Is Buying a Gift for Mom as Difficult for You as it is for Me?

I have walked through a countless number of stores searching for a Mother's Day gift and I always see the same things. A nice blouse, a trinket for the kitchen, or perhaps a bottle of perfume (do they all smell the same to you too, or is it just me?). After three stores I am tired and frustration begins to set in.

At this point I am asking myself serious questions. Is it ok to get that great "one" gift that Mom loved a few years ago, but maybe in a slightly different style or shape? Will she like it as much and does she really need another? This is the jigsaw puzzle that was my life and I tend to think that I am not alone. Last year I tried something new.

If you read my article "A Little Something Special Goes a Long Way", you will learn that I have a great deal of "gift giving" experience. I have wowed clients time and time again with personalized gift baskets that I found online and I attribute the thoughtful uniqueness of my furnishings as sustaining me through one of the toughest times, if not the toughest time, in the hotel industry's history. A thought occurred to me last year that was one of those things that was right there in front of my face and I did not see it for several years before it smacked me right between the eyes.

Could I get the same type of reaction from Mom on Mother's Day if I show up with a personalized gift basket in hand? Would she talk about the contents for months to come? I gave it a shot and sure enough, it was a HUGE hit! She absolutely loved it! Suddenly the 14k gold Star of David that I gave her a few years back faded into the past. I was now her number one son (of three). In all seriousness, it was a huge success and it brought truth to the saying that sometimes the answers to questions sometime lie within the simplest of solutions.

As a result of my success, I have spent hours searching for personalized items that I have used to wow clients and my Mom, and I have brought them to you via virtual space. I hope that you will find one of my hand picked items to meet your Mother's Day gift needs. From my tiny brain to your computer screen! Good luck in your search and remember that the special day is Sunday, May 8th.

Eric Gans http://www.hospitablegifts.com

In The News:


KATU

Holiday travel in Virginia predicted to increase
Progress Index
About 12000 more people are expected to hit the roads in Virginia this year compared to last year's Memorial Day holiday weekend, according to AAA - an increase of about 1.2 percent over 2011. The numbers are the result of a survey of travel intentions ...
Businesses looking up, as shore visits nearCherry Hill Courier Post
'Tipsy Tow' will get you home safely this Memorial Day weekendAZFamily
Brevard County Residents Have a Designated Driver with AAA's Tow to Go Program ...Brevard Times
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Holiday weekend first big test of Volusia's new beach-driving rules
Daytona Beach News-Journal
(NJ | Jim Tiller) Floridians are being warned by state and federal officials to keep an eye on a developing tropical system east of the state during holiday weekend activities. The system, which has caused flooding rains in South Florida this week, ...

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Hometown Holidays
Washington Post
Change that the city's annual Hometown Holidays celebration Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 10 pm While dozens of concerts and shows play on eight stages across the Rockville Town Center, nearly 20 of the city's restaurants, from barbecue to baguettes, ...

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USA TODAY

Memorial Day Preview: What to expect
GlobalPost
We trace the origins of the holiday. Members of the Armed Forces unveil the flag to celebrate Memorial Day prior to the game between the Chicago Fire and the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands on May 24, 2009 in East Rutherford, ...
Memorial Celebrations: Being Thankful For a Job Well DoneNJ TODAY
A time to rememberDaily Freeman Journal
Don't forget why we have Memorial DayMuscatine Journal
CollegeNews -The Coloradoan -Weatherford Democrat
all 135 news articles »

DWI Enforcement Common Over Holidays in Cortlandt
The Daily Cortlandt
by Jessica Glenza (email) New York State Police say enhanced enforcement of DWIs and safety restraints are now a common feature of holiday patrols. CORTLANDT, NY – Many consider Memorial Day the unofficial beginning of summer, and barbecues and beer ...

and more »

This is Money

Holiday money postcode lottery: Currency providers' exchange rates for euro ...
This is Money
Richard Lloyd, Which? executive director, said: 'Holidays don't come cheap and these anomalies don't help hard-pressed consumers.' A Thomas Cook spokesman said: 'Our foreign exchange bureaux in our stores are able to offer local rates that compete with ...
Some holiday money rates unfair, says Which?BBC News
Holidaymakers in exchange rate 'postcode lottery'Telegraph.co.uk

all 8 news articles »

Columbus Dispatch

Dear Abby: Time to decline niece's holiday invitations
Philadelphia Inquirer
DEAR ABBY:My sister “Ruth” and I spent most holidays dining out together after our families grew up and left home. Ruth died last year and her daughter “Lara” began inviting me for holidays “so I wouldn't be alone.” I have tried to decline, ...
Dear Abby: Poor plan leaves aunt home aloneGoErie.com

all 29 news articles »

Holiday display controversy resurfaces as committee drafts policy recommendation
Washington Post
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Loudoun County officials are already thinking ahead to the winter holidays — specifically, the matter of holiday displays outside the historic courthouse in Leesburg. Over the past several weeks, ...

and more »

Most couples end up arguing on holiday
Times of India
Going on a holiday is supposed to be a chance to escape routine and relax with your partners, but unfortunately it also seems to provide couples with the perfect opportunity to argue. And most of the bickering starts before the trip has even begun, ...

and more »

Schafer: Holiday is a very special day of remembrance
Coldwater Daily Reporter
Unfortunately for too many people the reason for this holiday has lost its purpose. This is true of many American holidays, which have become just a time to eat, drink and have a good time. To other Americans though, this holiday is a very special day ...

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