Top 20 Tips for Simple and Stress-Free Gift Giving

It's that time of year again...

People are shopping

People are sharing

People are stressing 

over shopping and sharing

(and in all of that)

it's so easy to get carried away 

and forget

the true meaning of the Season...

Let go of all of that Holiday drama and keep it simple 

with these 20 stress-free gifting tips

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1. Give Something Festive

Grab a book of Holiday recipes, decorating or gift-giving inspiration,

tie a ribbon into a bow, and you've got the perfect festive gift!

2. Give Something of a Shared Interest

I chose to honor two "secret sisters" from my church and
when I saw these mugs our "shared interest" was evident...

(Our church is named "Peace")

 I also found these small notepads with Psalm 29:11

"The Lord blesses His people with peace"

to remind them as they take notes while meditating

over their morning coffee or afternoon tea

3. Give To a Stranger

Give to someone you do not know...  

Melodie over at Africa's Melodie 

has found a way to touch lives and embraces the 

true spirit of the Season (by making care packages) 

to share with people experiencing homelessness.

Not only is her gift giving simple and 

stress-free, its giving for any time of year!

4. Give Something That Can Become a Tradition

My daughter was surprised when she came home from school to find

a small pink tree, lights, and candy canes sitting on the dresser in her room.

She grabbed her log cabin, made candy hearts, and plugged in the lights.

Her reaction and the Winter Wonderland she created were so 

priceless I decided to make this an annual tradition!

5. Give Something Inspirational

A good book, a good album, or an inspirational movie
can be amazing gifts that share the love of the Season. 

The gift that inspires is the gift that keeps on giving!

6. Give Something from a Child

 Add a matte and frame to a child's artwork 

to create a special gift from a child

7. Give the Gift of your Talents

Offer a ride to someone who needs transportation, 

assist someone with holiday gift wrapping, perform in a musical, 

or sing Christmas carols at your local community center.

Whatever your talent... find a way to give it.

(Seeing my son perform on stage was my favorite!)

8. Give Something for an Entire Family

Gather some ingredients, place them in a basket, and give
something the entire family can make and enjoy together

9. Give Something for an Unborn Child

When gift giving this season, don't forget the little ones who have yet to arrive.

Giving books are great because Mom-to-be can begin reading to her little
one while in utero and the books can be enjoyed for many years later!

10. Give Your Favorite Thing

Cash, cards, or candles...

You can't go wrong by sharing something you love

11. Give Something to Create a Memory

 Whether it's a day at the spa with your girlfriends,
or an at-home spa day with your little girl and her friends...

these moments together are 

memories that will last a lifetime!

12. Give Something Sweet

Making, baking and decorating cupcakes

with the kids is always a favorite...

13. Give Something Fun

Giving something fun can range from traditional... 

like making or purchasing clothes

for your little girl's dolls

to nontraditional... 

like the time a friend gave me a
"shopping spree" out of her shoe closet

14. Give Something Sentimental

Holiday time is as good a time as any 

to show sentiment by telling someone...

Thank you, I appreciate you, or I'm thinking of you.

Imagine my surprise when I received this oven mitt, hand scrub 

and moisturizing softener with a handwritten note that said...

"Bless the hands that have prepared this meal"

Another quick way to give

with thought and sentiment?

The next time you're invited

to a Holiday gathering...

bring a box of Christmas Blend Coffee, 

Champurrado, or Hot Chocolate!

15. Give Something Useful

It's as easy as...

Having a meal delivered, collecting canned goods 

to share, or giving a pair of socks to a child in need

16. Give Something Handmade

Share the children's creations because some people 

have an affinity for items that are handmade

Color*full Creations
creating a life full of color

17. Give of your Time

There are many ways to give of your time...

Volunteer, serve, support a cause, visit someone who is sick, 

or put together/deliver gift baskets to share with those in need

 

18. Give Something Personalized

Personalize gifts by getting items monogrammed,
printed with pictures, or finished off with that special touch. 

Personalized gifts they leave no doubt who the gift is for...

19. Give in Secret

Surprise someone by having a gift shipped to them, but instead of signing the card
with your name, include reasons why you are sending the gift, what you love
about the person, or favorite memories you've shared together...

Chances are they will enjoy the mystery just as much as the gift!  

20. Give from Your Heart

Most of all this Holiday Season remember to give selflessly, give thoughtfully,
and give from your heart.  With these simple gift giving tips, you can't go wrong! 

What will you give?