Creative and Unique Gift Shopping Ideas

Creative and Unique Gift Shopping Ideas
By Christine Harrell

Gift shopping is fun but some people can be hard to shop for! From the person who has everything to people you just don't know very well, there are lots of clever and interesting gift ideas for everyone out there.

Recognition Awards

Sometimes we just want something simple that tells someone what they mean to us. However when our sentiments are expressed with tacky, mass-produced items the personal message is often is lost in the translation. Just how many "World's Greatest Mom" mugs does one person need?

Instead, consider a recognition awards such as an inscribed crystal trophy. Not only does this create a breathtaking and memorable gift but you can inscribe it with a personal message that will carry more meaning than some stock phrase will.

Companies that offer employee recognition awards are a great place to find these types of gifts. When searching for personal gifts, these traditional employee recognition awards can take on an entirely new meaning. How about a "Friend of the Year" plaque to be presented at a birthday ceremony. Or, if you don't want your other friends to get jealous, try "Susan of the Year" or "Best Golfer on Main Street".

Photo Books

Digital photography is great. It allows us to always be ready to snap a picture or two (or two hundred) at any event. It's easy to toss out the ones that don't turn out and have a collection of photographic memories.

The problem is that most people seldom look at their digital photos. Maybe a special one will get put up as your computer wallpaper or emailed to friends, but generally they get looked at once or twice then forgotten. Most of us are tactile people. We want something we can hold in our hands. We want photo albums that we can flip through on the sofa with our family around us.

Most digital photography sites offer more than just the ability to print out your photos. Photo book software has become incredibly sophisticated, making it easy to create customized gifts that are professionally produced. You can not only create the perfect album of memories but you can create a different, unique album for each person on your gift list.

Put your photos on a calendar, coffee mug, even a real postage stamp to create stunning presents unlike anything else.

Make Your Own Gifts

Are you a great cook? Bake cookies or make a book of your recipes. Do people think you have a nice voice? Record a book on tape. Do you like to work on cars? Give friends coupons for your free auto services. Write an adventure tale featuring your children. You don't have to be a great writer and they'll be thrilled to be the story's heroes.

Recognition awards, photo books, homemade gifts - the possibilities are endless. This year, make a commitment to steer clear of the boxes of stale candy and Target gift certificates and give gifts that people will really remember.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on recognition awards, visit http://www.allstar-awards.com/.

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