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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, November 19, 2006

Want to give that perfect gift?

By Ylan Q. Mui
Washington Post

Katie Jaggers, director of the personal shopping service at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Md., says some clients have specific ideas for presents while others give her a budget and a list of names.

NIKKI KAHN | Washington Post

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If you really want to lead the good life, you won't do any holiday shopping.

You'll let someone else do it for you.

Several department stores, including Macy's, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, offer personal shopping services for their die-hard customers.

There's no spending minimum, and you get royal treatment with secluded dressing rooms and hand-picked merchandise. They'll even wrap and ship your gifts for you.

Just hand over your list, and let them do the stressing.

Katie Jaggers, director of the personal shopping service at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, Md., said some clients have specific ideas for presents while others just give her a budget and a bunch of names.

"We're all elves," Jaggers said of the personal shoppers.

Pros: People will be awed by the expert wrapping, thoughtful gifts and your Zen-like serenity. There's no minimum you must spend to use personal shoppers at most department stores, and you can give them a budget to work with.

Cons: All of your gifts will come from one store, and handing over control of your list can be difficult if you're too Type A.

Things to consider: Personal shopping is usually done by appointment, and this is their busiest time of the year.