Now more than ever the pressure is on to find the perfect gift for that special someone. With the Internet so readily available the world is literally at your fingertips.Gifts tend to say more about a person than anything else. The perfect gift says, ‘I care about you and I went to a lot of trouble to find you something special.’ Unconsciously, the recipient rates every gift by the uniqueness and effort that went into obtaining it. The actual monetary value is not as important as the effort. In this cyber world you can find the most unique and unusual gifts that will please any recipient. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

1. Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds or GIC’S. This is truly a gift that keeps giving. You can invest almost any amount of money and can probably get things all set up through your bank. To make it extra special choose an investment that meets a certain criteria that has special meaning to you or to the recipient. For example, a company that promotes fair trade or is environmentally friendly or a company that makes a certain product.
2. Air Fare. Send that special someone on a trip. This is a good gift for someone who maybe can’t afford to travel themselves. Purchase a ticket to someplace that person really wants to go, whether its somewhere tropical or to visit relatives across the country. If the recipient is strapped for cash then a trip to relatives would probably be easiest on the pocket book or go a step further a purchase an all inclusive trip. The best part about this very generous gift is that it could cost you almost nothing if you purchase the ticket on points! (Don’t tell anyone though.)
3. Event Tickets. Is there a special event coming to town? Give a couple of tickets as a gift. Send your special someone to a play, concert or show. Throw in a limo and supper and you’ll be fondly remembered for a long time to come.
4. Personalize It. There are an endless number of items you can have personalized from M&M’s to beer, children’s books to steamy romances (careful who you give that to!) Search the Internet for personalized products or make your own. Grandparents love calenders filled with the grandchildren. Maybe Dad or Mom would like a mug with the kids on it for the office. Think outside the box and have fun with this one.
5. Give a piece of the Universe. You can name a star in the honour of that special someone in your life. Most places will give you at least a certificate and star chart recording your star. Chances are the scientific society won’t recognize your personally named star but its the thought that counts. Search ‘buy a star’ on the Internet and you’ll find several sites and information to help you decide if this is the gift for you.
6. 6. Plant a tree. Give an environmentally friendly gift to someone who has everything. There are several sites on the Internet that will plant a tree for you if you don’t have room.  http://www.makepowergreen.comhas a selection of trees to choose from and they will send you a framable certificate with the type, number and location of your trees. If you are planting your own tree then create a poem to go with it and make the planting a special event.
7. Ancient History. Give a fossil. There are several different types of fossil products you can purchase online. Everything from plates, cups or coasters to full size tables and odd shaped free standing curiosities. You can find treasures of every quality from every time period in history. Be aware though, that not everything is authentic – do your research if you want the real thing.

Unique gifts are everywhere. The most important thing to remember is to match the gift to the personality of the recipient. Take some time and think about all the little things that make that person special to you. Usually the thought and effort you put into the gift is going to mean more to the recipient than the actual gift.