Meaningful Gift Giving For Anyone
More stuff...or more of me?
Some people LOVE giving gifts — the planning, the presentation…all of it.
Other people feel nothing but STRESS from the expectations.
Some people judge the gifts they give and receive by the money spent.
Other people judge the gifts they give and receive by how much thought, the time taken, and how much of themselves they put into the gifts they give.
I used to fall squarely into the “stress” group, but that has been slowly changing as I learn to put myself into some of the gifts I give. There is satisfaction in doing something, creating something, or giving something that is appreciated, meaningful, or perhaps unexpected. There is joy in thinking and planning a gift for a loved one, something that will be kept and treasured, whether it be an object, an experience, or a memory.
With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of low and no-cost gift ideas that might help us move beyond simply buying gifts to a place where we implant a part of ourselves in the gifts that we give to family, friends, and neighbors.
So, in no particular order, here are a few ideas to consider:
Baking and Cooking
A loaf of bread?
Christmas cookies?
Homemade pizza?
Share them with your neighbors or take some to the nearby retirement home if they accept such things. Or, take it a step further and invite people to your home for
smores
homemade soup
BBQ
I remember my parents inviting friends who didn’t have family nearby for a Thanksgiving meal. These were special and memorable times.
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O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Books, Puzzles, Ornaments, or something else you already own
I remember one time a friend of mine in college gave me a used copy of A Prayer for Owen Meany wrapped up in a paper napkin. Admittedly, I didn’t fully appreciate the gift, letting it sit on a shelf for a few years. But when I pulled it out and read it, I was moved by the story and the meaningful gift that this friend had given me.
Think about sharing a
puzzle that you’ve enjoyed putting together
favorite Christmas ornament
something else that has meaning for you.
Variation — If you don’t have these things, visit your local second-hand shops to find unique, good-quality, and low-cost items.
Create something
Digitize photos and create a digital photo album.
Make a family home video — sing a song, video your children playing an instrument, or give a personal Christmas message to those who are far away…or those who are close.
Write a poem or a song — perform it live or on video.
Write a heartfelt letter.
Draw a picture or create some form of artwork (painting, drawing, photography, crafting, etc).
Create a homemade recipe book.
Spend time together
Visit a new location (or an old favorite) to go for a walk, take photos, or sit and enjoy the scene.
Spend a day cooking together, knitting, reading, or other enjoyable activities.
Binge-watch a television series or watch a favorite movie
Teach one of your favorite skills or hobbies — cooking, baking, a musical instrument, sewing, woodwork, photography, surfing, or…
These are just the tip of the iceberg of ideas.
Be creative.
Be meaningful.
The payoff is well worth it.
Questions to think about:
1. How does a homemade or creative gift differ from something purchased at a retail store?
2. Would you rather receive a heartfelt gift or an expensive gift?
3. What creative ways could you give gifts to your family, friends, and neighbors? Share a couple of your favorite ideas in the comments.
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