20091221 How to Choose the Perfect Present (1)

How to Choose the Perfect Present

Make gift giving easter with these six, simple tips

Birthdays, Mother's Day,
Father's Day and Christmas all offer great chances for giving gifts. But choosing the perfect present for a friend or family member can sometimes be difficult! Here are six tips to make your gift giving easier:

* Watch for ideas
Has your friend been looking at the same earrings for months but hasn't bought them? You already know she likes them, so why not buy them and surprise her!

* Listen for hints
Get into the habit of carrying a small notebook. The next time someone talks about a favorite CD or book, write yourself a note.

* Consider their hobbies
Your dad plays sudoku and would enjoy a new gameboard but won't get one for himself. He'll love your thoughtful gift, though, and enjoy his hobby even more.

* Notice the things they collect
If your sister collects teapots, keep a watch out for a nice one. Then buy it for her set.

* Check their to-do list
Maybe your mother needs help running some errands or cleaning the house. You could give her a printed coupon promising to do those tasks.

* Plan and shop early
Don't wait until the last minute. Start looking in January for the perfect gifts for those special people in your life.


present n. 現在/目前
eg: Rita's favorite birthday present was the new dress she got from her sister.

hint n. 暗示
eg: I asked for some hints, but I still can't guess what the surprise is.
eg: The host was looking at his watch so I knew I should take the hint and get going.
eg: Dad dropped me a hint to stop talking by coughing.

errand n. 短程的差使(跑銀行、郵局或是乾洗店等等的差使)
eg: I ran some errands after work and got home later than usual.
eg: Running errands(跑腿) for the boss is part of a secretary's job.
eg: I'll meet you of 2 pm. I have some errands to run first.

thoughtful adj. 細心的/體貼的/考慮周到的
eg: It was so thoughtful of you to buy me coffee!
eg: The thoughtful gesture of cooking dinner for Mom really made her happy.



//== Chat Room ==//

window-shopping n. 在商店的櫥窗前瀏覽不買任何東西

shop around 貨比三家

the best bargain 最划算的價格

hang out 非常放鬆無所事事地在閒逛
=> relax and have fun together

joe n. 咖啡

a cup of joe (口語)一杯咖啡


//== Grammar on the Go ==//

Get into the habit of carryig a small notebook.
=> Learn to get used to carrying a small notebook.

get into the habit of
=> learn to get used to doing something


develop a habit
eg: Vincent needs to get into the habit of drinking eight glasses of water every day.

how a habit hasn't formed
eg: Mark just moved to Asia a month ago; he hasn't gotten into the habit of taking off his shoes before he steps into a house.

break a habit
eg: Charlie is always lying: he needs to break that habit.
eg: Lora is trying to break the habit of biting her nails.