The art of gifting

It has been four weeks since my last post and a lot has changed. I've started my summer job (at this office which acts as a kind of mediator between phone companies and phone resellers I guess) and I've hung out a lot. Finished a school project, and started another one. Oh and yes, also not too much fun, been having some breathing problems lately. Anyway, since you're all caught up again with my life, here I go with my post.

So for a while this little piece of 'canvas'- i'll just call it - was very empty. I had no idea what to talk about. So I was looking over at a card which i received on my last birthday from a close friend and his wife. I read it again and couldn't help but smile. Now, for you to understand why that made me smile you have to know this. His name is Daniel and her name is Marieke. They met shortly before I met Daniel and since Daniel and I hitted of, I got to know and care for Marieke as well. This girl, she's so sweet and kind. And he's just the same. The perfect couple - really.
Anyway, they called on my bday and asked if it would be ok if they could come over. Obviously I said yes. So they came over and brought a delish box of truffles with them (the chocolate kind). It was such a sweet gift.

So yes, this leads to my beef of tonight. How do you know what to get someone for their birthday? Some people are so spoiled these days. They don't see the value of getting a gift - no matter what it is - and don't appreciate the fact that someone took the time to go out and shop for something.
The last birthday gift I bought was for a really sweet guy. I hadn't known him for too long and still I wanted to get him something for his birthday. But, what to get? I kept my eyes open for a while, looking and mostly listening to what he might like. In the end I had bought him a small cute teddy which had a shirt which said 'big hugs' on it and got us 2 tickets to an amusement park which I knew he really liked. In the end it turned out to be the best gift I've ever given to someone. But even during our trip to the amusement park I was not completely sure I had given the right gift.

I find it easier to shop for a gift for a girl. After all, us girls talk too much anyway so we know each other a whole lot better than I know guys sometimes. I honestly never know what to get Daniel, or Tiewen or Mitch, or even my cousin.

For those of you out there who find it difficult as well, I've been thinking about ways to find out what would be the perfect gift.
First: just ask them what they like. Or ask their significant other - if they have one. They might have an idea.
Second: Remember that it is all about the thought behind it. You can get something small that means a lot to you and the other person. They will love it sooo much.
and third: don't be afraid of getting the wrong gift. I've been there, done that. Not worth all the worries. just go with your gut. Go for something funny that will make you laugh or go for something sweet when you want to get something romantic or what displays what the other person means to you.
Ooh and try browsing online. There are always things you can find online that you may not have thought about at first. Oh and enjoy.

Good luck!