Gift giving is not only for the holiday season but a year ’round event. With family and friends who always seems to be having birthdays, anniversaries or just special occasions, it seems that we are always in search of the next hot gift. How do you decide which gift is right? There’s always the standard sweater for Mom and tie and aftershave for Dad, but what can you get them that will actually mean something? Embroidered golf club head covers are great and everything, but they’re not too likely to mean a lot to whoever gets them unless the two of you have shared some sort of a bond over a good golf game.

A great way to find a personal gift for that special event that your family and friends will love is to think of some sort of connection the two of you have shared, either in a shared experience, a shared hobby, or a shared memory. Maybe you and your mom had a wonderful conversation some evening in the garden. Or perhaps you and all of your best friends had a great weekend together on Cape Cod. Whatever the event, look for gifts which are somehow reminiscent of a memory. Maybe a garden sculpture for Mom or new beach sandals for your friends. Then every time they use or see their gifts they’ll be reminded of the good times you’ve shared.