Rule: Don't Take a Risk (but still be thoughtful)

Sooo, I know it's been a while but I promise there are many more gifts to give this year! As 2014 rolls around... I hate to, but I have to admit that some people could put a little bit more effort into picking gifts. Giving gifts is personal, so the first thing I do is remember my audience. My rule: never give him or her what I like (unless you know they like it too!), but give the recipient what they like (big one: even if you HATE it). This means you have to know the person really well to be able to give them a highly subjective gift they will enjoy such as:

• perfume/cologne
• jewelry
• home decor
• art
• certain articles of clothing/accessories

SO DON'T give a SUBJECTIVE gift if you're not sure they'll wear it or put it in their home, etc. That being said, you can still give them a thoughtful gift. Let's say you know the person loves art, but you're not sure what artists or even what type of art they like. You can always dig a little deeper and find out what they love, or get them a gift certificate to a print store for reproductions of famous pieces, or a gift certificate to a local gallery, or even go the extra mile to turn it into an experience such as taking him or her to an outside art fair! Think of all the possible ways to make this person happy, which is what you wanted to accomplish. A little bit pf prep goes a long way!

A Gift for... me

You have to get a nice gift for yourself every once in a while! Got a perfect cocktail dress from Alice and Olivia for the wedding circuit. RULE: I always think it's best to get cute dresses when you see them because when you're scrambling for one the weekend before an event, you always buy one you don't necessarily love.