Know your enemy. Coaches and players spend hours before games watching films of their impending competition to study their tendencies. You need to take same approach when it comes to making a deal. Try to read your opponent’s mind. What is his or her goals in negotiation? Does he or she have any strengths that they can use against you? Are there any weaknesses that you can use against them?

Spot all of your passing lanes. During your research, you may find that this particular vendor isn’t only one in game with what you’re looking for. Using these other vendors, and their prices, to your advantage can help you skate circles around your competitor.

Practice before you play. Also, research item before you make a play on it. This knowledge, such as going price and quality markers, can work as leverage during negotiating, too.

Translate thought into action. Your strategy can become more complicated and unpredictable—and effective—once you’re in heat of battle. Just remember to think on your feet and remember all that you learned in your “training.” For instance, if you know that vendor has other items for sale besides your target, agree easily to one of these other purchases. Go for easy one first. That will lure them into trusting you and giving you an easy pass on future, and more important, deals.

When it comes down to it, negotiation is all about this kind of give and take. It works out best when both parties get what they want out of deal, without feeling ripped off as if they gave too much for too little.

That brings you to one “don’t” of negotiating. Don’t fear a standoff. They are part of art and science of trading, so don’t be tempted to cave in just to break deadlock. Instead, let your opponent make first move. They will. They want to close deal, too, don’t forget. You both will be better off for this in long run. And you won’t end up like NHL, No Hockey League.

Notice we said "important to your recipient", not "important to you". Gift giving is not about you. It's about them. Some people tend to forget that and end up giving a gift that they would like themselves.

Another tip: If you are an important person in recipient's life, a gift that involves giving of your time is usually appreciated. For example, if you've been working a lot and haven't had much time to spend with your spouse, for your anniversary, consider giving a weekend getaway together.

That in itself is a good example of examining a person's life or situation and turning it into a great gift idea. The situation is: your spouse hasn't had quality time with you that he/she deserves. The gift is: a weekend getaway together.

It's a simple concept really. Create your own help with gifts: take a look at who you are giving to and try to understand circumstances of their life. Then find a gift that fits! Put that brain of yours to work to find perfect gift! And don't forget to use your heart, too. That's where ALL of really good gifts come from. :)

We hope this help with gifts and gift giving has been... well... helpful!

For more help with gifts, visit http://www.the-gift-wizard.com