Science and the Art of Gift Giving

Can you believe I heard someone say this the other day? “Getting ready for the holidays isn’t rocket science.” Patti, Karyn, Jessie and I were insulted…down to our domestic goddess DNA! Our chosen field demands scientific curiosity, creativity and – not to brag too much, but when it comes to gift giving, decorating, baking, creating handmade cards, etc., etc. – we girlfriends are braniacs deserving of Doctorate degrees!

For instance, I’ll share my personal “scientific gift method”… First, I start with a hypothesis – eg. Mom loves Brighton’s classic touches on handbags such as hand-braided handles – yet wants updated details like contrast stitching and luggage-inspired buckles…therefore, the Suzette Small Shoulderbag should be a hit with her…it has it all! We’ll test the results when she unwraps it…

Of course, just as with rocket design – it helps to have a research team on your side. That’s why I visited Brighton Collectibles this week (at Park Place in Tucson) where I made a breakthrough discovery… the Partner there – Lisa – had done some extensive “lab research” of her own, at Brighton’s design headquarters in L.A.

Lisa told me how the Bibi Heart Necklace got its “lighthearted” twist. Brighton designer Mavis Peterson created an airy openwork “caged” heart to lighten the weight of the jewelry! My sister Sarah will love that!

As in nature, natural selection in design favors details that become well-adapted…case-in-point: scroll-lavished styles have been a favorite of Brighton fans like my niece, Kate, so the Deco Laced Belt from the well-established Brighton collection will be a natural selection for her gift!

I have “miles to go” before wrapping up all my holiday research…but I look forward to every step– I’ll look so terrific wearing my Taos Calf Boots…the Brighton Designer who crafted them should be awarded the fashion equivalent of a Nobel Prize for combining so much beauty with such great functionality.

I guess the happy lesson learned is– while science isn’t always pretty…at Brighton…beauty and brains go hand in hand. So much inspiration, so many drawings and countless production steps underlie each design…all to make us happy when we give or unwrap the holiday gifts of our dreams. (Now that’s what I call the Science of Spreading Joy.) Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of that to go around at your favorite Brighton retailers, but don’t wait long to gather up the gifts that will show your own Mensa-like brilliance!)

Happy holidays from your favorite shopping-in-the-city friends….

"We make a living by what we get;
we make a life by what we give."
Sir Winston Churchill