B Dear Aunt B, I know it is an age-old problem, but what do you give to those who have everything? I want to give meaningful gifts, but I am lost with some of my people. Help me with some ideas. Not a Clue Dear Not a Clue, What a blessing that so many of our friends and family are blessed with this issue. I don’t mean to make light because it is a real problem for some. Gift-giving should be a pleasurable event. It should be a token of our love for another. Here I go, I think this is called a bandwagon. Aunt B does love to give presents, I promise. I just don’t like the pressure that can come with gift-giving. I am also not fond of gift-giving on demand. I prefer to give gifts when I find something that I know one of my loves would love or when I know that something is needed. However, as you are probably thinking right now, everything is not about Aunt B. Just give some advice, please.
Experiences: Cooking classes are very fun, especially if you take the classes with them. Tickets to movies or plays make for a memorable evening. Driving classes might be fun (and needed for some of us). Horseback riding lessons might be fun.
Donations: Finding a loved one’s special charity and making a donation on their behalf is usually appreciated. Making donations to shelters and food banks are always needed. Have you ever heard of the Heifer Project? I once gave my husband a goat through the Heifer Project. Good news I didn’t have to house or feed the goat. The goat was given to a family that would use the goat to better their family by selling the milk, among other things. If you are interested, look up Heifer International. Great organization that does great work. Donate to a family in need, and give a card with an explanation of your gift. Donate to their church in their name.
Memberships: Exercise club memberships for someone wanting to make better choices for their health. What about a Sams or Costco membership?
Subscriptions: Wondrium is a great service. It used to be called Great Courses. They offer courses on so many topics one could learn all year. They have a yearly membership price that gives you access to all they offer. Great value. Masterclass is another online learning service platform. I have and love both of these services. Subscriptions to magazines on topics you know interest your friends are a less costly and delightful alternative. Coffee subscriptions for the coffee lover. Wine subscriptions for those of us who partake.
House Cleaning services: Offer your own services with organizing or cleaning. Window cleaning services are available, and I love them.
Cooking services: There are a variety of types of food prep on the market. If you are giving them one, be sure you don’t sign up for it to be continued past what you want to pay for it. Give a coupon for you to come over and cook a home cooked meal or to bring one to their house that you cooked at your home.
Genetic tests: 23 and Me is so interesting and offers a possibility of surprises. Ancestry is another option. This can be great for someone interested in genealogy.
Unique gifts: Custom coasters that show their favorite place could be fun. Photo books made up of family pictures, new or old, are interesting. Customized puzzles or paint by numbers. Do you know you can send a photo of your pet (or anything) and have a puzzle or paint by number made from it? Who knew?
Your time and attention: Nothing is better than time spent with your loved ones.
In my opinion, finding ways to show people that you care about them is way more important than finding a gift for them.
Love, Aunt B
If you would like to send Aunt B a question please email your question to news@ forneymessenger. com.
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