When it comes to birthdays, anniversaries and other gift-giving occasions, finding the perfect present can be daunting. A recent survey commissioned by Groupon, a daily deal website, found that 60 percent of respondents consider “finding the right gift” a top shopping challenge. “Shopping for presents doesn’t have to be a burden,” advises Emma McKee, a Grouponcierge, one of Groupon’s gift-giving experts. “There are many ways to ease the pain of finding the right gifts, no matter who you’re shopping for.”

According to McKee, new tools and old tricks can help you solve this age-old conundrum.

• Go local: Not all presents come wrapped. Help people you love discover the towns they love. Concert tickets, cooking classes, helicopter rides -- the gift of experience is one they'll never forget and certainly beats another tie or scarf.

• Travel made easy: Score brownie points by arranging a weekend getaway for someone. Doing so doesn’t need to require extensive planning on your part. By subscribing to a daily deal website, like Groupon, you’ll get completely planned travel deals sent to your inbox. Impress a tough crowd like your in-laws with minimal effort!

• Gifts that keep on giving: Don’t let your present go softly into that good night. Daily deal websites like Groupon run frequent deals on gifts that just won’t quit, such as magazine subscriptions and memberships to wine of the month clubs. Your recipient will remember your generosity all year long!

• Avoid the stores: Brick and mortar stores can mean lines and headache. Rather than muscle your way through multiple stores in pursuit of the perfect present, try a one-stop-shop that you can visit from home. A daily deal website can help you save on the newest toys, gifts for the home and gadgets. Purchases from mobile devices are more popular than ever as people buy on the go.

• Charitable gifts: Some people truly have it all. Instead of giving such friends and family one more thing they don’t need, support a cause in their honor. Choose an organization that’s meaningful to you or them -- many have special contribution options for gifts.

• Get help: Tired of brainstorming? Don’t be afraid to get help. New resources can help you find an appropriate present for those tricky recipients, such as your “sort of” boyfriend or girlfriend, your boss or your 10-year old nephew. Send a tweet to @groupon for real time gift suggestions. Just send a note with the #groupongifts hashtag and say who you’re shopping for, where they live and what their interests are and you’ll get a message back with a suggestion. With the right strategies, shopping for anyone can be a stress-free experience.

A un mes de su sentido fallecimiento lo recordamos con cariño y amor. Su esposa Delfina, sus hijos, nietos y bisnietos. Nos vemos prono abuelo, tus palabras vivirán en nuestras almas. Pero hago muy mio tu recuerdo, tus besos, y abrazos.

(StatePoint)

Just engaged? Before those wedding bells ring, you’re going to do lots of planning in the months ahead. While most of your preparations will only matter on the first day of your marriage, your wedding registry will impact your happily ever after. Wedding experts say to ensure domestic bliss, make the most of your registry with proper planning, research and free resources. “Determining what you want and need for your future should be an exciting process,” says Audrey Stavish, wedding and gift registry expert at Bed Bath & Beyond. “An expert consultant can help demystify product details and ensure you don’t miss any categories.”

As you think about registering, Stavish is sharing tips on creating the perfect registry:

• Don’t delay: You’ll likely have multiple occasions that requires gift-giving on the part of friends and family. From the engagement party to the shower to the main event, guests will want giving guidance. So register early. Opt for a registry that offers convenience and good customer service. A store with locations nationwide and an online ordering system will make it easy for you and your guests.

• Take inventory: Assess what you already have, what you don’t have and what needs replacing. A walk through your home using a registry checklist can help you build a list. Talk to your fiancée and work together. Also, think about what you need now and in the future – you might be dining for two, but soon you could be hosting a dinner party for 12 and will want dinnerware worthy of the occasion.

• Ask for help: Don’t be shy about seeking advice. Visit a store and talk with an expert consultant who can help with gift selections and offer tips on what you’ll need to enjoy your home. Be sure to research the items that go on your registry. Touch the towels, hold the flatware -- you may need to visit the store multiple times to get it right. If you change your mind, remember it’s always possible to update your registry online at any time.

• Dream big and small: Not all guests will be working with the same budget, so include a range of items at various price points. Guests will appreciate the variety for individual and group gifts. Dream big and include a few big ticket items and gifts that last a lifetime.

• Keep in touch: From save-the-date notifications, personalized announcement cards and registry details, keep in touch with your guests stylishly with a complete, customized wedding stationery ensemble. You can visit www.BedBathAndBeyond.com and click on “personalized invitations” to visit their online-only stationery store.

• Return Policy: Did you get duplicate gifts or gifts in the wrong color or size? Or maybe you just changed your mind. Check a store’s return policy before registering so you can return or exchange any gift on your list and live hassle-free ever after. This is your chance to get everything you ever wanted. By using the help of experts and free resources, you can build the perfect registry.