As I conducted my gift presentation I had no idea that my gift tips and picks at Southern Women's Show picks would be highlighted by the Charlotte Observer. I found out shortly after leaving the stage--what a fabulous surprise! Honestly, I think if I knew beforehand, I would have been even more nervous!
Please take a moment to read the Charlotte Observer article below and go to their
site to see pics of my Southern Women's Show picks. Be sure to stop by the show today--it's open from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gift expert Simone McDowell's Top 5 gift ideas
from the Southern Women's Show
Charlotte gift expert
Simone McDowell of
HoneeBee Gifts (www.honeebeegifts.blogspot.com) gave an interesting talk filled with her gift giving tips during opening day of the
Southern Women’s Show at the Park Expo & Conference Center. (The show continues from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a..m.-7 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 at the door; for details go to
www.southernshows.com.)
In front of an audience of women, including a group wearing tiaras, McDowell shared her five Golden Rules of gift giving:
Think about the “giftee” when making a purchase. Do they have a trip coming up? What do they really like?
Don’t rush the shopping process. Take your time and do your research.
Do have a well-stocked gift closet. Keep a supply of evergreen gifts (candles, wine, coffee table books).
Don’t give a gift that you feel ashamed to give or would not want to receive. That also applies to regifting, which is fine as long as it’s done discreetly.
Don’t stop with the gift. Pay attention to the card, gift wrap, boxes and bags.
During the Q&A portion, McDowell gave her thoughts on hostess gifts.
“A hostess should never expect her guests to give her a gift, but I always like to bring something,” she said. “Just make sure it can easily be set aside and doesn’t require immediate attention – don’t bring flowers that need to be put in a vase.”
Even if you bring a simple gift it can be elevated to something special by the way it’s wrapped, including a beautiful ribbon, but you don’t have to spend a lot. Her favorite spot for finding festive ribbons is in the bargain bin at Michael’s craft store.
McDowell ended by going over a display of her Top 5 favorite gift ideas from the
Southern Women’s Show :
Cake truffles and sugar cookies from
Hey Sugar Shop.
Cards from
Phoenix Trading, a card line from England with offices in Charlotte, especially the bestselling peacock and butterfly cards.
Aunt Bunny’s Gourmet Wine Jellies and her “Eat, Drink & Have Jelly!” cookbook.
Miracle Whisk, a whisk designed to whisk faster than normal with just an easy downward motion.
A yoga mat and towel given with a lightweight Keep Calm and Carry On T-shirt. (note: from
Yoga MATTY)
See pictures and read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/09/22/3549344/gift-expert-simone-mcdowells-top.html#storylink=cpy.
