Emily('s) Post: on Gift Ettiquitte

Rules for Gift Giving:

1. Either make the gift a surprise or discuss fully, no fishing or hinting.

• Situations in which it should be discussed beforehand:car, trip, engagement ring, real pet (rocks and items including "chia" in the title do not qualify), and purchases requiring scheduling, sacrifice or relocation.
  
  
• Avoid complete surprises on clothes, shoes, major works of art, unless they are fabulous, timeless, or you are confident AND they are returnable.
  
  
• In all other situations, it is preferable you present a gift in which you are confident enough to happily surprise the receiver with it.
  

2. If you aren't sure of their initials or correct name spelling, don't give them a personalized gift.

3. Books are only exciting to certain people, but then they're usually a sure thing.

4. Your gift should not be a burden on the owner.

5. Remember the context between the two of you, and the audience. Don't make them feel guilty or inadequate.

6. Maybe adding to their obvious collection isn't the most thoughtful choice.

7. The Joke wears off quickly, the bad gift remains.

8. Occupations are also known as work. Few people like gifts related to them.

9. Gifts that are functional are typically good, gifts that are too functional (paperclips, paperweights, foodstuffs) are never good.

10. Only send a perishable gift if you know the receiver will be at the location when it arrives.

11. That big giant clock that seems perfect for them? You gave it to them last year - that's why it looks like it belongs in their house.

12. Personal refers to a shared memory between the two of you or a great knowledge of the receiver, not an embarassing item.

When Giving to Emily:
Personally, I prefer things that are useful but neat, things I have been conjuring up in my mind thinking they would be a great gift to get. I never talk about these things because I want someone to figure them out. Therefore, I am impossible to buy for. In essence, my one desire to be surprised by just the thing I wanted (i.e. the perfect gift) never occurs. Even this list will not help all the many of you out there wanting to buy me gifts. Someday I will compile a list of my favorite stores, a great beginning. Amazon.com will not be one of them. Nonetheless I have had fun putting together a list of good stand-ins for the awesome (yet secret) gifts I have in mind. You can by more to compensate for your lack of mindreading.
My Wish List

If only I was as good at figuring out what you wanted.