| Have you ever fought the hordes of holiday | | | | Idealists do not particularly value practical gifts; |
| shoppers, searching for the perfect gift, only to | | | | they would much rather receive a gift they |
| have it receive a lukewarm reception? Do gift | | | | consider fun. Don't spend a lot of time hunting |
| giving occasions leave you wondering whether | | | | down the latest gadget if your honey is an |
| your significant other has a clue? Otherwise happy | | | | Idealist. Keep it simple, sentimental and above all, |
| couples can buckle under holiday stress. This year, | | | | fun. |
| tap into your sweetie's temperament to find the | | | | GIVE BIG OR GO HOME |
| perfect gift. Is she a practical Guardian with a | | | | Adventure-seeking Artisans appreciate gifts that |
| sentimental side, or a hopelessly romantic Idealist? | | | | are both thoughtful and fun. This suggests gifts |
| Maybe your guy is a fun loving Artisan, with an | | | | that go with activities to remind your sweetie of |
| extravagant streak, or a gadget loving Rational, | | | | fun and pleasurable things you have done |
| who might require not-so-subtle hints. Follow these | | | | together. Did your Artisan mate propose while |
| guidelines to take the humbug out of the holidays! | | | | you were scuba diving? He might enjoy an |
| IT'S THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS | | | | engraved dive watch; pearl earrings would be a |
| Guardian personalities honor customs and | | | | thoughtful choice for her. These gifts hold |
| traditions, including the requisite the gift giving. | | | | sentimental value, because they are tied to |
| They prefer to give and receive gifts that hold | | | | shared experiences. Extravagance also appeals to |
| sentimental value. For a Guardian woman, you | | | | the Artisan -the bigger, the better! Want to |
| can't miss with engraved jewelry or keepsakes. | | | | sweep her off her feet? Surprise her to a |
| One husband I know gives his wife a porcelain | | | | romantic weekend getaway; great food, wine, |
| figurine each year, and the very pleased Guardian | | | | and a little spa action should do the trick. Or, kick |
| wife now proudly displays a collection numbering in | | | | it up a notch, with plane tickets to Maui and an |
| the dozens. A Guardian husband or boyfriend | | | | exclusive suite on Kaanapali Beach! |
| most appreciates practical or useful gifts. Gifts | | | | OH, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE |
| needn't be extravagant, yet hand-made gifts are | | | | When it comes to gift exchanges (and well, |
| least likely to be at the top of a Guardian's wish | | | | everything), Rationals are consistent. They |
| list. Of all four temperaments, Guardians also are | | | | express little interest in either giving or receiving |
| most likely to appreciate knowing exactly what | | | | gifts. Sentimental isn't really their thing; without |
| you would like; they are similarly pleased when | | | | guidance, they might opt for impersonal gift cards |
| you ask and get them exactly what they put on | | | | or money. Don't be shy about dropping a few |
| their wish list. Who needs surprises, when you can | | | | hints if you have something special in mind--and |
| get what you really want? | | | | don't worry about the gift's cost. What Rationals |
| GOOD THINGS COME IN CAREFULLY WRAPPED | | | | lack in sentiment, they make up for in |
| PACKAGES | | | | extravagance, so go for the Big diamond! Another |
| Material things are not important to Idealist | | | | way to inspire a Rational personality is via email; |
| personalities; like Guardians, they most appreciate | | | | send him a link to your wish list, as he |
| giving and receiving gifts with sentimental value. | | | | overwhelmingly prefers online shopping. When |
| However, there is a major difference--Idealists | | | | choosing a gift for your Rational mate, you can't |
| like giving and receiving gifts that are hand-made | | | | go wrong with the latest gadget--the more |
| by the giver. The romantic Idealist feels that gifts | | | | extravagant and difficult to obtain, the better. |
| made with love best show the depth of their | | | | You can find the perfect holiday gifts this year by |
| personal feelings toward the recipient. So, | | | | following these guidelines; by understanding the |
| Guardian/Idealist couples beware--overlooking this | | | | importance of temperament, you also might gain |
| crucial difference could lead to hurt feelings. | | | | a little insight into your loved ones. |