Gift Giving: Ideas for Unusual Gifts, Cards, Shopping and More
You've got a lot of gifts to give: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, holidays and sometimes "just because." We've found the Web sites to help you with gift giving ideas, places to shop, greeting cards and tips on the best way to wrap your presents. And you don't even have to send us a thank-you note.
Many Web sites have sections that suggest gift ideas based on holiday, occasion or age and gender of the recipient. Browse our recommended sites to find unique gift ideas that will most certainly be appreciated.
- Before you begin hunting for gift ideas, poke around for online wish lists that your recipients might have created. Such wish lists are increasingly popular and are available on many Web sites. Try typing the person's name and the words "wish list" into a search engine. Also read the "Online Wish Lists" section of this guide for ideas on sites to check out.
- Specific return policies (for example, a 30- or 60-day window in which the product can be returned or exchanged) vary from one Web site to the next, so make sure to read the fine print before you buy. Similarly, each store has its own policies for gift cards; many diminish in value the longer they go unused.
For gift ideas ...
Giftogether
is available for viewing in eight languages and features a unique take on gift suggestions and reviews: They're written entirely by visitors, and include some unusual ones. Wondering what to give your mistress for Valentine's Day? This site has it covered. Once you've registered (it's free), you can also set up event reminders or create a personal wish list.
FindGift.com
has the usual categories (for example, “him,” “her” and “pet lover”) along with quirkier selections, such as suggestions for the eco-friendly and tech-savvy people in your life. Also look for links and ideas for gift-of-the-month clubs, which are discussed in further detail in the "Gift Subscriptions" section of this guide.
NetGift.com
is a discount gift-giving Web site where you can find some great deals. Purchase items (for others or yourself) for up to 50 percent off retail price.
For anniversary gifts ...
Happy Anniversary
lists traditional and modern wedding anniversary gifts by year. It also provides practical gift suggestions for each year and links to online retailers.
The Anniversary Shop
's anniversary gift list goes up to the 100th anniversary. Each year is accompanied by appropriate gifts you can buy directly from the site. You can also see a list of birthstones on the right side of the "
Anniversary Chart" page.
For gift certificates ...
GiveAnything.com
lets you send a gift certificate via e-mail or print it out from home. This is a particularly useful feature for those last-minute (translation: completely slipped my mind) gifts. Your recipient can then shop online from any of the 300 participating retailers to redeem the certificate.
Swapagift.com
lets you swap electronic gift cards to get the items you really want. If you received a gift card for an electronics store but would rather purchase a sweater from a clothing shop, this Web site makes it a cinch to exchange. You can also buy a gift cards here, at a discounted price.
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In recent years, many unique gift-giving options have emerged as a result of the Internet, ... read more »
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A well-boxed and wrapped gift can make a beautiful impression. In this section, you'll find unique ... read more »
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