Save your sanity and shop with a pro

In theory, I adore shopping for holiday gifts...at least I think I do. Still, when the tick tock of the countdown clock begins, something deep inside me panics. Several years ago I discovered an invaluable resource - corporate gift packagers. Working with shopping and packaging professionals not only frees up limited personal time, it also offers a fresh perspective when approaching a shopping list that's grown tattered with use. Plus, prices are competitive with any retail store. Corporate gift packagers are loaded with great ideas and poised at the ready with affordable presents that fit nearly any criteria.

I asked Juditha Sakinofsky, owner of Spotted Zebra Gift Services how the store got its unique name. She told me of growing up in South Africa and how, on family trips, they would habitually drive by a roadhouse restaurant called the Spottie Dog. "Years later I remembered that place near Capetown," says Sakinofsky, "and Spotted Zebra is a variation on that theme." Sakinofsky says she's never regretted choosing the curious title. Customers find it easy to remember and, as the business has evolved, they've been able to adapt without a name change.

At various times, Spotted Zebra has sold gift baskets, baby gifts, chocolates and body products, as well as an assortment of gifts for men. Well-known for customizing corporate gifts and serving the film and hotel industries, Spotted Zebra has been in business for more than 10 years. A recent move into a larger, more central location has allowed Sakinofsky to expand and offer a wider and diverse range of items.

"I try to merchandise the store in colour blocks," Sakinofsky explains, "so when pulling a gift together, our customers are persuaded to collect a group of items. That equals a fresh and different approach." From a retail standpoint, one can walk in and buy a card for $2, a pair of pajamas for $60 or pay $1750 for a custom-made photo-montage. When building a gift box, all these choices come into play.

Asked about corporate gifts, Sakinofsky explains "Over the years we've learned to combine gifts in an assortment of ways so that our corporate clients never become bored. If we had followed a set formula, we may have grown even bigger but the excitement, quirkiness and personal relationships we develop with our clients might not be there." Spotted Zebra remains small enough to provide the personal touch and big enough to fill larger orders.

"We combine the best of both worlds," says Sakinofsky. "We work with our corporate clients by telephone but we are also a regular retail store for our walk-in customers." A delivery service is available via courier with prices starting at $9.00 per package. "Some like to pick up their gift baskets for personal delivery," adds Sakinofsky.

Datri Design Group offers a Personal Shopping Service that allows consumers to shop by appointment in owner Anna Datri's at-home showroom. Product categories range from body products and fragrance to home décor accents, office accessories and merchandise for babies and children. "My aim is to put the meaning back into why gifts are chosen and given," explains owner Anna Datri. "Special gifts have to be a reflection of not only the receiver, but also the giver. That's why I take extra time to wrap with special paper, ribbon, unique tags so that every aspect of the experience is enjoyable."

"I have the edge over regular retail stores because I will come to your home or office," explains Datri. "Folks can also call for an appointment to visit me at my showroom." Delivery of a standard-sized gift package in the Greater Toronto Area is nominal and costs about $10 to $15 per package. Cross-Canada delivery charges are priced according to volume, size and destination but Datri always shops around for the best deals for her clients.

And what colours are hot for this holiday season? "Red never goes out of fashion," says Datri, "but I've mixed mine up with a bit of an Asian influence". Juniper green, pepper grey and white look great with red. Datri has also combined green with turquoise blue, chocolate brown and delicious shades of gold.

Sakinofsky's choice for holiday colour of the year is, "Definitely brown - chocolate coloured ribbons, paper and accessories." And her personal philosophy on gift-giving? "I never re-gift and I never give anything that I wouldn't want myself." This year's products range from a presentation box of bath salts to linen-wrapped soap ($38) to a large "goodies" basket filled with chocolate, cookies, nuts and butter-crunch (starting at $65).

One of Datri's favourite holiday offerings is a specialty package containing fine cocoa, hand-made cookies and stainless steel coffee cups. "I had the opportunity to meet the proprietor of Mariebell Fine Treats recently in New York City," she says. "She has the most enticing, delicious chocolates, teas and coffee selections anywhere on this planet! When I left her shop I was dizzy with delight and knew I had to bring her products to the store - Aztec Chocolate Cocoa, specialty teas and coffees. My clients love them."

Sakinofsky and Datri are happy to customize gifts by grouping them into a basket or onto a tray, making it easy for clients to incorporate a selection of small gifts as desired.