pendant engraved with thoughts
from you? Or treat them at their favorite coffee shop or
restaurant (your company) or give them a gift card to same.
Finally, here are some more specific ideas for
“categories” of recipient:
Single person: kitchen gadgets to make cooking more
fun, and easy, a t-shirt with a message they will enjoy, a
book, something hobby related, zodiac jewelry, coffee.
There is a saying, to err is human, to forgive is divine. I
hope you will choose to be divine. I so regret_________
It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with
you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or
be dismayed.- Deuteronomy 31:8
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a
memory no one can steal.
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Overachiever: a way to relax like a meditation tape,
incense, bath salts, or a stress management class.
Travel enthusiast: travel accessories, language book or
tape, travel guide, luggage.
A family: board games, food, coupons for a movie
theater, miniature golf or the museum, outdoor games
like croquet, DVD’s, video camera.
Health enthusiast: Do not buy a workout related gift for
someone who does not work out; some people would feel
insulted. But if the person already works out - exercise
videos, gym bag, towel, exercise mat, running shorts,
wrist sweat bands, paraphernalia for their favorite sport.
Geek: feng shui item for computer, monitor cleaning kit,
custom printed mouse pad, glare filter, seat cushion for
all the hours they sit, computer, subscription to cable or
some other service they use or want.
Car buff: mirror or dashboard bangles, hood ornament,
auto history book or maintenance manual, window decals,
air freshener, miniature car collectible, designer mats.
Infants: squeaky toys are always good, but you might
also consider a savings bond or some item, probably
engraved, which will become an heirloom, such as
bronzed shoes, a silver spoon, gold inlaid photo frame,
The world is round so there is no end and you can start
anytime and anywhere.
When looking back hurts and looking forward scares
you, look beside you. You are not alone.
I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but that
isn’t deep enough.
Live in the present, plan for the future, and profit from
the past
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Someone who cares about you: change your
habits (stop unhealthy bad habits, begin a new behavior
like working out or going to church), if you haven’t
been reliable be reliable, if you are always too busy
start making regular time together, a letter telling them
how you feel, or an engraved plaque or trophy that
says, “Best” (dad, mom, brother, sister, whoever...)
personalized with their name.
Here’s a last suggestion for making gift giving a
true joy - like a “cherry on top”. Whenever you go on a
shopping spree, do this. Write a check to an organization,
local, national or international that helps kids. There are
so many kids who can’t even conceive of a future much
less a good one. So many who never get a Christmas gift,
or a birthday cake, or a meal a day, or the feeling of hope
that can lead to a dream of the future.
It doesn’t need to be much. Even five dollars can
help give a meal or a book or a vaccination to some little
kid and just that little bit may be enough to make her
whole future better, or give her one. And you will get a
feeling that money can’t buy.
Happy Shopping!
For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your
way. Good luck, good health, and happiness for today
and every day.
May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the
happiest day of your past.
I’m so glad you were born, because you brighten my
life and fill it with joy.
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Gift Giving Notes
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Meaningful Shopping!
Get Them Something They Will
Love!
BE AN EXPERT SHOPPER
Partial Contents:
Feng Shui
Birthstones
Anniversary Gifts
Home Made Gifts
Flower Symbolism
Good Luck Symbols
Zodiacs - Asian & Western
Primer on Cross Cultural Gifts
Tips to Take Stress Out of Shopping
Adding a touch of “Special” to any gift
Plus a “Second Book” Inside! 174 Greetings
and Well Wishes for Every Occasion!
S
TM
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Distilled
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Bo
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www.sqbookstore.com