Hopefully some of you started your lists we talked about yesterday and are ready to make some decisions about what to give to people in your life you would like to honor during the Holiday Season. I have always considered it a privilege to bless the ones I love and hold dear with a gift just like God gave me the gift of His Son. Our gifts to others can never equal that ultimate gift, but they can be given in love and touch others.
Here are a few ideas to help spark some thought on what to give this year. Take time to really think about each person you have listed and go to the heart of that person. I like to work with a theme each year and then gear the gift to the individual. Over the years I have learned it is not about the amount you spend on the gift, but if the gift is from your heart it is a blessing. There have been times when I could not afford to give more than something small and homemade and those are often the gifts that mean the most to the receiver, as well as to the giver.
Gifts of Actions:
Coupon Books of offers to mow the lawn, clean the house, babysit children, do the grocery shopping, etc. mean a lot to young Mom's and Dad's.
Gifts of Practicality:
A box of Birthday or mixed occasion cards along with stamps for an older person that cannot get to the store easily. Packages of their favorite snacks or personal grooming items. A magazine subscription.
Gifts to the Needy:
Consider packing an Operation Christmas Child shoebox in a loved ones name. Purchase chickens or a cow for a needy family in a foreign country. Volunteer hours in the name of a loved one at a local shelter or ministry. If you have a loved one in a nursing facility in another city, visit a local facility in their honor. Present your loved one with a certificate stating you have done this in their name.
Gifts of Nutrition and Taste:
Homemade Baked goods are always a welcome treat for someone who doesn't have the time or resources.
Theme Ideas: Shopping is simplified by only having to go to one department in each store. You can easily shop online or through QVC or HSN.
Watches--everyone needs one and even small children love having one. You can find one for every taste.
Reading--A great pillow, Snuggie, and a book or books make a great gift for anyone of any age.
Video Collection and Popcorn Set--Pick a set for each Family on the list. If you know each persons favorite candy this would be a great individualized addition.
Aprons and Cookbooks or Tools--Even the youngest child that can walk will have fun receiving an apron and a toy cookset. I have found science experiment cookbooks for boys to go with an apron, or Cook with Mom books for younger children, Grill tools are great with an apron for a man. A set of BBQ sauces would be great for a man as well. Be creative with what you add to the apron to individualize the gift.
Hats, Scarves, and Gloves
Slippers and PJ's
Bathrobes and Slippers
Favorite Team Hats, Sweatshirts, etc. for the whole family
Board Games and Snack Foods
Beach Toys and Chairs
Let's get busy creating wonderful memories for those we love. Please share some of your ideas for great Themes or other gift giving ideas.
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