Unusual gifts
CITE from
Creativity is always a plus, but detective skills and tenacity are
also important as you try to ferret out the perfect gift for that special
someone.
Steps:
1. Look for gifts wherever you find yourself, from a bazaar in Morocco
to a tag sale in Duluth.
2. Go beyond the museum gift shop and explore possibilities such as
painting lessons, art history courses or a gift certificate for a docent-led
private tour.
3. Use the Internet. Follow links until you find what you want. For
example, start with papermaking, go to papermaking supplies, and ultimately
you may find an apprenticeship with an Irish papermaker near your hometown.
4. Talk to craftspeople who make one-of-a-kind pieces.
5. Track down items such as rare prints, out-of-print books or antiques
on Internet auction sites or in chat rooms.
6. Search unusual catalogs. Find companies online and have a catalog
sent to you.
7. Give a welcome service. A massage, baby-sitting time, pet-sitting,
custom makeovers, a day at the spa or a chef's services will be welcome
gifts.
8. Combine one or two things for a spectacular effect. That picture
frame you bought in New Mexico might provide the perfect background
for showing off that stamp collection you bought at an estate sale in
Guam.
9. Make something. Bake, knit, sew, or make candles, crafts or fudge.
10. Cruise art supply stores, craft shops, art galleries and factory
stores for ideas.
Tips:
If you find out what the recipient likes to do, collect or read, you'll
have a head start on a great gift.
Thumb through magazines for more ideas.