Vicki's Blog

I talked about giving gifts a couple of weeks ago and something happened today that perfectly illustrates what I was trying to say. We have some dear friends and neighbors whom we have known for about 15 years. They are the kind of people who would do anything for you that you needed so, when Cheryl called me yesterday and asked me if I could drive her into Tulsa to pick up her car I said sure. (We live about 40 min. from her car repair shop.) I was working here at my computer and had never even put makeup on, but I grabbed my tropical pattern baseball cap, (I’ll tell you that story next time) put on some sandals and hopped in the car and we drove into town. I dropped her off and then ran some errands and came back to my home office. No problem, end of story, right? Not quite.

She called today, said she had something for me and would be by in a minute. . . . . Now, here’s something you need to know. I like a nice steak now and again but my husband doesn’t eat beef. Therefore the only time I get a steak is when we go out to eat. Cheryl knows this, of course. Back to the story. . . . She came to my door with a bag in her hand and I immediately began protesting, saying she should not have gotten me anything. And she immediately rebuked me and told me to just accept it graciously. I was properly chastised and opened it. There were several things wrapped in tissue. The first thing I unwrapped was a small green salad in a bowl. I am a little slow so I had no idea what was coming next. The next thing I unwrapped was a raw potato with aluminum foil around it. The light bulb finally started to glow and I knew that the next package was a steak just the right size for one. She had brought me a steak dinner to cook for myself sometime when my husband was out of town!

The whole thing cost less than $10 but is one of the most thoughtful gifts I have every received because she stopped to think about what I like and then was creative in how she gave it to me. She could have waited a week and given me a gift certificate to a steakhouse. That would have cost a lot more and not been nearly as much fun or personal.

Thanks, Cheryl, for being a wonderful example of a thoughtful gift-giver!

Jennifer Edie of Jennifer Lynn’s Timeless Jewelry called me a few weeks ago. She had a small booth in the Show a couple of years ago and told me at that time that if she ever got a storefront location she would be in the Show again. So her call was to let me know that it has happened and she has a wonderful location at 5800 S. Lewis Ave., Suite 157. I love art in general and jewelry in particular because it is a practical art form. You don’t just look at it, you can wear it. And when it is vintage it is often nearly unique, which makes it that much more special.

I always enjoy talking to Jennifer and I love looking at her website. It is obvious that she is very knowledgeable about vintage jewelry and has a passion for it that comes through when she talks to you. I have a piece of hers, a simple ring with a pale blue triangular stone in it – it’s big but I love it! Anyway, she called to say she wanted to be in the Jan. Show. So we chatted for a few minutes about her new store and where her customers were coming from, etc. She said she is getting a lot of people coming in looking for both wedding sets and groom’s rings. I told her how interesting that was and, as we discussed it for a few minutes, realized that it wasn’t surprising. The average age of engaged couples has continually gone up in the past few years and an older bride and groom or second marriages, are probably interested in unique wedding jewelry, something you don’t find in a jewelry store.

Check out her website and stop by her location when you are going by. You will enjoy meeting Jennifer and seeing all the rings, pendants, brooches, bracelets, . . . . . . It’s like a trip to the art museum where Jennifer is the guard – but she says look AND touch!

You will be receiving so many gifts for your wedding. There will be engagement party gifts, wedding shower gifts and wedding gifts. That’s really fun to look forward to. But you will also be giving some gifts – corsages for your mother, grandmothers, boutonnieres for relatives – but most importantly the gifts for your groom and wedding party.

The problem with choosing a gift is that, when we are looking, our eye is always drawn to what attracts us. The colors you like, or the styles, are what you automatically look at. But when you are giving a gift you need to put what you like totally aside and look through your gift recipients eyes. Make some notes about your bridesmaids. What are her favorite colors? What style of clothes does she wear? Does she wear things that sparkle or does she wear understated, tailored clothing. Does she wear strappy heels, and a different pair of showy earrings every time you see her, or does she usually wear flats with jeans. All these things give you insight into what she would like to receive. And that’s the point, after all, to give people something that they will really like, that shows you were thinking about them when you chose it.

Tammy Houghton at Purse-a-nality has some cute and functional carriers that can be used as a portable office, picnic basket, overnight bag, etc. And they come in lots of different designs and colors. So you can choose one gift for all of your bridesmaids, but individually pick the perfect design for each one.

No matter what you choose, be sure you’ve considered what the person you’re giving the gift to will like. They’ll love it, and you’ll feel great!