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December Challenge!! Accepted!!

By
Real Estate Technology with http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com

I love this challenge. I always try to buy or create a unique gift for any occasion.  Sometimes it is easy because you know what a person wants. However, when I am at a loss for an appropriate gift idea, I resort to creativity that has an additional benefit of low cost.

When perplexed, I create gift coupon books that offer 10 or more "certificates" that the recipient can utilize for particular purposes. The best examples are when you offer to do something or go somewhere that the recipient wants to do. This is especially meaningful if it is something that you normally do not want to do but the recipient really appreciates.  The certificates do not have to have monetary value....it is truly "the thought that counts.

Examples from my life were certificates given and received. My former wife and I utilized this approach frequently.  She knew that I liked auto racing but she really did not want to go to one.  So I received a certificate to go to an auto race and we attended the Dover Delaware 500 NASCAR race. As an incidental benefit of this type of giving, she now loves auto racing and she never would have experienced it unless the certificate was presented as a gift. 

Oher examples of certificates were attending art auctions...visiting people you really do not want to visit; acts of service, thoughtful gifts - expensive or not (price is relative). 

If you think about your gift recipient and consider their passions and hobbies, it isn't difficult to consider a unique gift. Most people have hobbies and passions.  Another example can be a charitable donation to the recipient's preferred charity. 

With our AR interest in AI, you can utilize AI to create something that has meaning to a recipient.  I utilize Jib Jab (http://www.jibjab.com)   to create e-cards and videos during the holidays or special occasions and hey are very well received!!

Comments(14)

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Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you for sharing your creative approach to gift-giving, Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD. Your idea of personalized coupon books is not only heartfelt but also a clever way to deepen connections and create shared experiences!

Dec 08, 2024 12:39 PM
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

These are certainly creative ideas for gifts, Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD. And the Monster Mile is a great track to become a racing fan at.

Dec 08, 2024 02:57 PM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

What a wonderful idea! I think I am going to copy you. All the best - Lynn

PS -- Sort of reminds me when I was involved as a coach for new mothers, I gave them three coupons for phone calls between 11PM and 7AM. Actually - not once did anyone call but they had the comfort of knowing that I was willing! 

Dec 08, 2024 05:08 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

If you really know the recipient those smart coupons are a great way to go. When I was a kid I gave my Mom "wash the dishes" gift certificate. I feel guilty about that know as I should have done that anyway. Mom's deserve the BEST. 

Dec 08, 2024 06:29 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD So glad you accepted the December challenge. Love your creativity. My husband would do this and write out a day's itinerary of things that he knew I loved. And he made them happen.

Dec 08, 2024 07:00 PM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Hi Paddy,

Crafting a personalized gift certificate filled with love and insightful details about the recipient is truly a heartfelt gesture. It shows that you have taken the time and effort to truly understand and acknowledge the person's interests, passions, and preferences.

This deeper level of thoughtfulness and connection is what makes a gift truly meaningful.

Dec 08, 2024 08:14 PM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Very creative ideas for presents and again authentic giving is what is important.

Dec 08, 2024 08:38 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Paddy - although I haven't utilized the idea, I have heard/known of others who have chosen this gift option with varying degrees of success.  Creativity as well as thoughtfulness is an important part.  

Dec 09, 2024 03:37 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I have done that in the past but I don't recall if the certificate ever actually was redeemed, haha.  I actually enjoy doing things that I don't necessarily enjoy, when I am doing them with people that I really enjoy, haha.

Dec 09, 2024 03:47 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

These are good ideas for unique gifts!

Dec 09, 2024 05:12 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Paddy,
Personalized gift coupons are a great idea. You're right, almost everyone has hobbies or passions that can be tapped into for ideas.

Dec 09, 2024 06:57 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

I forget about Jib Jab, so thanks for that reminder. It's a great way to have fun and share something cute with the recipient.

Dec 19, 2024 07:33 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

I have never thought about "Gift Certificate" for things that I will do for family members - that's funny and smart. 😀

Dec 21, 2024 02:50 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

That seems to be the case, but I thought mostly everything was the greatest thing ever!!

Dec 27, 2024 11:17 PM