Spring and summer are full of gift-giving opportunities. Let's look at some of the occasions and some gift ideas.

Mother's Day and Father's Day:  Rule Number 1 — Never give as a gift anything associated with a chore.  A new vacuum or weed eater is not an appropriate gift.  However, for someone who loves to bake, a stand mixer can be a lovely gift.  You need to know the recipient.  For Mother's Day and Father's Day, I love to give experiences — theatre or concert tickets, a spa visit, a round of golf, etc.  Moms and dads spend a lot of time caring for others.  I like to give them the gift of time for themselves.

Showers (Baby or Bridal): Nowadays, everyone seems to have a registry.  Use them.  For a bridal shower, the gift is typically smaller than the wedding gift.  At a baby shower, this is likely the only gift you will give the new parents.  If you are invited to more than one shower for the same people… (Forgive while I roll my eyes.)

Weddings: Once again, feel free to use the wedding registry.  If you don't know where someone is registered and you don't feel comfortable asking (and no, there shouldn't be a card with the registries in with the invitation.  See eye roll above.) try the bride or groom's name in the online registry finder of the usual suspects (Amazon, Target, Crate and Barrel, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Macy's).  If they are registered anywhere, it's likely one of these.  Please, please, please send the gift to the bride or groom's home before the wedding.  Don't carry your gift to the reception.  Moving the gifts is a royal pain for the families.  Plus, things get broken and cards get lost, making thank yous a challenge.  Ship it ahead of time.  Please.

Graduations: People who hate shopping are going to love this.  Give cash or gift cards.  That's the perfect gift for anyone graduating from high school or college.