This is a blog I posted last year on a different website. I thought I'd dust it off, and recycle it a bit.
It's winter. It's almost December. It's almost that time of the year when gift-giving and over commercialization of Christmas is upon us.
The inundation of what love means, how to show your love, when to do it, blah blah blah, gifts, shows and proves to me that I am in a minority of what I think a gift I want is.
I know I personally do not want jewelry. I don't want electronic gadgets or doodads. I don't want roses, or chocolate, or fancy schmancy dinners. I don't want silly stuffed animals attached either.
I think that a gift should be something that will truly be appreciated, and be out of the norm of what is expected, but is somethiing that is practical, useful, and shows that yes, I do care about you, yes I do think about you. Yes, you matter.
One of my main things is that I really don't want a Christmas gift. I would prefer a birthday gift, because my birthday is close to Christmas, and it would be selfish on my part to expect something on both days. I threaten people within an inch of their sanity that if they were to get me both, I would razz them for days.
What would I consider as a practical gift? Meaningful? I guess I'll just pull from stuff that I have given and received.
Okay, so, now you are under pressure. Christmas is coming 'round the bend, and you have no idea what to get the people you know, like, or are just obligated to pretend you enjoy giving tokens to.
Relax, chill out, I'm going to think outside the box a bit, and give you present ideas, or just, thoughts. So, here we go.
1. Find out the oddest thing they collect, and put thought into getting a unique thing like it. For me, I like cherished teddies, I have always liked teddy bears in general, especially ceramic teddy bears. Some people collect bells, cookie jars, ceramic animals, coins. Just, inquire, and add to that collection.
2. A book never hurts. But, to make it really that much more special, find out what their favorite book was as a youth, and try and find it. The nostalgia that it will bring, and the thought that you found that for them will make it that much more priceless.
3. Movies don't hurt either. Again, to make it that much more special, find out that is one movie they really love, but have not seen in forever, and track it down for them.
4. If they are a busy person, and you know they can't take care of their cars, borrow their car one day, preferrably your day off, and take it to get it detailed at the Car Wash. Or, take it to have a tune-up. Or do both. Not only is it thoughtful, but, you are also putting their safety aboveboard all else.
5. Music. Find out what is that one song they like, but don't have, and get it. Or, if there is something in particular you like, get something similar for that person, and tell them, hey, I know I like this, I hope you enjoy it too. You are not only giving them a gift, but a peek into your soul, and what a beautiful soul it is.
6.Take a day trip, or spend the day together and do something you have been meaning to, but haven't. Buy a cheesy souvenir. You have just given the gift of your time and attention.
7.Pictures are always nice. Get a picture of you in a casual setting, done professionally though, looking your best, whether it be reading a book, laughing, working, or contemplating. This one is especially good for moms and girlfriends, you know we gals are sentimental sweethearts.
8.Gift cards are for those you know what you want to get them, but you know they won't like it, or you're not sure what kind they would get. Some say they are too impersonal, but I think that it is a great way to say, hey, I value you enough as a person that I don't want to get you a dinky, dumb-%#&@$! gift. It helps if it is for a specific specialty/novelty store, not Wal-Mart, Target, H.E.B type stuff, though. That deserves a swift kick to the seat of your pants.
9.You may think I'm a dork for saying this, but, I'll say it anyway. Find a toy, yes a toy, that suits their personality. But, not just any toy. It has to have specific meaning. Just recently, I have given toys to 3 people, and the thought, and specific intent behind them brought on an "oh my gosh" moment. So get that little pony, that star wars toy, that transformer, or fraggle.
10.Make a gift. Draw a picture, build a chair, make a shelf, something that shows you put your time and soul into a loved ones life. A sketch of a flower made an aunt happy once, she saved it, and still shows it off.
11.Alcoholic beverages. Tasteful, not cheap alcoholic beverages. Only, though, for ones you know will not drink it up in one night, but will savor it, and make it last. So, not for alcoholics, or for people who don't know what it cost for it, if it is pricey.
12. If you must get a pet for a person, throw in obedience and training classes, especially if the person/people are busy, and that aspect would come as an afterthought.
13. Throws, blankets, shams, afghans, whatever the heck the are called. Chances are, they have not bought one in a long time, and the newer, lighter, warmer ones will come in handy.
Wow, I managed to pull off whole 13 ideas. That is about 9 more than I thought I could pull off!! I hope that I have enlightened you a bit. I know some are obvious, and I deliberately left out more obvious ones. Though it is pointless to say so, because I know most of you won't, the ones who read this hastily assembled assortment of words, I will say it anyway. If you have any other unique gift ideas, or have any ideas, or thoughts, or chidings, or tidings, or limericks, or lyrics, or just whatever, please, feel free to get in touch with me, and I'll add them.
Glad tidings, and joyful salutations!!
