Christmas is around the corner and many of us share or exchange gifts with friends and family around this time. Many times, these well meant gifts from people, after a few days or weeks, goes unused in some corner of our house and life. How should we give gifts that can be well liked and used by the receiver? Often time, it is possible to do with little thinking on our part. We will discuss a few type of traditional and not-so traditional gifts to give and receive.
Giving gift of time is cost free, but very helpful. For example, give time for babysitting to someone who has small kids, so they can nap, go out or do something they like. You can take your elderly neighbor shopping, who may not be driving well. You can visit someone who is sick, deliver food, help someone with cleaning up their house, garage, mow their lawn etc., possibilities are endless. Make sure you know some tasks that may require longer time, volunteer and offer what you truly can, otherwise you and receiver both will resent it.
Sometimes, just listening others and being there in their time of need is more appreciated than any store bought gifts.
Zenguy used to fly small plane, it has been a while since he has given up this expensive hobby. However, he has taken me and other friends, relatives on city flying tours and it has been wonderful for all of those who received it. You do not have to fly a plane, you can someone to a Museum they always want to go or subject they wanted to know more about. Cooking together also works, I cook meal with R, who makes mess of kitchen but it is a experience he will remember being part of. Watching stars, going camping, learning and doing something together will remain in our mind, long after, compared to silly plastic toys or gadgets.
Simply made handbags, cookies in jar, soups in jar, hand made sweater or blanket, quilt has much more meaning to recipient. Here are some suggestions for home made gifts ideas from web.
50 home made gift ideas from the web
Free crafts and gifts made by you
a. Give cash instead of gift cards, as some of the gift cards charges hidden access fees and expires as months rolls by.
b. If you buy store bought gifts, take gift receipt to recipient, so they can exchange freely without being guilty.
c. Ask them what they truly need or want before buying something you “think” they want.
d. Give partial or all money towards a big items they want/need to buy.
e. If you have large family, draw up names so every one needs to buy one or two gifts only, instead of 22.
f. Consider giving to others less fortunate people than you, charitable donation does not need to waited for Christmas time, and can be done through out the year.
How to celebrate Christmas without money
No Christmas gift this year has unique ways to letting your friends and family know about no gifts and suggesting alternatives instead. Check it out.
Remember, giving gifts from heart is more important than any expensive item. If we can not pay it with cash, or have money to pay when credit card arrives, we should not purchase it. You can celebrate Christmas without money or gifts and still have great time with family and friends.
Check out:
10 ways to help someone during bad economy
20 ways to be Romantic for Free (or cheap)
How to have Stress Free Thanksgiving
Meaningful Holiday Celebration from Heart, not wallet
How do you celebrate holidays with friends and family? What do you like or dislike about the gift givings? I sure would love to hear from you and your suggestions.
Zengirl
Great suggestions! I like these ideas, thanks.
Megan,
Thanks for stopping by and your comments. I am glad you like the ideas.
The gift of time =) Ive been really trying hard to spend more time with my little brother (who isnt so little anymore cause hes 15) and its been great!
Rocky,
Do spend time with your brother, next year he will be 16, than 17…and on and on. Life flies by sometimes. I am glad you are spending time with him and enjoying. That is what all about, friends and family bonding.
Dear Zengirl, these are such lovely ideas. I hope more people follow your advise and do everything they can to take back Christmas and the holidays away from the commercial interests. A gift made yourself or a gift of time can be so much more meaningful.
Wish you and yours very happy holidays and a very happy new year.
Vaishali,
Thank you for the kinds words and holiday wishes, same to you and family. This time we are giving each other gifts of time and home made stuff.