Everyone of us must have experienced receiving a run-of-the-mill gift at one time or another. When this happens, you feel a bit slighted because, let's face it – either the giver doesn't have an iota of originality or you just aren't that special to him or her. To make it clear to the recipient that he or she is special, why not give a gift so unique that anyone receiving it will be absolutely flattered?
Here are a few suggestions for unique gift ideas. There's one to surely fit your budget:
Personalized Stuff. Nothing can be more unique than objects with the recipient's name or photo on it. However, forget the monogrammed towels and handkerchiefs. There are other more interesting mementoes you can flex your creativity with.
The family platter is an oversized serving ceramic platter which can be used for special occasions or proudly displayed on the mantel year-round. Have your family tree artistically painted onto it and give it to the most senior member of your clan. This can become a prized heirloom, handed down from one generation to the next.
A personalized quilt for grandma and grandpa is another unique gift which they would be very proud to keep. Photos of themselves when they were young, their wedding, their honeymoon, and even photos of their grandkids could be immortalized on a signature quilt.
Another impressive unique gift is a family calendar. Almost everyone now owns a computer, and a simple desktop publishing software allows you to create your own family calendar. If you want a flawless quality to it, have it done by professionals at sites selling photo calendar kits. These come with pre-punched photo paper and all you need to do is provide your wonderful family photos.
Invaluable gifts. You can put a price on jewelry or antiques, but there are things that money can't buy – a star, for instance. However, you can name a star after your special someone. There are several sites claiming to be the official organization handling star-naming, so look for the one recognized by International Astronomical Union. Most sites charge $50 or more for you to name a star, but it's the thought that counts, right? You can even name a star for free. Check out www.freenameastar.com.
Riding on the idea, other sites have surfaced as well, such as those pitching an acre of the moon, Venus, or Mars! For a fee, they'll send a printed copy of a Declaration of Ownership, a property map, a deed, and other fun stuff like constitution and mineral rights.
On the other hand, a more meaningful yet still unique present is having a tree planted in someone's honor. Your donation will go into the reforestation of an area you choose to sponsor. In return for what you donate, you'll receive a gift card where you can write your personal greeting, a leaf ornament, and a Certificate of Planting.
A unique gift idea that will endear you to anyone's heart is a first-edition book or a recent book autographed by the author. You have to use your feelers to find out which genre the recipient loves, and go out of your way to scout for the perfect item.
The gift of time. Don't let budgetary constraints turn you into Ebenezer Scrooge. You can always give the gift of time, and this is something that people always take for granted but is invariably appreciated. Again, using your computer, print out vouchers for favors or fun moments with you. Your kid would love a voucher for "A Trip to the Park With Dad." You can also make one for "A Relaxing 30-Minute Massage" for your wife. The variations are only limited by your imagination.
