Hello!

Rather than put up a boring corporate 'about us' page, I'd like to share with you the reasons why I started Real Life Gifts.

Gift giving can be one of the most enjoyable activities in any relationship, wouldn't you agree? There really are few feelings better than the satisfaction that comes from giving a good gift. And when we receive a good gift, it is usually more than the gift that makes us happy; it is the knowledge that there is someone else who cares enough to find it for us.

But for many of us, myself included, finding the right gift can be difficult, time consuming, and often frustrating. The worry over getting it wrong can seem daunting, and take much of the pleasure away.

Good gifts are hard to find, and we must always ask :

• Will the gift be wanted?
• Will the gift be needed or do they have one already?
• Will it be the right size? the right color? the right type?
• Will it be thoughtful/meaningful?
• Will it be remembered?

How much money each year is wasted on preposterous gadgets, ugly sweaters, overpriced pens, or ridiculous corkscrews? The best gifts I have ever received were intangible. A flight to New Zealand, a horse ride along the beach, a surfing lesson. I've given some bad gifts in my time too, but have come to realize that it is hard to go wrong with a real life gift; an activity, or experience that will be remembered for the rest of one's life.

Until now, real-life gifts have been difficult to organize. Activities can be time consuming to research and plan, and there isn't usually much to give on the day. What was needed was a single place with a wide selection of activities, run by reputable and well organized providers, and where each activity came with a nice gift pack to be given to the recipient.

That place didn't exist, until now. Real Life Gifts is our attempt at creating the perfect gift store. A place where you can quickly and easily find thoughtful gifts that will always delight.

And, when you give a Real Life Gifts package you are giving more than a gift certificate. You are giving a specially arranged experience that can excite and enchant the recipient; an experience that will be remembered for the rest of their lives. Plus, to make sure you can't go wrong we even have an exchangability policy that lets the recipient exchange their activity for another of a similar value. We make it hard for you to go wrong.

Real life gifts are better gifts. Try one out, and let me know how it goes.