How to Find Unusual Gifts

Creativity is always a plus, but detective skills and tenacity are also important as you try to ferret out the perfect gift for that special someone.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Art Supplies
• Sewing Kits
• Baking Dishes
• Magazine Subscriptions
• Gift Certificates
• Spa Gift Certificates

1. Look for gifts wherever you find yourself, from a bazaar in Morocco to a tag sale in Duluth.

2. Go beyond the museum gift shop and explore possibilities such as painting lessons, art history courses or a gift certificate for a docent-led private tour.

3. Use the Internet. Follow links until you find what you want. For example, start with papermaking, go to papermaking supplies, and ultimately you may find an apprenticeship with an Irish papermaker near your hometown.

4. Talk to craftspeople who make one-of-a-kind pieces.

5. Track down items such as rare prints, out-of-print books or antiques on Internet auction sites or in chat rooms.

6. Search unusual catalogs. Find companies online and have a catalog sent to you.

7. Give a welcome service. A massage, baby-sitting time, pet-sitting, custom makeovers, a day at the spa or a chef's services will be welcome gifts.

8. Combine one or two things for a spectacular effect. That picture frame you bought in New Mexico might provide the perfect background for showing off that stamp collection you bought at an estate sale in Guam.

9. Make something. Bake, knit, sew, or make candles, crafts or fudge.

10. Cruise art supply stores, craft shops, art galleries and factory stores for ideas.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find out what the recipient likes to do, collect or read, you'll have a head start on a great gift.
• Thumb through magazines for more ideas.

[happymary]

on 7/1/2009 Great ideas!

[aquaeyedgirl]

on 4/16/2009 Good ideas! Thanks for the suggestions. I have found unique gifts at Tuesday Mornings stores for engagement/wedding gifts. I create my own sterling silver jewelry that I love to make for birthday gifts.

[juansebastian]

on 4/3/2009 Step 11. Visit Curiosite.com a very cool store and blog of unusual gifts :-)

[sandyman612]

on 3/1/2009 FYI - You can find very unusual gifts at a fairly new website called www.veryclevergifts.com and/or www.ownapieceofamerica.us. Both are good.

[secretagentman]

on 1/30/2009 There is a website that specializes in unusual, and sometimes one-of-a-kind gifts. It is called the Beverly Hills Collection, and can be found at www.beverlyhillscollection.com