What Makes a Gift Memorable?

What Makes a Gift Memorable?

Is the fact that you wanted the item?

Is the fact that you hated the item?

Or is it because the item was out of the ordinary?

Over the course of my lifetime, I have received gifts that are very memorable for me.

For instance, the Baby That-A-Way doll that my Dad bought me when I was 6. The Southern Belle type doll he bought me when I was 7. The sewing box with sewing items inside when I was either 7 or 8.  The little porcelain tea set when I was 8. 

All these things were items I loved as a child.  The two dolls and the porcelain tea set are still in existence. They are stored at my parents' home.   The sewing box met an untimely demise about 15 years ago when it got broke during a move.

Those were things I had wanted and my Dad surprised me with them. I can still remember sitting and playing with those dolls. I even took the Baby That-A-Way doll with me when we went on a trip once. I remember sitting in the motel floor playing with it. I even know where Dad bought me the tea set. It was at a Dollar General store in Centerville, TN.  I had went with him to show him what I wanted for Christmas that year. We had been in the little town for him and two of my brothers to go deer hunting. Mom and I would stay in the motel or walk up around the corner to the little stores that were situated in a circle around the Courthouse. I remember eating at Nellie's Cafe there.

I have also had gifts given to me that left a memory of wondering why I got it.  For instance the ugly, cheap, and tacky little seashell figure (that I'm still not sure if it was a dog or a cat) that a former sister-in-law gave me one year for Christmas. I know it's the thought counts but that little "thing" left an unsavory memory for me. I hated that thing and I think that's why I still remember it after 20+ years.

Well little trinkets and toys may make an impression that lasts a lifetime but there's a company that is making impressions and gifts memorable.

Excitations is a site designed to make gift giving fun and memorable for givers and receivers alike by offering a wide variety of "experience" gifts for all ages, interests, and budgets.

 For example...

Instead of an electric razor, how about a flight in a World War II-era aircraft?

Instead of a gold brooch shaped like a Christmas tree, how about a champagne tasting?

Instead of all those battery-eating toys, how about a trip to junior rodeo school?

This post is written for The Parent Bloggers Network.