• The element of surprise is one of the best things about gift giving.Andrew Dernie/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  The element of surprise is one of the most exciting things about giving a gift. It's a special feeling to see your child's face light up as he opens up that train set and watch your daughter cry with excitement when she rips open the gift box with her favorite doll inside. This goes for adults as well. The delight on your husband's face when you surprise him with golf clubs is priceless. In order to ensure that it is truly a surprise, consider a few tips for hiding gifts.
  
  

Scavenger Hunt

• If you have that child (or husband) that sneaks around looking for his gift, consider having fun with the idea. If he wants to snoop around, make it a game by creating a scavenger hunter with little clues along the way. This makes the recipient work just a little harder to get to that surprise, and they can have fun while doing so. To do this, leave tiny clues around the house. Print them on paper and have your child work through each clue. Create about three or four of these with each clue giving a tiny hint to the big surprise. For even more fun, make this into a family affair by including dad and siblings too. This is an idea that can be used for any gift giving occasion including birthday and Christmas.
  
  

Bait and Switch

• This classic idea is great for that little snooper who just won't quit. To do this, simply wrap up a gift the recipient wouldn't normally care for. (For kids, it's best to use clothing.) Leave the wrapped box in a place that is not-so-obvious but easy to find, like the top shelf of a closet or hidden under a blanket. Kids---and adults, too---always look in the closet first. Once your child finds the gift, she will be satisfied that she found it (although maybe not with the gift itself) and look no more. The best part about this idea is that when you finally present her with the "true" gift, she will be even more excited because she never saw it coming.
  
  

Hide Outside of the Home

• The office is a great place to hide a gift.office 2 image by Omely from Fotolia.com
  
  No, this doesn't mean take a shovel, dig and drop the gift into the ground like a planted seed--- although that may be an idea. Consider hiding the gift at a friend's house for safekeeping. For married couples, it's best to use an individual friend as opposed to a joint friend, who may accidentally leave the gift around when your wife visits. Another option is to leave the gift at work, providing she doesn't make regular visits.