Where to Buy Gifts for Any Occasion

When we care enough to send the very best, is Hallmark our only option? Well, not according to Neiman Marcus and a host of other retailers and Gift Boutiques, I am sure. Consumers are constantly deluged with catalogs and other direct mail pieces with the hope of tempting us beyond that which we can bear.

Nother major holiday is fast approaching, not only am I being courted via email but also through the mailbox at the end of the driveway. Perhaps I am partially at fault. I am not one who necessarily enjoys shopping. It's easier to order online and/or through catalogs. Once you do, however, your name gets placed on the "Gotcha!" list. Companies from which I have never ordered will send catalogs with a "This is your last catalog. Order today!" sticker affixed to it. I never requested the catalog in the first place. That's one reason I sort mail over the garbage can in the garage before entering the house. Most of them are thrown away but quite a few survive.

Do not think I am a Gift Idea Guru. Hardly! I happen to think those major credit card gift cards are the greatest things since the Internet! So does my 10-year-old nephew. His Mom spent an outrageous sum of money on his Christmas gifts. I gave him a VISA gift card loaded with a mere $25.00. He was so excited with his plastic, until it took him a month to realize he had not opened all of the games for his PS2. This kid was in heaven because he had a "credit card!" That 'credit card' is still the biggest hit for my nieces and nephews. The one nephew received another for Valentine's Day. Needless to say, I'm the favourite aunt! (Since I have no children my siblings do not mind one bit.)

Shown in no particular order, here is a list of other gift giving resources:

Harry & David - (800) 547-3033
This company could possibly take care of every adult on your gift giving list with their delicious edibles. They also have plants and flowers. Join a club and have gifts sent monthly or quarterly. Corporate clients are sure to love it, too!

Ballard Designs - (800) 367-2775
Decorate your home and home-office with style!

Shop 'til ya drop!

Credit: Avis Ward

Copyright: Avis Ward