Finding the perfect gift has been an age old struggle since the tradition of gift giving began. After all, what may be perfect for one may not be to another. And when the clock is ticking and the schedule is tightening and the adrendaline is pumping focusing on what is and is not the right gift is even more difficult.

When time is running out and you're up against the wall how does one find the perfect gift for that special somone?

When choosing a gift remember that the rule of thumb is to give them what they want. Avoid choosing a gift merely because you or someone else wants them to have or use it. Have your recipients taste in mind. Think of items that are compatible with that person's lifestyle.

Do your research. Take time to consult with their friends and get advice not only on an item but its quality, brand name and manufacturing. Your recipient like most of us is brand sensitive. Therefore although the product falls in the category of what is liked or needed remember to find out what brand the recipient prefers. Simply ask a friend or relative not only what they'd like but what brand they prefer.

When shopping for a gift it's best to start early, perhaps weeks or months before presentation. Pick up newspapers and magazines articles to familiarize yourself with who's selling what and when. Take note of out-of-season items on sale. Make good use of coupon books and vouchers. By in bulk if you plan on giving the same item to several recipients. Consider how easy it would be to gift-wrap the item.

If time constraints prevent you from being able to shop around consider ordering you item online and having it shipped overnight. You'll need to take into consideration the timing of your order. If your gift is due for presentation in December you'll want to be mindful that After November 15th we enter the heavy mailing and shipping season. If your item is large and you're concerned about damage consider giving a store issued gift card instead.

Store issued gift cards are not only time savers but they offer the recipient the option to shop for the item they really want. It is essential to know what stores your recipient likes to shop. For that reason store specific gift cards may not be the preferred gift for some. The simple solution is giving them a prepaid debit gift card. The prepaid gift card with the Visa or MasterCard logo and trademark is quickly becoming the more acceptable last minute gift.

Prepaid gift cards are actually stored value cards. The card entered the market in the late 1990s. Stored value cards were used as a means of employee payment in the form of payroll cards. Now stored value cards are being offered in the form of Visa or MasterCard gift cards. In terms of preference, gift cards are the gift of choice compared to cash and paper gift certificates. Half the US population - two-thirds of the population have bought or received one.

They have proved the ideal corporate incentive and reward system. Companies are now buying the cards in bulk as seasonal gifts to valued employees. Even parents seeking to teach the value of money to their young ones are using the card as a valuable teaching aid.

The value range of Prepaid Debit Gift Cards is from $25 - $500, while other card issuers allow amounts up to $2999. The card comes with a special activation code and while some can be redeemed for cash at ATM's other cannot. If the full amount is not spent by the expiration date the remaining balance is mailed to the recipient or originator.

Debit card issuers now offer ways to personalize the card with the individuals name embossed on the front face. Other companies such as Home Grown Greeting Cards at http://www.greetingcards.fimark.net offer custom made greeting cards with the recipients name on the front and a personal message printed inside. The greeting card also has an extra page with a gift card insert pocket for gift card insertion.

If time is of the essence and you have little opportunity to discretely find out what it is your recipient really likes or where they prefer to shop prepaid gifts cards are the best last minute solution most recipients enjoy receiving.