Presents in an Economic Downturn
Several days ago, I talked with a family friend who recently learned that his major American car manufacturing company was closing his plant. He is actually more fortunate than most of the people working for that company. He very recently reached the age at which he qualifies for early retirement, so he will continue to have a steady (although much smaller) income. Those who did not reach that milestone will get a small package and be left to search for a job in that difficult market. That got me thinking about giving gifts for special occasions to those people who are facing tough economic times. I came up with a few suggestions that make more sense than a candle holder or a pair of ear rings. Here they are:
A basket of beautiful, fruit is always a welcome and healthy gift. If you live near your gift recipient, you can find a lovely container and fill it with fruit that is in season in your region of the country, obtained at a farmers market, and then fill it out with a few exotic fruits picked up at your neighborhood specialty store. If your loved one is farther away, you can arrange for any of a large variety of beautiful fruit gift baskets to be sent to the recipient's home. It will help them to cut down their food bill on their next trip to the grocery store.
A special meal is another way to remember a special occasion. One possibility might be to take the friend to a popular local restaurant. If price is no object to you, be sure to suggest some of the pricier entrees on the menu, so that your guests know that they should not worry about ordering whatever they want. For example, you might say something such as, "The crab legs are wonderful here, but, if you don't like seafood, try the tender and tasty filet mignon." If they live too distant for that, you can actually find delicious, gourmet, chef-prepared meals online that arrive frozen and can be prepared in almost no time.
A final recommendation is a scrumptious sweet. No person should have too many desserts, but on a birthday, anniversary or holiday, everyone deserves a chance to feel a little pampered. Bake cookies, if that is a skill of yours, and hand deliver or have them delivered. For something a little more special consider giving them a delicious cake or cheesecake. Whether you make it yourself or have others do the work for you doesn't matter. It will be appreciated and definitely enjoyed either way.
You'll notice a common feature in these suggestions. They allinvolve food. Someone who is going through a tough period may not want to accept charity, but nobody can say no to a genuinely special gift. If it reduces the grocery bill for them by a bit, that's just a bonus.
About the Author: Greg Scott is an author who is a big fan of food! He especially endorses a fruit basket as a perfect gift for any occasion. He also writes about jewelry and internet marketing.
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Print Article | Download PDF | 11 views | Jun 30 2008
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