Money Can Buy You Love
Let’s be honest. Many of us purchase gifts for others intended to say more about ourselves rather than to express appreciation of the person or persons we think we know or love.
And, perhaps even more self-servingly, we sometimes second-guess persons, particularly clients, bosses, girlfriends or boyfriends, with “tributes” that we know will appeal to their egos – the selves they wish they were, but we know they’re not – the “Machiavelli and Me” tried- and- true formula for gift-giving success.
However, the very worst gift-giving offense, yet a perennial favorite, has to be the “Mine-is-Bigger-than-Yours”” approach – particularly popular among males – and perfect for the persons on everyone’s shopping lists who truly know the price of everything and the value of nothing. This year, try something different.
I suggest dividing your lists into three camps – 1) those who want/need, 2) those who know/appreciate and 3) those who should really know better.
Whether it’s limited finances, career pursuits or a lack of the financial means necessary to pursue life-enriching hobbies, there are those individuals who, arguably, want and really need “stuff”.
Stuff is not inherently bad. Consumerism is not necessarily naughty.
However, before feeding the need, you should really take a look at the root of the need – and not just feed the bright and shiny leaves. This classification of recipient includes the adventurers in your life, the culturally-curious pseudo-anthropologists, the technophiles, the insatiable communicators, and all those who, while they do crave useful/beautiful things – still retain enough decency to realize that humanity, tolerance and ecological responsibility actually count for something – actually, count for everything.
And, if someone on your list falls into one of these general categories of gift recipients – but fails these last three qualifiers – don’t worry. Just write them off your list. Delete them off your Blackberry. Take them off of speed dials. Just think of it as an eliminatinion/downsizing of your gift obligations – not to mention constituting an early start on your new year’s resolution to unload unnecessary human baggage.
Don’t feel cruel; don’t feel guilty; and do not nurse regret over this. Some persons actually do deserve coal in their stockings. On this, both Santa and I agree. For the non-coal recipients, the following short list categorization should help you handle all three of the afore mentioned, deserving groups.
Group One – Those who want/need. Those who dare to dare.
Suggestions:
Gift #1 Walking Stick
Always popular among hikers. Great for stabilizing a person (physically) – these sticks can be purchased at sporting goods stores – or, they can be picked up off the ground for free. Of course, if you choose “free” – you might want to try drilling a hole in the pole and attaching a safety rope.
Gift #2 Hiking Boots
While an obvious choice – they’re not necessarily a great surprise. You see, more important than any other single hiking boot feature is fit. And, unless you can borrow the recipient’s foot for the afternoon – you might want to let him or her buy boots for themselves.
Gift #3 Compass
Warning – compasses point to magnetic north – not true north. As long as your adventurer knows that all that really matter is going in the opposite direction of where they’ve been in order to return to point “A” – this is not a big deal. If however, there is any question of this ability – don’t embarrass the recipient and risk getting them hopelessly lost. In other words – skip this option.
Gift #4 Tent
If giving a tent – try to get one with a security system. Since few if any of these exist – this is also not a fabulous option.
Ok, you may ask, given my pan of the above items, just what are good, safe options?
Glad you asked. For the person who seeks adventures beyond their nose, the following items are readily available and pose far less physical risk.
One of the accoutrements inherent to a life well lived is a second, or even third language. Rosetta Stone is the proven, fun and effective way to learn a new language.” Persons around the world, individuals, government agencies, corporations, schools and universities have used this easy-to-you technique to learn one or more of the 31 languages offered – languages which allegedly represent 90% of the languages spoken around the world.
How fabulous is it to know that once you finally reach an exotic destination that you will actually be able to speak with someone. The language programs, while not cheap, won’t break the bank either - ranging from around US$200 – to US$500.
You say your group Group Number One iconoclast has a lazy, hedonistic streak, could care less about communicating with others, but still loves surround-sound stereo equipment? Not to worry – the tech route is guaranteed to please. Why? Because these same super (though mono-lingual) communicators tend to run in packs and insist on being constantly entertained. So, if tastes skew towards the latest gadgets, why not consider some of the following ideas?
SONY PLAYSTATION PORTABLE PSP
More than simply a mobile Playstation, the PSP is a lightweight, compact, portable entertainment center with MP3 and video playback capabilities, a high-resolution 4.3 inch color TFT LCD screen, built in stereo system, input/ output connectivity and more. Games may be played online against other players via the 802.11 b Wi-Fi feature and users will simply adore the wide variety of cinema entertainment on this amazing handheld.
NOKIA N72 CELLULAR PHONE
Savvy and chic, the Nokia N72 cellular phone not only incorporates the latest advancements in cellular technology, but combines its users’ techno-savvy with a sophisticated sense of style. This uber-hip phone comes in both pearl pink and gloss black with a matching wrist strap and headset – and allows for both photo and video enhancement with Adobe Photoshop Album Starter Edition. Furthermore, the N72 has USB 2.0 connectivity, Bluetooth capability, is available in Tri-band GSM (900/1800/1900) frequency and allows for up to 20 MB of internal dynamic memory.
