How to Give Great Gifts in a Bad Economy

The years of auto-pilot gift giving are now over. You know--buying gifts and not really paying attention to the price tag or genuine interests of the gift recipient. You found a decent gift, put it on your credit card, and just kept on spending what you didn't have until your gift list was complete. I remember those days all to well. When the bills rolled in during the month of January, I wanted to run and hide. What was I thinking? Yep...been there, done that. Never again!

Many of us (not all!) have all been guilty of this at one time or another. I always admired folks who would pull out their wallets and pay cash for things. Too bad I never felt that satisfaction until after I hit rock bottom and was forced to pay EVERYTHING with cash. It was tough, but I made it through--and learned a thing or two. For families who are facing this dilemma for the first time, I encourage you to see the gift in this valuable lesson. Accept the challenge to give more meaningful gifts (rather than expensive ones!) and watch the magic happen. It's a safe bet that not only will your gift giving skills improve, but the relationships that go along with them will improve as well. You can't put a price tag on that!

If you find yourself in a panic, don't fear! Before you run off to the mall, please consider the following gift giving truths:

• Gift giving is optional! When it becomes an obligation in your mind, it is no longer a gift. Think about it and re-visit your gift list. Are you giving gifts in order to avoid conflict, keep up with the Jones's, or keep the family peace? Never put the needs or expectations of others ahead of your own financial stability. There is no shame in speaking your truth and changing the rules this year. Speak up now and make no apologies. For example..."Our family is not in the position to buy gifts for extended family this year, but would love to have you over for a pizza and movie night when it fits your schedule." See how easy that was?


• Not all gifts are created equal. Be aware of what types of gifts are the most meaningful to important people on your gift list. Would your best friend prefer a sterling silver bracelet or a laid-back lunch at your favorite local cafe? Does your Grandmother really need an expensive gift set from Macy's or would she prefer an afternoon spent scrapbooking with you? If you don't know, ASK! You just might create a new tradition in the process.


• Gift giving is about them, not you! How many times have you given a gift expecting rave reviews but in return you get a luke warm response? Odds are pretty good that you have probably violated this rule. Just because you would love to receive a cashmere sweater coat does not mean everyone else wants one too. Take the time to research and find out what really makes them tick and do your best to give a gift that reflects it. A $25 gift card to Macy's is a great gift if you know that your BFF is saving up for that "must have" leather jacket she's been talking about. Just jot a note in the card that will add meaning to giving the gift card--"Your are going to look great in that new leather jacket...hope this helps you make that big purchase!"

Great gifts come in many shapes, sizes, and price tags. But never forget that the very best gifts strengthen our personal connections with one another, never to weaken them. Buying an expensive gift that misses the mark can really do some damage and change the dynamic of your relationship if not careful. Just stop, think, plan, and do your best connect while minding your budget. I promise you, you'll never loose.

What do you think? Can you relate? Please share your comments below and we can get the conversation going!

The Gift of Peace

The G20 is setting up shop here in Pittsburgh for the weekend and tensions seem to be running a bit high.  With photos circulating from G20 London, the realities of an event of this magnitude are difficult to conceive.  Our city will essentially be on a two-day lockdown, ensuring the safety for international dignitaries making their way to and from the convention center as well as residents and employees of the City of Pittsburgh. Yes, there will be a sea of protestors and increased police security along the motorcade route and throughout various locations surrounding the Pittsburgh area.  Plenty of media will fill the streets and Pittsburgh will be on the international stage for all to see.  But at what price?  Let's hope it's not too costly.  Money is one thing, safety and security for all involved is my primary concern.

I'm am hoping and praying for a very peaceful G20 summit in our beloved City of Pittsburgh.  Won't you please take a moment of silence and send some positive thoughts our way...we would love to see this go on our record books as a great thing for Pittsburgh, without the violence and destruction that comes along with such a polarizing world event.  Please pray for the health and safety of everyone involved, including the protestors who are passionate about having their voices heard. And for the public safety officials who will be monitoring this event to keep us all safe from harm.  Thank you!

Help this Gift Giver

Here's an email from a reader who is really stumped on a gift idea...My friend Traci would appreciate any feedback or ideas that you may have.  Here we go...

"We were invited to celebrate a 50th anniversary dinner for my husband's aunt and uncle...and the invite says "No gifts please..." Of course you know I'm going to show up with a gift anyways...any suggestions that you can solicit from your readers would be greatly appreciated. This couple is in their 70's, and live out in the country so they like simple things, the type of people who don't like to be fussed over... I thought about getting a nice looking tall plant in some kind of engraved pot with their anniversary date on it, or something like that....help!"

Personally, I love your idea of an engraved planter complete with a hearty plant to symbolize a healthy and hearty life together.  I'm sure you all have some creative ideas of your own, so lets hear them in the comments below! 

MAJOR News!

I just had to share this...please forgive my shameless self promotion :)

“You’re Hired!”

Local Business Woman Tapped as National Gift Giving Expert

for Upcoming Television Series

Jennifer Melnick Carota, a.k.a. the Gift Therapist, has been secured by Carolyn and Co. Media as an expert source for holiday gift giving on a budget. Advice from the Gift Therapist will be featured nationally on “Every Holiday,” an eight episode television series designed to help guide women through the hectic holiday season that will air this fall on three national network affiliates and cable giants Oxygen, We and Bravo. Jennifer will share expert gift giving advice, holiday entertaining tips, and shopping strategies designed to make holiday gift giving less stressful and much more fun!

Hosted by former Executive Vice President of Trump Enterprises, Carolyn Kepcher seeks to help women find solutions to daily challenges facing most busy women today. “Every Holiday” is Carolyn’s first effort back into episodic TV and will serve as a sneak peek for the launch of her company’s weekly series next fall.

In addition to the television series, the Gift Therapist will also serve as a contributor to Kepcher’s new website workherway.com, set to launch in October, 2009. More information and details coming soon…stay tuned!

Jumpstart to the Holidays

One size does not fit all when it comes to gift giving. Although household budgets may be a bit tighter this year, this does not excuse us from mindless giving! Just because you may find seven cashmere sweaters on the clearance rack does not mean that everyone on your gift list would love one! (Although I would not complain...LOL). So how do we combat the stress of giving the perfect gift on a shoestring budget? The key is to start planning now! For example:

• Make you gift list TODAY!  Don't procrastinate on this...the longer you wait, the harder it will become to narrow your list down and set your budget accordingly. 
• Start thinking of appropriate gifts that you would like to give to each person on your list.  Start jotting ideas down TODAY! 
• Are you scratching people off of your gift list this year?  Now is the the time to have an honest conversation with them about some creative alternatives to tangible gift giving.  Pick up the phone...TODAY!
• Planning on giving edible or homemade gifts this year?  Organize your recipes, craft supplies, and materials TODAY! 

The holiday giving season will be here before you know it!  Carve out a little time and money each week to help ease the stress of last minute shopping, baking and crafting.  Create a plan and get the entire family involved...make it fun, but get started TODAY!!!  Trust me...you'll thank me for it later :)