| It seems the farther away someone is the more | | | | are purchasing something your relative really wants. |
| challenging it is to shop for them - especially at | | | | There's one other way I know to get good |
| Christmas time. And your "relatives" are no exception. | | | | gift-giving Intel: If anyone else in the family has paid |
| Why the added challenge? First of all, when you can't | | | | the relatives a visit lately, talk to them. Get ideas |
| visit with long distance relatives frequently it's harder | | | | from the folks who saw them last. |
| to get original ideas on what they like. You can't walk | | | | Another option to consider is purchasing a gift |
| around their home. Observe them during their hobbies | | | | certificate. This may not be the most exciting gift |
| or just catch casual comments that give clues to | | | | but it is one that is sure to be appreciated. The |
| great gifts. When you don't literally "see" them you're | | | | answers to the questions you ask during the phone |
| left wondering what size they wear. Have they lost | | | | conversation will help you get the right gift certificate. |
| or gained weight? Do they have a new favorite | | | | For example a certificate for their favorite clothing |
| color? Have they abandoned any hobbies or taken up | | | | store, book store, sporting goods, music, and so on. |
| new ones? And on, and on, and on it goes. | | | | Another advantage to the gift certificate is that |
| Plus you also need to consider "shipping" the package. | | | | they're easy to mail. Some can also be sent via email |
| Who wants to spend more on shipping something | | | | but I personally find that rather impersonal. You can't |
| really big or fragile than what you paid for the gift | | | | wrap an email. |
| itself? | | | | I'm probably stating the obvious here, but small and |
| My goal here is to offer a few ideas so Christmas | | | | light-weight gifts are the easiest and least expensive |
| shopping for distant relatives becomes a bit more | | | | to mail. So as you're asking questions in the phone call |
| manageable. | | | | to your relative, probe a bit deeper until you get |
| One way to make it easier is to give your long | | | | ideas for "small and lighter weight" gifts. Another big |
| distance relatives a quick phone call. Just call to talk | | | | plus to small and light is if you have to carry the gifts |
| and catch up sometime in late summer or early fall. | | | | in your suitcase because you'll be visiting them for |
| This way you can gather intelligence while remaining | | | | Christmas. |
| stealth and not revealing a secondary reason for | | | | I used to pack a second suitcase that only had the |
| your call. Ask lots of questions and let them do the | | | | presents in it. Now with airlines charging for luggage |
| vast majority of the talking. Find out about what | | | | that may or may not be the best answer for you. |
| leisure activities they enjoy. Any volunteer work | | | | Still, that may be less costly than mailing everything |
| they're doing. What's happening at work? Read any | | | | separately. |
| great books lately - discover their favorite authors? | | | | Christmas shopping for long distance relatives can be |
| Where's their favorite place to shop for clothes? | | | | challenging. Although I don't know of any magical |
| Then of course you can also just come right out and | | | | solutions, hopefully I've given you a few common |
| ask them what they want for Christmas. This takes | | | | sense solutions. |
| away the element of surprise but it will ensure you | | | | |