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It’s the Thought that Counts!
by Sunseria Morgan, RubyLane.com

H ave you ever heard the old saying, “It’s the thought that tastes. But you’re in luck when you shop
Ruby Lane.
counts?”
Before you begin your search, you
No matter what holiday you celebrate, showing you care with the should get to know your collector and
perfect gift can really make someone’s day. Now that we live in a world what they collect if you have not already
where everybody has everything, gift-giving can be a little more done so. See what they have and
difficult. So spend time this year searching for a thoughtful gift for all what they don’t have, and take a general
the people in your life that mean so much to you. With a little time and interest in what it is they are collecting.
effort, anybody can be an expert gift giver. Then you’ll probably be able to spot the
right thing when you see it.
You could even casually ask your Autumn Needlepoint Purse
Think Things Through collector a few questions to get a
When thinking about gifts this holiday, consider buying something
from the past that will last. Tech stuff, gadgets, and the latest devices better sense of what it is that might
are popular, and they certainly have their place, but they are definitely please them:
not something anyone is going to keep and cherish forever or think of - So what’s the missing piece from
you every time they see or use them. your collection?
Instead, strive for the simple little treasure someone didn’t even - What is the collectible you are still
know they wanted or needed until they saw it. When you are out and searching for?
about with your friends and family listen to what they are saying as you - If you could add anything to your
shop, and pay attention to what they pick up, and what they show collection, what would it be?
interest in. I get some of my best gift ideas this way.
There are also a few key things that I ask Practical Presents American Silver Eagle Dollar
myself when buying a present: Practical presents, items that people
- Do I love this? will use every day for years to come, also make great gifts. Barware,
- Would I want this for myself? coffee, tea cups, kitchen gadgets, and cookware for the hostess or home
- Is this something that I would actually buy chef make wonderful “thank you” gifts to show your appreciation for
for myself? all those delicious meals they made for you all year long.
Typically, if you love it, your friends and
family will too. A good rule is, never to buy a gift
that you wouldn’t want for yourself unless that Investment Gifts
Gifts can also be given as an investment opportunity. Original art,
person has specifically asked you to purchase it fine jewelry, and vintage toys are hotter than ever right now, just to
for them. name a few. All of which are abundant on RubyLane.com. Think about

buying silver coins for the kids, grandkids, nieces, or nephews, as this
will be a present that will teach them how to save, invest, and get
Shop Throughout the Year
Shopping for presents and gifts throughout them to start thinking about their long-term future. Kids still love
the year takes the stress out of the last-minute money, right?!
holiday scramble to find something—anything,
Father Christmas
Chocolate Mold anywhere—to fit the occasion. Shopping
throughout the year lets you find and buy a Just Because
Forget holidays, birthdays, and events. Have you ever received a gift,
special gift when you come across it and helps “just because?” The unexpected present that has no expectation or ties
you to stay on budget and maybe even save to a specific occasion can be the most powerful and appreciated gift
money! People tend to overspend when they are of all. Be spontaneous and surprise your loved one or a friend with a
desperate to find a gift and may even end up special gift. Browsing through RubyLane.com might help you find that
paying more for the same item at the height of special “just because” gift.
the buying season.

Treat Yourself
Buying for a Collector I always say if you don’t treat yourself, who else will? The best gift
Almost everyone collects something. No is the gift you give yourself and only you know exactly what you want.
matter how big or small, our personal collections And you know it when you see it! Rewarding yourself for any reason is
help to define who we are and share with others the greatest act of self-appreciation.
what interests us on a deeper level. Finding a Giving those closest to you a meaningful and thoughtful present shows
18K Tiffany & Co. piece to add to someone’s collection can be you took the time to think about them personally and individually.
Shopping Bag Charm challenging because collectors have very specific After all, it is the thought that counts.

18 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles