
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, November 19, 1993                   TAG: 9311190148
SECTION: HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE                    PAGE: HGG-17   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By DONNA MUSSELWHITE
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

OUT OF IDEAS? HERE'S HELP IN BUYING FOR HARD-TO-BUY-FOR

We all have at least one of "those" people on our gift list: the person who either has everything, has no apparent interests or passions, or just can't think of a single thing he or she would like for Christmas.

Believe it or not, these folks don't have to drive you shopping crazy. Below are some basic ideas to get you started on buying for the difficult person on your list:

Gift certificates: You can get a gift certificate from just about all retailers, restaurants, movie houses, even utility companies. If you can't decide on a particular store, try a gift certificate from a shopping mall good at any of the stores in the mall.

Food: Everybody likes some type of food, and sometimes folks will try something new if they receive it as a gift. Try a basket of gourmet coffees or teas with a nice pottery coffee mug packed with it. Tie it all up in cellophane with a big gorgeous ribbon.

If not coffee, try jams, jellies or relishes canned right here in the area. Or do a basket of sweets, candies or baked goods.

Services: Offer to do something nice. Draw up a nice certificate colored with magic markers, paints or pens to be traded in for free baby-sitting, errand running or yard work.

Movies: Most everyone likes at least one kind of movie, and just about everybody has access to a VCR. Pick up a favorite movie and give it with an offer to share a fun evening.

Books/magazines: Even if your difficult person doesn't like to read for pleasure, there are dozens of beautiful coffee table books out each year filled with gorgeous photography of every subject imaginable. If these are too pricey, try a magazine or newspaper subscription.

Photos: Go through all those stacks of impromptu photos taken at gatherings of family and friends. There's probably a great one in there of your difficult person that would look great blown up and framed in a pretty frame. Even folks who would never take the time to do this for themselves will love it when it's given to them.

Music: If you're not sure about your difficult person's current tastes in music, compile your own tape of music "from back when" that you know he or she will like.

Christmas ornaments: If you don't know what your friend likes, choose something you like - it'll be special because it came from you.

Charitable contributions/memberships: Most charities will accept monetary gifts in honor of someone and will then send a nice card to the honoree.

Or purchase someone a membership in the local art, science, history or transportation museum. These kinds of gifts help out the charitable/ community organizations and honor your friend.

by CNB