The Art Of Gift Giving

 Ahhh…Valentine’s Day, the holidays that everyone loves to hate its just two weeks away!

Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a cynic, we at The Art of Gift Giving believe that on this of all occasions we should return to the root and reason of this holiday and celebrate love and relationships. And, for the young and young at heart amongst us, its chance to enjoy something a little bit naughty and secret with our partners.

Valentine’s Day, like all gift giving opportunities, is a chance to get creative and think about something truly memorable to give your valentine.

Valentine’s Day is a day where you really do have to think outside the box with your gift giving, if you truly want your gift to have a lasting impact. 

Still got no idea what to get?  Its not too late to Contact Us and we’ll do all the hard work, while you sit back and take the credit!

Today, January 23 marks the start of Chinese New Year, a time to eliminate any negative ‘chi’ from you past and welcome prosperity, wealth and longevity into your future!

Chinese New Year is a event steeped in culture and traditions. And of all the Chinese New Year customs, gift giving is one of the most important. The Chinese have many rules of etiquette for this holiday period, including rules governing the giving and receiving of gifts. If these rules are not adhered to, it can have a negative effect on the relationship.

Most well know is the ‘lai see’ or red envelope that is exchanged between family and friends. However, inside this envelope there must be a new crisp bill in order to be considered ‘lucky money’. 

Other customs require that gifts be given and received with both hands, that the host must initially refuse the gift and that you are to reciprocate with a gift more expensive than the one which you have received. 

Traditional gifts given throughout Chinese New Year include lai see, cookies and candied fruit. For a symbolic gift give oranges and tangerines, especially with the stem attached as not only does this bode well for the relationship between the giver and the receiver but signifies the promise of children for couples.

Chinese New Year gifts are also shrouded in superstitions. Firstly, pears, clocks and sharp objects should not be exchanged. Then items in a set of 4 are a no-no, as the chinese word for ‘four’ sounds similar to the chinese word for death. Similarly, avoid black or white objects as these colors are also associated with death in the Chinese culture.

2012 will be the Year of the Dragon and is set to be marked by exhilaration, unpredictability, excitement and intensity. To help you bring in the Chinese New Year, The Art of Gift Giving have put together this Year of the Dragon Gift Guide. Enjoy!

Libra, an air sign and the 7th sign in the zodiac is represented by the scales, demonstrating the balance Libras’ continually seek in their lives and in themselves. 

It is considered one of the most desirable zodiac types as Libra falls at the zenith of the year, the high point of the seasons when the hard work of the harvest is reaped. There is a sense of relaxation and ease as mankind enjoys the last of the summer sun and the fruits of his toil. 

Libras are diplomatic, easygoing, romantic, idealistic and social. They have elegance, charm and good taste. They are naturally kind and are lovers of beauty and harmony.

They also love to share, so lets help them celebrate their birthday in appropriate style with the perfect gift!

Being of the artistic type, the Libras’ love of harmony also extends to the musical and they will appreciate anything that allows them to enjoy beautiful music - be it musical instruments, concert tickets, an iPod or an iTunes gift card.

Being very social beings Libras’ would love an experience gift that they could share with the giver. Their social nature also makes them detest viciousness and vulgarity and loathe cruelty. So a charitable gift protecting the rights of animals or the maltreated would be a heartfelt gift. 

The Libras’ love of beauty also leads to the love of the finer things in life. Be it Egyptian cotton sheets, gourmet dining, wine tasting or a pampering spa treatment they will be sure to enjoy it! 

For plant and flower gifts - the strawberry, hydrangea and violet are all associated with Libra, as is the pansy which not only reflects the Libras thoughtfulness but is an especially thoughtful gift for men as it is said to bring them good luck.

Jade is one of the Libras’ stones, which is very appropriate given the Libras’ love of music as Jade produces a resonant tone it has been used to make musical instruments is Chinese, African and Hopi Indian cultures. 

Whereas the Libras’ gem is appropriately the sapphire that is known to cool ‘inward heat’ or anger, as well as promote positive social interaction and reconciliation between foes, attributes that can also be credited to the peace-loving Libra.

For more gift ideas from The Art of Gift Giving for the Libra in your life, see Gift Ideas for Libra.