Choosing wisely is an art
The ideal present is beautiful, functional and doesn't have to cost much, writesSusan Schwartz
Trinkets, knickknacks, dust collectors - call them what you will. Some gifts, while given with love, should have been left in the shop.
As anyone who has ever received an unwanted gift knows, there is an art to selecting the perfect present, and Horizon Plaza has plenty of help at hand.
Indigo Living managing director John McLennan says there is already too much "tat" in the world, so people should only buy or give things that are beautiful and functional.
"If they make a person smile, then all the better," says McLennan. "But I don't like to get things that are fun for five minutes then go into the bin. This is a waste of time and a waste of resources."
Tequila Kola managing director Geoff Fuller says the best way to select a gift is to set a budget, buy what you think the recipient will really like, as opposed to what they ask for, and make sure the shop will swap your purchase for something else in case the recipient doesn't
like it. "Generally the more significant the occasion, the more significant the gift should be,"