Where to Buy Gifts for Any Occasion

When we care enough to send the very best, is Hallmark our only option? Well, not according to Neiman Marcus and a host of other retailers and Gift Boutiques, I am sure. Consumers are constantly deluged with catalogs and other direct mail pieces with the hope of tempting us beyond that which we can bear.

Nother major holiday is fast approaching, not only am I being courted via email but also through the mailbox at the end of the driveway. Perhaps I am partially at fault. I am not one who necessarily enjoys shopping. It's easier to order online and/or through catalogs. Once you do, however, your name gets placed on the "Gotcha!" list. Companies from which I have never ordered will send catalogs with a "This is your last catalog. Order today!" sticker affixed to it. I never requested the catalog in the first place. That's one reason I sort mail over the garbage can in the garage before entering the house. Most of them are thrown away but quite a few survive.

Do not think I am a Gift Idea Guru. Hardly! I happen to think those major credit card gift cards are the greatest things since the Internet! So does my 10-year-old nephew. His Mom spent an outrageous sum of money on his Christmas gifts. I gave him a VISA gift card loaded with a mere $25.00. He was so excited with his plastic, until it took him a month to realize he had not opened all of the games for his PS2. This kid was in heaven because he had a "credit card!" That 'credit card' is still the biggest hit for my nieces and nephews. The one nephew received another for Valentine's Day. Needless to say, I'm the favourite aunt! (Since I have no children my siblings do not mind one bit.)

Shown in no particular order, here is a list of other gift giving resources:

Harry & David - (800) 547-3033
This company could possibly take care of every adult on your gift giving list with their delicious edibles. They also have plants and flowers. Join a club and have gifts sent monthly or quarterly. Corporate clients are sure to love it, too!

Ballard Designs - (800) 367-2775
Decorate your home and home-office with style!

Sharper Image - (800) 344-5555
Don't think I need to say more. Anyone with eclectic taste and possibly 'geekish' would enjoy anything received from this store/catalog. Also, that someone who has everything would be pleased with their gift!

Collections ETC - (620) 584-8000
Every item in this catalog is $14.99 or less!

Hallmark.com When you actually want to send the very best. Cards, flowers and free e-cards await you.

Godiva's Business Gift Collection - (800) 946-3482
Your clients (and significant other) will remain loyal to only you.

The Tender Filet - (800) 228-1214
For food connoisseurs (have you met anyone who wasn't?)

Williams Sonoma - (888) 922-4105
Any gourmet chef or amateur would be thrilled. Don't know what to buy? There are always gift certificates. You may also want to try their "Home" edition. Wow!

Red Envelope - (877) 733-3683
High-end, classy, unique and stylish gifts for the entire family.

Masseys - (800) 627-7397
Does glass slipper tells you anything?

Zappos.com - (800) 927-7671
If she loves shoes, another option. Okay, I must admit I'm nuts about this site. Does "free overnight shipping" make you tingle?

Gumps - (800) 284-8677
One of San Francisco's finest retailers for elegant, unique and quite exceptional gifts!

Learning Express - (800) 924-2296
Toys, books, games and so much more for kids!

The Baker's Catalogue - (800) 827-6836
Self explanatory with tasty recipes included.

Baudville - (800) 728-0888
Putting applause on paper. The purrfect way to motivate your team.

Frontgate or GrandinRoad - (888) 263-9850 | (866) 668-5962
Outfitting America's finest homes with affordable style and quality. Also, you will find gifts for pets!

Adler's Jewelry - (800) 925-7912
Saving the best for last. Diamonds are said to be a girl's best friend. I would not order a diamond sight unseen but their Lladro figurines, engagement/wedding gifts and Signature Collection are worth knowing about, I feel.

This list could go on and on but I stopped here for that reason. There would not be an end to this article anytime soon. My customer service experiences have been excellent with these companies. None of them has me on their payroll or as a consultant. What Consumer Reports does on specific products has been shared with you about specific companies. I will also add to the list: Barnes & Noble, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Domestications and Pier 1 Imports because you can't lose no matter your choice. All of these stores have a web presence.

Happy shopping! If you wish to throw in a gift for me, I'll send you my shipping information. Just kidding! Hopefully, you'll save time and frustration with these resources. The price of gifts ranges from inexpensive to very expensive. I am pretty sure you will find a gift for anyone no matter the occasion.

I can somehow feel the piercing eyes of husbands after seeing the look of euphoria on the faces of their wives. I'm out of here!