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
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?