The Free Personal Shopper

Gag Gifts for Repeat Photo Radar Offenders

2008-03-26T13:16:00.001-07:00

FPS reader "Steve" writes:

My friend's wife's birthday is coming up. We are pretty good friends, and I want to get her something to tease her about the three photo radar tickets she got this year. I'm sure my buddy will appreciate it.

Can you suggest a good gag gift for her?

I love gag gifts, especially those that are good-humored but fitting. Try one of these:

1) PhotoShield Cover for Cars, $25. Available at phantomplate.com.

2) PhotoBlocker Spray, $29.99. Also available at phantomplate.com.

3) Buy her a keychain and have it engraved "What seems to be the problem, officer?" or "That's Mrs. Lead Foot to you!" or something similar. "Tiffany-Style" engraveable keychain, $19.99. Available at bluechopsticks.com.

Lots of Laughs,
Free Shopper

Apologetic Gifts

2008-03-25T09:19:00.001-07:00

FPS reader "Dan" writes:

Hi Free Shopper,
I've been kind of an ass this week. I'm under a lot of stress at work and my wife doesn't really understand. She hasn't spoken to me in three days. I'd like to try to smooth things over a little. What would you suggest?

Dear Dan,

Wow, I'm impressed! It takes a real man to fess up when he's wrong. The fact that she's giving you the silent treatment means she definitely thinks you're in the wrong here, and your question doesn't indicate that you disagree. So, here's what I suggest:

1. A good, old-fashioned apology: apologize for being grumpy, moody, etc. and tell her that you have been under a lot of stress at work and you are sorry for taking it out on her. You don't have to go into the gory details here. Just apologize and move on. This works especially well if she knows you have trouble apologizing.

If you just can't bring yourself to utter those words, try the next best thing - hand-make her a card and say it in the card (store-bought cards could work, but I think a hand-made card shows you really mean it). Click here for instructions on how to make cards using Microsoft Office products. Leave your card somewhere where she is sure to find it that day, for example, on her nightstand, dresser, etc., next to her keys, in the drivers seat of her car, in her purse or wallet, etc.

2. Something edible that she enjoys - chocolates, cookies, a tiny cake, coffee, tea, etc. This is even better if you combine it with #1. WARNING: If she's on a diet or trying to lose weight, go with the tea if she likes tea or don't buy her anything edible.

3. Buy a nice lotion and offer to give her a full body massage. She'll love it and it will also help the two of you to connect.

4. Make or bring home a nice dinner, or surprise her and take her out for a romantic dinner. If you make it or bring it home, go the extra mile and set the table, put out candles, open a bottle of wine, etc. She'll appreciate the night off and the effort you went to.

5. If you are super-busy and you absolutely cannot make the time to do any of 1-5, combine an apologetic card with a gift certificate for a massage, facial, manicure, etc. Choose whichever you know she'll enjoy the most. If you know where she normally goes, get the certificate from that place so you know it will be used.

Hope things calm down at work for you. Good luck!

Best wishes,
Free Shopper

Introducing Free Gift Shopping Services

2008-03-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

We've all been there - some gift-giving occasion is coming up and you don't have a clue what to get the lucky person or couple. You want to get him or her something nice, but you either don't have the time or don't have a clue where to begin. You're thinking about simply giving up and getting a gift card instead of wasting time trying to find the right gift.

Stop right there, and step away from the gift card! Gift cards lack finesse, and they are often a big pain in the rear end for the recipient. Unless the person has specifically asked for one, don't give into the temptation to take the easy way out on this one. Gift-giving is an art, and if you cop out and get the gift card you are missing a really excellent opportunity to show that person how much you care.

Still don't know what to get that person? Email The Free Personal Shopper at freepersonalshopper_at_gmail_dot_com with the following:

A brief description of the recipient's interests
Your relationship to the recipient
Your budget, and
The date by which you need the gift (allow 1-2 weeks)

Once we get your email, we'll provide recommendations within 2 days. You pick one and order it online, and bada bing, bada bang, you come off like the thoughtful guy or gal everyone always knew you were. It's as easy as that!