Are you scratching your head wondering what to get that special person in your life for the holidays? The other day I was browsing through items at a personal property auction and I came upon this old water pitcher and basin and I thought that would be a great gift for a friend of mine. She really loves old pieces like this and I know she has just the right place in her home for it.

You know every gift you give someone (dare I say it?) doesn’t have to be brand new. Sometimes the perfect gift for that special someone is that charming antique mantle clock or additional place setting to grandmother’s silver. You might need to take a little time and give that special gift a little tender loving care before wrapping it up, but that just makes it even more personal. Auctions are an incredible resource for adding to or completing a collection. I collect three things that I find at auctions quite often: old walking canes, Royal Daulton Character mugs and old fountain pens. There have been occasions when I have found one or two of these items under the Christmas tree and I am always pleasantly surprised. It speaks very well of someone who knows you well enough to bring that perfect gift.

Auctions are also a resource for that “other gift” you might need to give during the holidays: the dreaded WHITE ELEPHANT. The Sunday School class I belong to has a Christmas party every year and one of the stipulations is that you have to bring a “White Elephant” which is essentially a gag gift. We have a great time opening these elaborately wrapped gifts only to find something like an armadillo with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. Auctions can be the perfect place to find a most unusual item to give to an unsuspecting friend.

Whether you’re looking for that white elephant or perfect collectible for someone, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Do Some Research
Take a little time and find out what the folks you are buying gifts for might actually like. Do they have specific things they collect? Have they mentioned needing something that might actually be available at an auction? What are you willing to spend on this special person? Take the time and do some research and then set out to find that perfect unique gift.

Review Auction Marketing Materials
Spend some time browsing through auction publications such as Strictly Auctions to see what auctions are available in your area and then try to find out as much about the items to be auctioned as you can.

Arrive at the Auction Early
Get to the auction site as early as you can. Most auctions have a preview period an hour or more before the auction begins. Take advantage of that time to examine the items you think might make a great gift. Make sure they are in good condition and all the parts and pieces are intact. The one thing you don’t want to do is give a gift that is broken (unless it’s meant to be a white elephant.)

Set Your Bid Amount
If you’ve done your research you should have some idea about what an item is worth. Set the amount you plan on bidding and then stick to it. Don’t let yourself spend more on an item than it’s worth.

I am amazed sometimes at what I find at auction. Some are family treasures seeking a new care taker, some are a little tired and just need a bit of tender loving care, some are the perfect gift to make that close friend burst out laughing when they open it. Whatever you are looking for as far as gifts go, keep in mind you just might find it at auction.

To each and every one of you, I wish you the best this holiday season and have a happy new year. And as always, we’ll see you at the auction.