Good ideas for gifts come through spontaneous acts of giving or pre-planned gestures of universal significance. No matter their size, shape or value, gifts are always tagged as symbolic expressions of recognition and regard that delight the giver and recipient alike.

Buying gifts can be as easy or complicated as your intentions or cultural background. What you choose to gift, who you choose to give to, where and at what time, can be dictated by the calendar, market-driven lifestyles, financial standing and finally your very own personality. Remember, a gift definitely signatures your sensitivities and perceptions as much as it marks the occasion.

So how do you choose the right gift for all those special moments that deeply impact on your life and relationships? Perhaps a few simple questions can steer you through those impossible bottlenecks.

What is the occasion? How old is the recipient? What is his or her personality like? How much can I afford to spend? What am I trying to convey through my gift?

Once you have worked out answers, plan your gift through a broad spectrum of items that are purely functional, fashionable, droll, personalized, collectible or spiritual. Acts of generous giving that include personal community service time can be another ingenious way to show your appreciation and commitment. Other gifts that can catch the eye include stock options, paid holidays and of course, that once-in-a-lifetime bequest.

And that's not all. Alternative giving is fast gaining ground for that perfect gift idea-adopt a pet, educate an orphan, donate with a world-view.

Let that moment of giving touch the heartstrings, and promote a windfall of sharing, caring and love.