Gift Love

I absolutely love surprises, both surprising others and being on the receiving end.  I don't mean like someone jumping out from behind a closed door but fun, nice surprises, unexpected gifts and the like.  I have been a little down lately.  I don't know if it's the endless winter, the lack of my usual Dominican vacation this time of year or what but I have just been out of sorts. 
Today I got a call from my very oldest friend Sam, the inventor of Bittersweet Samphony detailed here.  Incredibly, Sam and I have been friends since we were in the fifth grade.  He says fourth but that's wrong, it was definitely fifth.  He encouraged me to apply for my current job and he worked here during my first year at the College.  Since then he's lived in Portland where he attends grad school.  Anyways, he was calling to say he was at the store buying me a new pair of running shoes and he wanted me to select the color.  

New shoes!

It was such a lovely surprise and completely unexpected.  I picked the orange and pink shade pictured above.  I can't wait to go running in them!  As much as I like receiving gifts (and I really really do) I also love giving gifts.  I love picking out something that is perfect for someone, especially something they wouldn't normally buy for themselves, wrapping it beautifully and gifting it to them.  My dear friend Lisa got engaged over new year.  I decided that in advance of her wedding I would present her with a gift each month to help her prepare.  Last month it was an Ojon hair mask.  This weekend I am visiting Chicago and will give her the March gift.  

vintage wedding paper courtesy of SVDP

It has been fun coming up with ideas for each month and I am excited to pick out and wrap the future presents.  Do you like surprises?  What are some good gifts for brides-to-be?