One of the most difficult challenges Americans face today is the art of gift-giving, especially in a downward-spiraling economy when finding great deals on perfect gifts has become an overwhelmingly stressful task.
In the old days there was one-stop-shopping at the General Store – where the slogan was, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” Those were simpler times when gift ideas came easily. The little ones’ eyes lit up at the sight of a baby doll or a shiny bike in the store window, sweater selections for Dad were minimal, and sugar treats like penny candies could make the whole family cheer. The good old Sears Catalog also dominated the scene and families poured over every page until all the pictures were dim and the pages, frazzled. Choices were easier, regulated by limited resources and fewer options in the marketplace – and life was far less stressful, especially over the holidays.
Now there are mega-malls and mini-malls and discount giants, department stores and specialty shops, and catalogers who invade our homes and our minds touting even more options to buy, buy, buy! Having choices is a good thing, but the deluge, especially over a holiday, is tantamount to drowning in advertising and being pushed to your limits with the stress of decision-making. Choices are harder now, still regulated by limited resources but with too many questionable options in a frantic marketplace.
Deals of the Day
The solution, of course, is the internet, and there is now a one-stop, shop online, a shop-at-home option that is emerging as a tested way to find the perfect gift at slashed prices involving no agonizing decisions. Look for a Deal of the Day website’s discount takeaway voucher! Deal of the Day shopping sites are plentiful now and they all generally work the same way. Sign up (subscribe) to receive emails about deals or bargains from different businesses in your selected area. No need to search – the deals will come right to you.
A Wide Variety
What’s fascinating about these services is the variety of quality items offered at up to 90% off. Imagine getting gift voucher tickets at half price or more to a great show in your town. How about dinner at a favorite restaurant or tickets to a sports event? Give Mom a break with a fantastic facial, massage or manicure at a top-notch salon right near where she lives. Getting gift Ideas when you are shopping this way seems easy. Everything from flying lessons to scavenger hunts to dance classes is available in just about every city in the country and accessible from your desk chair.
Value of a Voucher
Gift vouchers are a lot like gift cards, but better because they are “recipient specific” and can be tailored to your friend’s preferences or your family’s likes and dislikes. For instance, if you know your brother and family love wine, you may actually find a Deal for a wine tasting/vineyard tour in their own community. If your teenage daughters or granddaughters love having their nails done, you can give vouchers for manicures and pedicures that are usually discounted to half the regular price.
Know the Business
An advantage of using this method for gift shopping is the ability to learn all about each business. Generally, deals of the day feature an About the Business section that provides details on the history of the business, its principals, their experience, what they offer, where they are, their website, fax and phone numbers. Sometimes there are even photos, map guides and customer reviews. You don’t often get all of that in the yellow pages (because of prohibitive costs to the business) and you will probably not find such information in newspaper ads either for the same reason. But, a company posting a deal on the internet can give you clear answers to the kinds of questions you would ask if you could walk in the front door with a pen and pad and interview the owner.
Getting the Voucher
You can print an online voucher of course and hold onto it until gift-giving time. Find a clever container and gift wrap it to hand directly to your loved one. Or have vouchers sent to that person, who will receive an email with instructions on how to print. The process is clean and simple. Receiving vouchers as gifts is thrilling too. Chances are the recipient knows the business in town already and can’t wait to redeem the voucher for the product or service you have selected.
Buying in Advance
Check the expiration date. Most vouchers expire in a few months. Some can be bought in winter and used all the way through the summer months – like lawn care vouchers or electrician and plumbing services. If Dad needs a break from mowing the lawn week after week during the summer months, and you live far away and can’t help, think about giving him a lawn care gift voucher in mid-winter that is good through the spring of next year.
There are even more reasons that a Deal of the Day Voucher makes the perfect gift, but for starters, if you are watching your pocketbook, a voucher represents quality and real value at terrific bargain prices. A voucher is also a truly sincere expression of your thoughtfulness instead of the same old gift card that is the equivalent of giving money. Once you try it, you will discover the enormous versatility inherent in this type of shopping. And finally, to your immense relief, you will know that finding the right thing – the really pleasing gift – is no longer a stressful, grueling chore. You will become immune to the “buy me-buy me” smash-and-blast advertising campaigns of the insistent media and you will have selected the perfect gift with your loved ones’ preferences in mind.