Golden Rules Of Gift-Giving

One of the most pleasurable pursuits associated with any special occasion is the act of gift-giving. While some gifts can evoke positive emotions, others can come across as inappropriate. The following etiquette rules will help you avoid the common gift-giving mistakes.

RULE #1: RECOGNIZE YOUR HOST

When you get invited to someone’s home, it is a delightful gesture to bring a token of appreciation in exchange of the invite. Recognize the efforts that your host has poured to this special day. This token should not be extravagant! Simply bring a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, or a box of doughnuts. Any gifts that are appropriate to the holiday’s theme will suffice too.

RULE #2: TAP INTO YOUR CULTURE

Singapore prides itself as a country practicing racial harmony. Hence, you may be invited to selected holidays that you do not usually celebrate. Keep in mind that not all cultures celebrate a particular occasion in the same way. So, do your homework before purchasing a gift. What is appropriate to give in a Traditional Chinese wedding may not be necessary in a Malay wedding.

RULE #3: EXTEND YOUR SINCERE GRATITUDE

Image Credits: pixabay.com

What should you do when someone gives you a present and you do not have anything in return? For starters, you shall not dwell on the fact that you do not have a gift for him or her. Instead, focus on showing the person that you appreciate this gesture. Extend your sincere gratitude by sending a thank you note or by sending a gift at a later date.

RULE #4: NO NEED TO RECIPROCATE

Most of us are compelled to provide someone with gift of equal value. This can be a trap since value is not easy to assess! When giving presents, you should ideally spend what you feel comfortable with.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Remember that the thought that goes into a gift is the most important thing. A Do-It-Yourself gift can be a great option that not only provides a cheaper alternative, but also speaks volume about your love.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Celebrate Mother’s Day With These Special Gift Ideas Under S$61

May 10 marks our Mothers’ special day. With the days fast approaching, have you thought of a gift yet? Fret not. As we got it covered for you! Honor your favorite Superwoman and show her some love with these Special Gift Ideas Under S$61…

1. FOR THE SWEET TOOTH

Indulge your Mother’s love for sweets by giving her a present made with mouth-watering authentic chocolate. The Limited Editions Mother’s Day Set by Awfully Chocolate consists of Chocolate Champagne Cups and Hazelnut Chocolate Cake.

Image Credits:  www.facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg

Image Credits: facebook.com/awfullychocolate.sg

Individually the Hazelnut Chocolate Cake costs S$42 while the Chocolate Champagne Cups costs only S$18 (i.e.,10 pieces). The set costs S$55 and it is best to pre-order in advance as there will only be finite pieces on May 8-10. Order yours by calling 6345 8212.

2. FOR THE WORKAHOLIC

For your Mom that is always on-the-go, a well-deserved spa day is the perfect gift! Take your Mom in the Rule Of Thumb spa at Beach Road. Try the 60-minute Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Relaxation, Back, Javanese, Aromatherapy, Swedish, or Traditional Chinese Herb Massage for S$48-S$60.

Still wanting to pamper your queen? Then, give a dash of add-on services such as cupping, ear candling, and body scrub for only S$15. You can pick a time-slot fit to your Mom’s schedule, as it is open until 4 am daily. For more information, visit ruleofthumb.sg.

3. FOR THE LOVELY ARTSY

MAAD, Market Of Artists And Designers, houses unique and budget-friendly artisan pieces. Here you will find a wide array of crafts, plush toys, handmade jewelry, and paintings. The price range starts from S$10 to S$50. Shop around with your Mom on their upcoming MAAD Pyjamas event this May 8 while enjoying the live performances from the local artists. Visit museum.red-dot.sg/maad for more information.

4. FOR THE ROMANTIC

Express your unwavering love to your Mom by tickling her romantic side with the “Single Stem Sweetness Only Gift Box” by Roses Only. This gift box includes 1 long-stemmed pink rose, Roses Only Signature Gift Box, and 30g of Lindt Pralines Heart.

Image Credits:  rosesonly.com.sg

Image Credits: rosesonly.com.sg

Order this for S$39 at rosesonly.com.sg.

5. FOR THE GLAMAZON

SaSa Singapore has tons of promotional offers in stores until May 24, 2015. In fact, you can get S$10 off with a minimum purchase of S$80 (T&C apply)! I recommend the Cyber Colors Bundle Deal for S$29. It consists of Lash Amplifier Waterproof Dual Mascara and Gentle Eye Makeup Remover.

Image Credits: facebook.com/SGSaSa

Image Credits: facebook.com/SGSaSa

Stay updated by visiting facebook.com/SGSaSa.

Advance Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Moms! Thank you for giving us the priceless gift of life. 🙂

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Special Handcrafted Gift Ideas For Valentine’s Day Under S$50

As everything turns digital, there is an increasing need for more tangible items. These physical copies of our photos for instance, become priceless.

Handcrafted items speak volumes of love. Nothing beats a custom-made gift because it will make your partner feel that you really have thought of them. On that note, here are Special Handcrafted Gift Ideas For Valentine’s Day Under S$50.

1. FOR THE SENTIMENTAL SWEETIE

PIXAROLL
Wouldn’t be great to have your personalized pictures (matte or glossy), stamps, magnets, phone casing, and wall decor delivered on your doorstep wherever you are? Well, Pixaroll’s App allows that. Pixaroll App transforms your photos into keepsakes that lasts a lifetime. It is available for FREE on ITunes and Google Play.

Image Credits: www.pixaroll.com

Image Credits: www.pixaroll.com

This Vday, you may purchase 12 pieces of 2.5 x 2.5 inch photo stickers for only S$10 or 24 pieces of 3.5 x 3.5 inch photo stickers for S$18. You use these to design a notebook, book, canvas tote, gift wrappers, or a phone casing for your beloved.

If you want to remind your lover of how good looking she or he is then you may customize a stamp or chop block (S$49) for him or her. Pixaroll’s chop block measures 2.5 cm and there are 4 ink stamps included. Artist’s impressions of your selfies are hand drawn into rubber stamps. So special!

2. FOR THE ARTISTIC ANGEL

PAINTASTIC ART CRAFT

If you want to make a craft that takes a little bit more time and patience but shouts “labor of love” then purchase a DIY Painting Kit from Paintastic Art Craft. The kit usually includes the canvas template, acrylic paints, brush, and instructions. They offer kits with affordable prices and weekly special offers.

In fact, this lovely flower painting that took me 5 days to make comes with free easel and only costs S$4.90.

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The painting sizes for sale range from mini to large so you will be able to find a size that is suitable to your needs. This can surely be a fun experience for you that may even turn to a great hobby.

3. FOR THE LOVE OF PRECIOUS PAPER

THEPAPERBUNNY

Whoever said that sweet and lengthy written expressions of love are so 19th century ago is mistaken. Written love notes will not only overwhelm your partner’s heart but it will also serve as a memorabilia that he or she can keep forever.

You may choose between ThePaperBunny’s greeting cards that say: “We’re Better Together Card”, “Keeper of My Heart”, and “You’re My Favourite”. It costs S$5.90 each. Linen embossed envelope that adds a touch of luxury is included.

4. FOR THE Do-It-Yourself DARLING

Image Credits: Stacie Stacie Stacie via Flickr

Image Credits: Stacie Stacie Stacie via Flickr

Lastly, DIY gifts make the most out of the resources you have at home. So, it won’t cost you a dollar. For more DIY gift ideas made with love, check this out.

 

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