Thinking of present ideas is always a struggle.
When it comes to great present concepts, I have about as much imagination as a hamster. It’s wierd, truly. I am what you’d call a “natural” when it comes to shopping. I like to buy. There’s even a day each Spring when wedding dresses sell so cheaply that scuffles break out in the aisles. I favor my shopping nonviolent. But still, the possibility of a great store full of unexplored “stuff” is more exciting to me than a giant Easter Egg hunt is to the average 5 years old. I know I am going to find Easter Eggs ( i.e, “hidden treasures” ). I just have to reveal their secret tiny hiding places.
That is part of the fun! I have one little problem, though… Shopping is only fun if I am not attempting to find anything especially. As quickly as there is a “list” concerned, it starts to feel a bit like work! Add in the assumption that I am on the lookout for some really special item for somebody else, and the pressure’s actually on.
Present Shopping. Arrrghh! Where are all those clever present ideas when I need them? Where are they ever? Panic sets in. Time wasting comes next. Pretty shortly I have buried the entire thing in my subconscious, hoping it’ll “just go away”. It does not, naturally. Like college examinations and work cut offs, gift-giving occasions keep on coming — necessarily and much too regularly. And those excellent gift concepts remain as evasive as ever. So what’s an individual to do? My response was always to get a huge pot of coffee and pull an all-nighter. Umm, I mean, I’d wait till the very end and then shop till the stores closed. Sure, I’d manage to come up with some decent present concepts and some passable gifts. But it’s no way to live.
I contemplated my case for ages ( years ), and ultimately I knew what I had to do. My task was to transform myself into the type of sorcerer who could produce fab present ideas and lovely gifts at the drop of a hat. It has been a long and painful journey, but I’m pleased to report a measure of success. Finally, I will look a gift-giving occasion straight in the eye and say, “Hah!! You are not so tough!” My 2 most impressive weapons are my “gift closet” and my “little black book”. The present closet is stocked with a selection of present boxes, gift bags, wrapping paper, tissue paper, and colourful ribbons and bows. There are masses of tiny gift vouchers, as well as greeting cards starting from Vacation themes to Sympathy to New Baby. In addition, I have assembled quite a range of gifts-for-any-occasion. The “little black book” is just what it sounds like, only it is not stuffed with telephone numbers. Instead I note down passing notes based totally on what I study folks. If somebody touches on a pastime or collection, it is going in the black book. If they hint at something they are just dying to have, it is going in the book. If I see a fondness for a certain sort of jewellery or style of dress, I will make a note of it.