APPLE IPOD
The true definition of entertainment on the go, Apple has released its 5th generation of iconic audio devices just in time for the holidays. Thinner and and available in five stylish colors, the iPod® 5G holds up to 20,000 songs, 25,000 photos and nearly 100 hours of video for endless media and audio entertainment while traveling, shopping, exercising or just hanging out.
BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 2 ACOUSTIC NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES
Since most travel, particularly air travel has become downright gruesome, you can now give the gift of peace and quite along the way. Consider Bose Quiet Comfort® headphones - their patented noise reduction technology is specifically engineered for airline travel, and blocks out all background sounds while providing a clear, rich audio experience for both movies and music.
SLINGBOX BY SLINGMEDIA
This amazing device allows the weary road warrior to kick back, watch the Steelers vs. Giants game from their hotel room in Tokyo, laugh out loud at Seinfeld re-runs in a Dubai café or enjoy the latest episode of House in a your friend in Bangkok’s spare room. The Slingbox™ turns any Internet-connected PC, Mac, or mobile device into the user’s home television.
Group Two – Those Who Would Rather Know than Need
Don’t we all love the literate among our friends and family? They make our gift-giving jobs so easy. These “students of now” – these “connoisseurs of culture” – these “ethnicity enthusiasts” appreciate everything from magazine subscriptions to travel books. One such classic may have even indirectly influenced the ex-pat lives many of these recipients (and you) have chosen. Whether silken or otherwise, all roads lead to Marco Polo.
Travels, by Marco Polo (1298) was dictated to a romance writer named Rustichello – during a period in which both Rustichello and Polo shared an Genoese prison cell. The book has been referred to as a “book of dreams” – planting the seeds of western fascination with all things eastern. The customs, the fabulous riches, the tribes – even the golden fingernails and teeth. Consider that Christopher Columbus, Magellan, and Vasco da Gama all carried these tales with them. While difficult to find, The Travels of Marco Polo can still be found in two volumes (Dover Publications, 1993). It remains a continued source of fascination for the explorers on your gift list.
However, not everyone in the previously mentioned group goes for the classics. It’s sad but true. This group also includes the not-so-easily-excited couch potatoes as well as the fiery rebels (teenage or otherwise) on your list. Both of these Group Two sub-groups demands rapid-fire information, simple formats and social/cultural revolution with little or no effort.
For this group, why not consider another type of book? You can never go wrong with Naomi Klein, author of No Logo – the definitive anti-brand statement written by a woman obsessed with consumerism.
Her latest book, The Shock Doctrine, is equally sure to incite righteous, though harmless mental indignation.
Amazon.com Review
”Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine advances a truly unnerving argument: historically, while people were reeling from natural disasters, wars and economic upheavals, savvy politicians and industry leaders nefariously implemented policies that would never have passed during less muddled times. As Klein demonstrates, this reprehensible game of bait-and-switch isn’t just some relic from the bad old days. It’s alive and well in contemporary society, and coming soon to a disaster area near you.”
Then, to further arm your reluctant radical, you might want throw in a copy of Malcolm Gladwell’s, The Tipping Point – an interesting, pro-business chronicle of trends and their impact on marketing. Skip Blink, his other book. It’s dumb – even for dumb persons pretending to be smart.
And, of course, saving the best for last, consider buying my book, Living Brands, Collaboration + Innovation = Customer Fascination – which occupies neutral territory within this genre - combining both types of information, far more interesting case studies, is very well written and, last but not least, sports a jaunty pink cover, designed by celebrity designer, Karim Rashid – rendering it perfect for virtually any trendy décor.
Group Three – Those Who Should Know Better But Don’t
Speaking of exteriors, this brings us to Group #3 on your list - the fashonistata, more-is-more junky who thrives on the notion of celebrity. If you were to ask them directly, they would be oblivious to recessions, global warming and political unrest. Brittney’s mental illness, Jessica’s eyeliner and Amy’s latest stint in rehab represent far more pressing issues.
For this clueless group – giving them the gift of guidance is humane and possibly enlightening. That is to say, teach them that being hip is not about copying the hip, rich and famous. Explain to them that a bottle of J-Lo’s perfume is not really the distillation of Jennifer Lopez, pressed through a J-Lo Juice Extractor and poured, in liquefied form, into bottles ready to be sprayed all over their bodies – as might otherwise happen in cannibal rituals.
At first, this may not sink in. So, set them up with a Skype account. It’s a free way for them to benefit from your guidance – even if you live far away from them. Which, for your sake, I hope you do.
