Gifts That Keep Giving

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

They say that it is better give than to receive. And it’s true, most people love choosing gifts for their loved ones. But no matter how well intentioned, sadly many gifts don’t ever get used by the recipient. Whether it’s clothes in the wrong size, gadgets they don’t need, or fragrances that they don’t like, many gifts just end up stuck at the back of cupboards. Not only is this a waste of money but is also a waste of the earth’s resources.

 

So next time you’re choosing a gift for a loved one, think creatively and have fun choosing unusual gifts that are more environmentally friendly. Ideas include:

 

• Hunt out unusual one-off gifts at flea markets or charity shops


• Whether you’re into knitting, cooking or soap making, try making homemade gifts for friends and family


• If you’re on a tight budget, give your time rather than a physical present. You can create a handmade voucher that promises for example to babysit for 4 hours or help with the gardening once a month


• Check your book shelves and DVD collections for books and films that you think others will enjoy. If they’ve only been read or watched once, chances are they are still in excellent condition and will make a great gift


• Make a donation to your friend’s favourite charity instead of giving a gift. From helping endangered animals to providing clean water for overseas communities, there are a wide range of gift ideas available

 

For charitable gift ideas visit: www.oxfam.org.uk

Categories: catton, choosing, gift, gifts, jenny, nbsp, Waste, written

Four Tips For Choosing The Right Dentist For Your Family

Many people do not look forward to visiting the dentist, but having an excellent dental provider can make your visits more pleasant and productive. It can be challenging to find the right dentist for your family, and these tips can help lead you to the best person.

 

1. Check Your Insurance Coverage

If you have insurance, your cost for dental procedures should be greatly reduced. Therefore, it is important to find a dentist that accepts your dental insurance.

 

You can usually find this information quickly by going to your insurance company’s website and searching for dental providers in your area. Before you arrive at your appointment, it is also wise to confirm with the office staff that your insurance is still accepted.

 

2. Determine Your Needs

There are many different types of dentists, so determining your needs will help you narrow down your search. If you have young children, you might want to focus on locating a pediatric dentist. If you suspect that you need advanced dental procedures, locating an oral surgeon could be a good choice.

 

Make a list of the characteristics and qualifications that matter most to you when choosing a dentist. Focusing on the things that are important to you will help you make a wise choice.

 

3. Ask Friends and Neighbors for Recommendations

Traditional dental marketing techniques focus on telling you why a certain dentist is the right choice for you. These materials can be helpful, but it is easier to trust word of mouth recommendations from people you know well. Instead of just asking general questions, focus on specific questions to get the information that is important to you. For instance, you could ask your friends, “Does your dentist recommend unnecessary procedures?”, “Do you have to wait past your appointment time?” or “Are the hygienists good with children?”

 

4. Research Before Making an Appointment

It pays to complete your research before you ever make a dentist appointment. Take some time to read the dentist’s website, and carefully note the information about his services, policies and procedures. You may receive postcards from local dentists advertising their new practice. This is one example of traditional dental marketing, revolutionized for modern application. Do additional research into the dentists that send you advertising to make sure they are professionals.

 

Many websites also provide information regarding the dentist’s educational background and specialties. Understanding a dentist’s focus can help you make a more informed decision. If one dentist in your area has revolutionized the treatment for gingivitis and you have gum disease, that dentist would probably be an excellent choice for you. Spending some time researching does require a bit of extra effort, but it can save you the trouble of having to switch dentists later because you are not satisfied.

Categories: choosing, Dental, dental marketing, dental procedures, Dentist, Family, focus, Insurance, nbsp, Tips, traditional dental