Presentation, the Key to Success!
A not-too-expensive, ho-hum kinda present can be pretty exciting if it’s nicely wrapped and accompanied with balloons and flowers (from the supermarket). If the occasion requires a gift, why not put out just a bit more effort and do it right? If you’re anything like me, you really don’t care for the “glitz” when it’s your turn to get a present. I hate it when the employees at the restaurant come over to my table and sing “Happy Birthday” to me—And I don’t like to get greeting cards with “mushy” sentiments either. If you got me that new drill I wanted (and the Jack Daniels, too), I don’t care if it’s wrapped in newspaper, you know?!!
BUT, my friend, we’re not talking about gifts for us here, we’re talking about gifts for ladies—Whole different world. We’re practical, they’re emotional (most of them)—Our mission in life is to make them happy and, when it comes to gift giving, our own preferences are not a good model to use in choosing gifts for our ladies.
Ribbons, bows, gift bags, wrapping paper, tissue paper, balloons, fireworks, candles, decorations, flowers and, more than anything, our own creativity are the tools we use to make our gift giving extra special.
Here are some ideas on the best way to make that gift special--
Flowers – Of course, if you have them delivered or you pick them up from a florist, they will be fine as they are,
If you’re picking flowers up at the supermarket, though, you will need to dress them up a bit. Pick out a nice looking bouquet of fresh cut flowers, a ribbon and some tissue paper. When you get by a trash container out front, pitch the plastic wrapper, rubber bands, little packet of plant food, the wrapper from the tissue paper, the receipt and the store bag. Keep the flowers in the shape of a bouquet, then wrap the tissue paper in a diagonal way, so the flowers are showing at the top—Secure with a ribbon and lay them carefully on the back seat. The object, of course, is to make it look like you picked these up from a florist, not a 5 minute run into the market.
Potted Plants and/or Silk Flowers – These are okay, but don’t really create the excitement of fresh cut flowers. If you do buy a potted plant, be sure to stick a nice bow on the side of the pot.
Balloons – Helium balloons really add a festive touch and I use them frequently, with much success. We have a couple of party stores where I live, so it’s easy for me to pick up a “bouquet” on the run. If you don’t have a party store, many of the larger supermar-kets have helium balloons right near where the flowers are located.
Have them tied with a floor weight so the balloons stand at eye level or a bit higher. Mylar lasts much longer than latex, by the way, and they’re not as likely to puncture as you try to get them in the car. Also, some stores will sell you a large plastic bag that covers the balloons and makes them easier to transport—Just be sure to remove the bag before you walk into the house.
Gift Cards – Thank you, thank you, thank you to whoever came up with these wonderful little pieces of plastic! These things are a procrastinator’s gift from God as far as I’m concerned. I know many people think they’re not personal enough, but I think the way they are presented eliminates that objection.
Don’t just leave the gift card in the little folder/envelope they give you with the card—Try to be a bit creative, okay?!! If you can muster up a bit of “charm,” you might get them to wrap it up special for you. I was able to get the one I got for my wife last week at Chico’s wrapped in a silk jewelry bag, in tissue paper and a gift box, just for asking, not that I’m particularly charming—It was slow and they were bored! But, you get my point. One time I wrapped up one of our household towels in a fancy gift box and taped the gift card to the inside of the lid—The odd look I got when she saw the towel was replaced with a big smile when she saw the gift card. Try to get those creative juices flowing!
For example, say you’re giving her a gift card from Victoria’s Secret--Buy a cheap negligee from WalMart and wrap it up as fancy as you can, with the Gift Card inside. Or, how about picking up a cheap toaster (you can return it later), wrapping it up super nice and taping the Gift Card to the outside of the toaster box.
Jewelry – There are so many ways to give jewelry that really makes it a surprise. For example, slip a pretty ribbon through that ring you’re giving her and tie the ribbon around the neck of a teddy bear. Wrap the teddy bear in tissue paper, put it into a box and wrap the box super nice, with a big bow on top. If you divert some of your creative juices from how to best arrange the family room for Sunday’s football game, you can come up with some rather clever ideas that will delight her to no end!
Food – If you’re planning to prepare a meal for your lady, please do a bit more than just cooking the food, you know?!! A table cloth, fancy dishes and silverware, candles and flowers on the table takes very little extra planning and really makes the meal that much more special. Here’s another way to do it—Pick up a set of paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils and cups, paper table cloth and whatever matching decorations they have—You’ll end up with a unique table setting and no dishes to wash!
Dinners – For dinners out, try to enhance the experience by doing a few little things ahead of time—You could leave flowers or a gift at the restaurant ahead of time, to be served with dessert, for example. You could do something as simple as putting a sweet card, with a bow on the envelope, and a single rose on her seat in the car. These are pretty simple things, but she’ll love the thought you put into just thinking of doing it in the first place.
BIG Gifts – If it’s a new refrigerator (yuck!) or a new car (cool!), or anything BIG, you could try to wrap it in some clever way, although I think it’s enough to slap a BIG bow on the front or top of whatever it is—Just makes it more festive.
How to Wrap a Gift - This site gives step-by-step directions, including photos, on how to wrap a gift, as well as how to make a decorative bow yourself.