Buy! Buy! Buy!

Now, who here doesn't like gifts? We all do. Getting the right one, however, is almost an exact science. It has to trigger a sense of warmth, has to be useful, and suit the recipient's taste and character. Unlike some other places that I go, we don't exactly go back to the stores to return gifts that we don't like. So getting it right the 1st time is critical.

I used to organize most of the birthday parties when flying with my colleagues. I took it upon myself to get the cake, made sure all signed the card, and most times bought the present too. It's not easy, especially when it comes to buying the gifts. I'd only come across as thoughtless if I were to say, buy perfumes for the ladies, and another wallet for the guys.

I would like to think that I'm good with gifts. What I mean is I put some thought into the gift item. No photo frames, perfumes, or pens from me.

Women, in general, like gifts that invoke an emotion. For example; Branded items like handbags, wallets, jewelry etc. These don't exactly have many uses, yet cost quite a bit. Most are elated when they see the familiar logo or tag on said items. Yes, you'd notice that many are carrying the latest mp3 players around now, but how many of them actually know how to download and save those songs in there? Half the time the other half does the work of loading the tunes into the gizmo. What about digital cameras? Seriously, do you need a miniature-ish 5-6 megapixel one costing upwards of $500 when all you do is take a few snaps at a party, using ONLY the auto mode?

Men, on the other hand, like gifts that are an extension of themselves. It's common to have gals asking other guys what they can get for their men. For example; You don't just get any of the latest mobile phone thinking that'll please him. Does it have a 2megapixel camera with auto focus and auto flash, Bluetooth enabled, able to play mp3's, have a long battery life, have slots for expansion cards? Will the item cause an embarrassing bulge in his pocket? What about the cool factor, or would he become geekier than he already is? Will the phone be deemed as "old model" as soon as you buy it, cuz you didn't do enough research and notice that another BETTER one is coming out in a few weeks time, which costs less!

So as one can deduce, gift giving is really an art in itself. Whoever said that it's the thought that counts when he gets another belt for his birthday obviously has to buy his own favourite things all the time...

And what did I get this holiday season??

Sweeeet!!