Hello. We’re Skype…
Once you have penetrated the rational region of the recipient’s brain – you might remind them that celebrities hang out with other celebrities – they don’t share clothes or sniff each other to make sure they all emit the same odor. With this in mind, you could bestow upon them lists of true notables, all of whom have donated their money and talent to a range of positive causes – erradicating pain, hunger and disease – as well as saving the planet and preserving human rights.
If at first they balk, remind them that one of the philanthropic side benefits is ample opportunity to attend parties, wear nice clothes and lots of jewelry that would otherwise be inappropriate for anything less than a coronation. I guarantee you this will draw them in.
Once you supply the list of charities and their hyper-hip supporters, you can then make a donation in your recipient’s name – and even encourage them to join the exclusvie party themselves. They’ll feel cool. You’ll feel good. The world will be a better place.
You Are As Cool As The Company You Keep
The following list of the world’s trendy elite demonstrates just how donating to a charity in someone’s name can instantly enter them into that rare circle of conscientiously elite.
Amnesty International has received support from the following celebrities:
• Aerosmith
• Alan Rickman
• Al Pacino
• Annie Lennox
• Avril Lavigne
• Ben Harper
• Bono
• Bruce Springsteen
• Bryan Adams
• Chevy Chase
• Chris Martin
• Christina Aguilera
• Coldplay
• Colin Firth
• Corinne Bailey Rae
• Eddie Izzard
• Eric Clapton
• Green Day
• Jack Johnson
• Jennifer Lopez
• Jennifer Saunders
• John Cleese
• John Oliver
• Kate Bush
• Lenny Kravitz
• Leo Sayer
• Michael Stipe
• Nicolas Cage
• Peter Gabriel
• Pete Townshend
• Radiohead
• Richard Gere
• Robbie Coltrane
• Robin Williams
• Rosario Dawson
• Rowan Atkinson
• Sadie Frost
• Seth Green
• Shingai Shoniwa
• Sting
• Toni Collette
• U2
UNICEF has received support from the following celebrities:
• Agnes Chan
• Alison Mau
• Alyssa Milano
• Angelina Jolie
• Angélique Kidjo
• Annie Lennox
• Antonio Banderas
• Audrey Hepburn
• Belinda Stronach
• Charley Boorman
• Chris Daughtry
• Chris Rock
• Christopher Lee
• Claudia Schiffer
• Clay Aiken
• Damian Lewis
• Daniel Radcliffe
• Danny Glover
• David Beckham
• Diego Maradona
• Edmund Hillary
• Elle Macpherson
• Eric Clapton
• Ewan McGregor
• Forest Whitaker
• Graça Machel
• Gwen Stefani
• Harry Belafonte
• Hayley Westenra
• Heidi Klum
• Helena Bonham Carter
• Hugh Grant
• India.Arie
• Jackie Chan
• Jemima Khan
• Jessica Lange
• Joel Madden
• Julia Roberts
• Keira Knightley
• Kelly Clarkson
• Laurence Fishburne
• Leo Sayer
• Liam Neeson
• Liv Tyler
• Lucy Liu
• Malaak Compton-Rock
• Marcus Samuelsson
• Melanie Griffith
• Michael Schumacher
• Mikael Silvestre
• Muhammad Ali
• Nana Mouskouri
• Nicole Kidman
• Nicole Richie
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
• Penelope Cruz
• Pierce Brosnan
• Pink
• Queen Rania Al Abdullah
• Ralph Fiennes
• Richard Quest
• Rick Mercer
• Rihanna
• Robbie Williams
• Roger Moore
• Rowan Atkinson
• Sacha Baron Cohen
• Salma Hayek
• Sarah Jessica Parker
• Selena Gomez
• Shakira
• Summer Sanders
• Susan Sarandon
• Tea Leoni
• Teri Hatcher
• Terry Venables
• The Wiggles
• Thierry Henry
• Toni Collette
• Tony Blair
• Victoria Beckham
• Wayne Rooney
• Will Ferrell
Top celebrities for the Environment
- Pierce Brosnan
- Jack Johnson
- Daryl Hannah
- Leonardo DiCaprio
- Al Gore
- Sting
- Brad Pitt
- Cameron Diaz
Top celebrities for AIDS
- Bill Clinton
- Bono
- Nelson Mandela
- Elton John
- Brad Pitt
- Annie Lennox
- George Michael
Post Script: For any of you interested in providing a tangible, limited edition fashion photograph by famed photographer Richard Phibbs – and help children living with AIDs in Romania, might I suggest going to http://www.childrenofnowhere.com/ Or contact Teddy Borsen, tborsen@yahoo.com for more details.
Raymond Nadeau is the author of the New York Times Business best-seller, Living Brands. He is also secretly pro-communist - or at least populist. He wants to change the world through branding - Prada for the People - Luis Vuitton for all.
Raymond,
Great post! Hope you are well…Happy Holidays
Blessings,
Greg