Inspiration can be a
powerful motivator.
A friend of mine comes from the family that used to make Leedy drum kits. He wants to buy the family business name back from Gretsch so he can start making quality drums. He talked about this for a while, and his girlfriend bought him a book on the history of Leedy drums. I wanted to motivate him, and after searching a while I found an inspirational gift. I bought him a 1920's bass drum pedal with the original Leedy logo. He keeps it next to his computer at his worksite, and he told me it keeps him on track for his dream.
My wife, on the other hand, felt that she was too old to go to college to become a veterinarian. It took almost two years of poking and prodding her to consider it, and after she began I bought her a San Diego Zoo vet patch for inspiration. She has always wanted to work at that zoo, and she is working on getting everything together to get accepted into vet school.
The next time you're thinking of getting a gift for a loved one, try getting something that will inspire them. It will show you're interested in what they desire and you're willing to help them attain their dreams.