We've all struggled and sweated to find the perfect gift for someone special. Many times, we've ended up buying something way over our budget- or, worse, something we're not even sure the recipient likes- out of total desperation. In an age where holiday celebrations mean so much, the pressure to find the right presents can bring on a lot of stress.

The pressure increases when you really want to give unusual gifts. If you're the type who thinks a gift card or restaurant certificate is too cliche, where do you go for ideas for unusual gifts? How do you express your personality through the gifts that you give?

The real trick to all of this is simple. Take an ordinary gift, and make it unusual with a few personal twists. This will make shopping simple and will show the recipient that you really care about him or her as a person.

For example, couples buy each other jewelry all the time. Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and birthdays are all typical occasions for giving jewelry. You might wonder how jewelry falls under the category of unusual gifts.

The answer is all in the spin you put on it. Let's say that your loved one has a special hobby or interest. Maybe she loves to study butterflies, or she is in school to become a geologist. When it comes time to purchase jewelry for her, forgo the usual diamonds in favor of a piece that reflects what she loves. A butterfly-shaped pendant or a set of copper bracelets will do more than give her beautiful pieces to wear. They will also show her that you've been paying attention, and that you chose the piece especially for her.

The same simple trick applies for any sort of gift giving, not just jewelry. If your father loves boats, buy him a handsome wall clock with a nautical theme. If you really want to make it unusual, include a gift certificate for some sailing lessons. The idea of combining ordinary, run-of-the-mill presents into a loving package that expresses the person is the whole trick behind giving unusual gifts.

This all sounds easy enough, but if there's a holiday looming and you don't know where to start, it can still seem overwhelming. Don't panic! Finding just the right gifts is easy if you know how to begin.

1. Sit down and make a list about the person. Write down his or her areas of interest, hobbies, and personal preferences. Maybe every time the two of you go out, she needs to stop for a cup of coffee. She obviously loves coffee! Write it down!

2. Once you have a full list of subjects, it's time to hit the Internet. If you have a specific gift in mind, like jewelry, that will help narrow your search... but it's not totally necessary. Go to a search engine and type in "coffee gifts" if you're still undecided, or "butterfly jewelry" if you know what direction you're headed.

3. Continue down your list, combining all of the person's interests with the word "gift" or the name of the gift you'd like to give. The websites that pop up are sure to give you plenty of ideas. Write down ideas and websites that strike a chord with you.

4. Keep in mind, you don't have to buy your gift over the Internet! This is just a way to get the creative juices flowing. If you do find the perfect item on a website, feel free to order it. But if you'd rather call up local boutiques and see if they carry some of the things you found, that's fine too.

It's really just that easy! Finding unusual gifts isn't hard. The trick is to remember that when you give someone a gift, the moment is special between the two of you. There will never be another time when you have a chance to give this person a gift for his 30th birthday or her first Valentine's Day with you. If you treat it as a special moment, you're more inclined to find unusual gifts that really reflect the two of you. Good luck, and happy gift giving!