In this age of prosperity and proliferous gifting, it’s more difficult than ever to find a gift for a loved one – a gift that meets his or her needs and wants.Thinking “outside of the box” may bring solutions to those gift-giving problems. Non-traditional gifts are sometimes the most appreciated. Many Falcon businesses offer unique gifts – easy to wrap and sure to please.To get those youngsters off the couch and moving, consider a gift of an activity or outing. Tickets to major events like “Disney on Ice” are something children look forward to and create an evening out with parents or grandparents and what about a gift membership in a tumbling gym, dance studio or martial arts school?Active gifts are not for children only. Adult fitness clubs offer gift certificates for one month or a full year. Or, for the golf lover: golf lessons or a club membership.Practical people enjoy the useful gifts, such as an oil change certificate, a monthly or one-time house-cleaning service, a carwash or detail certificate or a lawn-mowing certificate.For the very practical, postage stamps, pre-paid long distance phone cards and pay-as-you-go cell phone minutes are welcome gifts.Give the gift of beauty with a gift certificate from any of the local tanning salons, nail salons, beauty shops and massage therapists.Entertainment gifts make gift-wrapping a cinch – just pop them into an envelope. Movie stores offer gift cards for rentals or purchases. Online movie services offer memberships that start at $10 per month. Movie theaters sell general admission tickets for any show time.Consider purchasing a magazine subscription, especially if the person has a favorite hobby. They’ll think of you every time the magazine arrives in the mailbox.Speaking of hobbies, how about giving the gift of education? Purchase a gift certificate for art, music, sewing or knitting lessons. What about a gift certificate for pilot lessons?For far-away family and friends, large grocery stores sell an array of gift cards for major restaurants and retail stores. The grocery store’s gift cards can be used for anything – grocery, floral, deli, even the pharmacy.Another option for the out-of-towner: Flower shops take orders for bouquets, fruit baskets and snack baskets that can be sent anywhere in the world.If one is short on cash, give the gift of you. Young mothers might enjoy a gift certificate for a few hours of babysitting from someone they trust. If it’s appropriate, include an overnight stay and make it a special occasion, like Valentine’s Day, babysitting gift.And an unselfish gift for an unselfish person is a donation to someone’s favorite charity.It’s all about thinking outside of the box – the gift box!Editors note: Check out the advertisers in the New Falcon Herald, including the Pick a Card section, for ideas on gift certificates and unique gifts.
