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Tips for Choosing the Ideal Gift This Holiday Season

With the holidays approaching, it’s time to make a list and check it twice. But after a tough economic year, everyone is trying to get the biggest bang for their buck. So how do you pick the perfect present?

Planning and preparation are the keys. The following tips might also help:

Personality Matters: Take the time to learn what friends are interested in, then use the information to form the foundation for your shopping list. Make the gift meaningful by giving something that enhances the person’s life or solves a problem.

Dual Use: Gift ideas that fill more than one purpose are a great way to provide practical yet fun gifts, especially for college students or busy parents. Popular choices this season include MP3 players with built-in microphones, electronic reading devices like the wireless Kindle, and Portable Global Positioning System navigation devices. 
 
A Little Luxury: Upgrade needed items by splurging on an extra-special version of common items. For example, first-time homebuyers may appreciate new linens, but they’ll really be impressed with extra touches like high thread count or monograms. Sheets, towels or even tools make perfect housewarming gifts and can be completely customized. 
 
Sentimental Reasons: Get creative with a digital picture frame or commemorate an extra-special pet with a framed photograph. Try creating a custom T-shirt or publishing a bound book of family photos.
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