Romantic Gift Giving Tips Part lll-

Thinking Outside The Gift Box

The most surprising and successful gift might be when the recipient gets something they love but they didn't even know they wanted or needed it. It’s the impulsive gift they would get for themselves if they could indulge in something new or special. They didn't tell anyone their secret desires and perhaps only you know what's stirring in their heart. They also didn't tell anyone about wanting something specific, but you figured out what they would like based on hints they gave you throughout the year and by knowing their personality. You took the time to listen—the time to care— the time to love.

Observations

 Let’s stick with the aforementioned lime theme. (I mention limes in the previous post)

It was a sizzling summer day when she cut open the lime and before tossing a slice into her beer mug, she squeezed some of the juice onto her arms. “Oh, I love the smell of limes,” she said with a huge smile. You LOVE seeing that smile. Right? Now you need to figure out a way to log this information into a retrievable memory panel. (Repeating things to yourself seven times might get it into your long-term memory, but a sticky note hidden in the dark recesses of your wallet might be more practical.) Let’s say that summer day you were busy making the burgers but you took a short, extremely sensitive,—slightly metro-sexual but crucial moment to ask what exactly she loves about limes. “Is it just the smell?”

“Oh no,” she replied, “I love everything about limes. In fact it’s my favorite color.” Bingo. Now you are covered for Christmas with perfume and when St. Valentine’s Day rolls up you’ll be ready with a lime green sweater or a homemade key lime pie. Your world of gift giving just opened up like a giant ostrich egg with omelets for twelve, simply because you were attentive on a hot summer day. 

Watch each other during the commercials on television, listen to his/her comments and focus on the eyes that light up like Times Square when something they like comes into view. Yes, some women like lime green shoes. (For example, I just ordered a pair, but it is my favorite color.)

Even the most poker-faced person shows some emotion when facing their favorite things. Not only scent and color but sounds or taste can trigger a memory, leading you to ask the right questions. Does the lingering scent of Chanel No.5 remind you of someone?

Another example while sharing a box of bonbons with various fillings

"What's your favorite?"
Marzipan? What's that? Almond?
How could you not know he likes marzipan? How could you not know it reminds him of his Belgian grandmother who flew over on KLM and once on Swiss Air? She's gone now, and he hasn't had good marzipan in decades. She used to buy it at the duty-free store at the Brussels airport. "How old were you?" You ask. She visited every year when he was in grade school. Last time he saw her was seventh grade--"I loved her so much." This is priceless. Write it down in a secret place. Use shorthand if you must, but there's nothing like sentimentality to complete a shopping list. (The point here is that a few communicative questions can unearth a long lost craving for a delicious and fairly inexpensive treat.)

There’s no science to this practice and even good intentions and careful planning can result in being unappreciated.  If there’s one thing to remember it’s this: Relationships are based on give and take and if you can’t spend a little time thinking about your spouse, then you’re probably working too hard.

Your time together is priceless. 
Make it special and unforgettable. 

Hope you have the best holiday ever!