There's no question the Internet has made gift giving easier, but can a present you order online be as impressive as one you hand pick, wrap and mail yourself? What makes one gift ? whether a birthday present, holiday gift, business thank you, or expression of sympathy ? more meaningful and memorable than others?



Let's face it, another book or CD packed in a cardboard box, another nondescript gift card, even another basket of flowers just isn't going to cut it. The gift should be unique, the card personal, and the experience unforgettable. The good news is, many online retailers understand how important it is to add those personal touches, making it easy for you to send an impressive, memorable gift without the hassles of traditional shopping.

With that in mind, let's explore some avenues to e-gift success:

Show What You Know: If the recipient of your gift is a collector or enjoys a particular hobby, you might want to choose a gift along those lines. If you're not sure what they already have, take a few minutes to email a relative or close friend who can offer suggestions or guide you to an online wish list. Finding that perfect accessory or collectible shows you chose the gift especially for them.

Send An Experience: If your recipient isn't an avid collector or enthusiastic hobbyist ? or if you know that every gift they receive pertains to that same hobby or collection! ? it's common to fall back on old standards like flowers or a gift card. It's so common, in fact, those "go to" gifts have lost their ability to dazzle. A new breed of "go to" gifts offering more pizzazz and universal appeal can be found in the increasingly popular realm of gourmet foods and gift baskets. Whether it's wine or chocolate, cheese or cheesecake ? or even a "low carb" or "no sugar added" version of your favorite gourmet treat ? when you send a gift of fine indulgent foods, you send an experience your friends, loved ones or business associates will enjoy sharing with the entire household or office.

Keep On Giving: If you really want to make an impression, send a "serial gift" by enrolling the recipient in a "cheesecake of the month club," "wine of the month club," "fruit of the month club," or another "of the month club" experience. They'll be reminded of your generosity and thoughtfulness every time they receive another delicious installment.

Find the Right Words: Once you've chosen the perfect gift, it's time for the perfect card. You want your message to be meaningful and memorable, but if you're like most people, you often find yourself at a loss for the perfect words. Don't be afraid to use a quote from the selection available on many gift giving sites. From the humorous birthday quip to the sentimental anniversary thought to the heartfelt message of condolence, sometimes someone else's words can convey your feelings even more powerfully than you can.

Let Your Voice Be Heard: What could be more personal than adding your own voice to your gift greeting? Some online retailers offer the option of recording a short sound byte that plays every time your recipient opens your gift card. Imagine Grandma's delight when she hears Junior's voice on the card accompanying her gourmet birthday cake! You can sing, talk or send a sultry message of love! The card becomes an added gift, a keepsake to cherish long after a traditional card would be thrown away.

Stick With a Winner: When you find one or two online retailers you can count on for a great selection and personal touches, stick with them. Once you set up an account and become familiar with their inventories and options for personalizing gifts, you can send the perfect gift for any occasion in virtually no time at all. Of course, your recipients don't have to know that! All they'll know is that you always send unique, memorable gifts with that truly personal touch.