Each of us feels differently about gift giving. Some people dread the thought, because they're never sure what to buy for the recipient. Often times, we end up buying gifts for people we don’t know very well (for example, a secret Santa exchange among office coworkers). The best way to approach gift giving in these circumstances is with a careful eye out for presentation. Even if you're not quite sure that the gift you've picked is right, a unique presentation can make it just perfect.

For example, let's say you've got some new neighbors moving in. Perhaps you've seen them moving play equipment, and thus you know they have children. In this case, it is likely that they would enjoy a food item. You can make this fun by filling a shallow basket with a new package of bright paper napkins and cups, some homemade cookies and a package of lemonade mix. Wrapped up in a clear cellophane gift bag and tied with curled ribbon that matches the paper cups and napkins, the gift says that you took the extra time to make it special!

If a business colleague has just bought their first new home, and you know they love Italian food, you may want to consider a bottle of wine, package of pasta and jar of marinara sauce and bread sticks. This can be dropped into a stainless steel wine bucket stuffed with red, white and green tissue (the colors of the Italian flag), don't forget the coordinating bow for the handle and you are set to go!

When a new baby arrives, it's always a safe bet to go with the essentials. Every new parent will need basics like a receiving blanket, baby wash cloths, booties, baby mittens and a comb and brush set. For presentation, you can consider a tiny laundry basket, a wicker basket with a liner in pink, blue or yellow, or even a sturdy gift bag, which can be used later to move items back and forth to Grandma’s house! Individually wrapping the small gifts in coordinating tissue paper is always fun for the new mother too. Speaking of the new mother, don't forget to throw in a little something for her, like a nutrition bar for pregnant or nursing mothers or a gift certificate for a pedicure.

As the preceding examples show, one of the most important parts of gift giving is the container in which the gift is presented. Don't get trapped by the idea that a gift must always go in a box! No pun intended, it really helps to think outside the box when it comes to gift presentation. Baskets, bags, buckets, and cellophane are all unique ways to present a gift. Be sure to keep an eye on your wrapping supplies, so that you'll always have some ribbons and other items on hand for last-minute gifts. One way to assure you are always stocked up on items is to watch for sales on gift bags and ribbon. After Easter sales are a great time to get baskets, clear cellophane bags used for Easter baskets, and pastel ribbons.

With a little imagination and creative thinking, you can take an ordinary gift and make it truly extraordinary. All it takes is a unique presentation. Sometimes you have to think outside the box to come up with the perfect gift, and usually these are the most thoughtful gifts of all. If you can start with one idea and let it grow a little with your imagination, the result can be a great presentation that the recipient will remember for many years to come.