By Laura McCormick
Choosing the ‘perfect gift’ can be challenging, especially during the holidays when lists are long and time is short. With some planning, thought and creativity, gift giving can be enormously satisfying for the giver and receiver regardless of the budget.
For guidance on how to select meaningful presents, I spoke with a local expert for tips. And for added inspiration, to several people in town about gifts that have touched their hearts, leaving lasting memories.
Manager of the Historical Society’s Museum Store Barbara Johann has long been at the forefront of gift giving. She honed her skill at Hoagland’s, a premier destination for fine gifts which she and her husband co-owned for many years, and from working with Greenwich resident Michael Scully, whose venerable Scully & Scully on Park Avenue in N.Y. has been at the epicenter of fine gifts and home accessories for decades.
Barbara believes that it’s all about using a little psychology to tap into the needs of recipients. Here are her tips for gifts that will bring joy and appreciation at any budget.
• Keep it personal and tasteful for family and friends: Focus on their needs, who they are and their priorities, hobbies, etc. It’s important to convey warmth and affection. Avoid overly personal gifts for business, such as perfume or intimate clothing.
• Consider experiences: Greenwich has something for everyone. For example, a gift card to a favorite restaurant or coffee shop, or membership to a museum or season tickets to a cultural institution such as the Symphony or Choral Society will be appreciated by culture lovers.
• Avoid basics and self-improvement items: Think about what will delight the person – something they won’t necessarily buy for themselves – even if it’s a small token of appreciation.
• Wrap it beautifully: Presentation is so important. It’s truly the icing on the cake. Even the smallest details, such as a crisply tied bow, will enhance the experience for giver and receiver.
Isabel Malkin, long-time fan of the Museum Store, says she always feels joy when she visits the shop. “Barbara’s warm, smiling welcome, as she shows me her latest collections of treasures which she and her staff have discovered, lifts my spirits every time I go, and I never leave empty-handed.”
Greenwich residents on gifts that brought lasting joy…
When Coldwell Banker realtor and former Selectman Lin Lavery sought a gift for her husband Tracey’s 40th birthday, she gave him a small box with a tiny grand piano in it and lessons from Greenwich maestro Randy Atcheson. “When our three children were taking piano lessons, Tracey helped them practice. He knew how wonderful it was to have the skill and the discipline that comes from learning an instrument. Tracey loved the gift and became a very good pianist. And when Randy had a concert at Steinway Hall in N.Y. for his adult students, Tracey rocked it! The gift made him happy, and it showed that you are never too old to pursue a passion and learn something new.”
Jonathan Moffly, president of Moffly Media, likes having hand-made gifts from his children. “For the last 15 years I have had my kids make something for me for Christmas and my birthday. They can’t buy anything. Only handmade, drawn, and/or written presents are allowed. The drawings with messages are my favorites. They are unique and special.”
For Catherine Tompkins, co-chair of the Historical Society Board of Trustees, a particularly memorable gift was a wonderful surprise she found at her door after a long, frustrating day. “Some dear friends had framed a photograph I had taken from our shared summer vacation. The photo was of our favorite beach in Ibiza where we spent a fun and memorable afternoon. I was touched that they had even saved the photograph, let alone taken the trouble to frame it so beautifully. It now hangs in my room and is a reminder of the amazing adventure we had together as well as of my thoughtful friends.”
Laura McCormick is the founder of McCormick PR, a Greenwich-based public relations firm dedicated to helping organizations build strong brands and reputations.
