ALT-1 Thoughtful but Inexpensive Christmas Gift Ideas for a Loved one
Christmas gift-giving can feel like a dreaded chore or it can be joyful. The difference is our attitude toward the idea of presenting another person with something special. Speaking specifically about loved ones, we need to take some time to consider the person. What are their likes and dislikes? What is something they could use or what is something special that they would enjoy. Often times this is something they would not make or buy for themselves. Such a gift can be inexpensive. Some ideas include:
Casserole, Rolls or Bread and Dessert. Perhaps the person complimented your chicken pot pie casserole or your lasagne and cheese bread. By preparing a meal, your gift-receiver could freeze it until ready to eat and then they will experience Christmas once again when it is defrosted, heated and devoured. Such a gift is excellent for an individual or a family.
Sewn Items. There is a large variety of items that can be sewn by hand or by machine. If you know the person's size, your gift could be an outfit, handbag, place-mat set, holiday decoration, apron, wall hanging, vest, curtains or a number of others choices. Once again, what's important is knowing the color preferences, size and need.
Coupon Book. Though often with coupon books, the gift-receiver doesn't feel comfortable turning in the coupon for the gift, you can ask the person for specific dates and times for which to mark your calendar. This could be to take the person to doctor's or hair appointment, go on a grocery run, take them to visit a friend or person in hospital or to and from the airport, if they are going on a trip. By being specific and making arrangements at the time you give the coupon book, the gift-receiver knows that the gift is from your heart and that you are serious about fulfilling it.
Visitation Commitment. You know that the person desires to have more visitors and feels lonely. You could give a gift card stating that you will visit on a regular basis for a certain period of time. For example, you may decide that every Saturday morning from nine o'clock in the morning until Noon will fit your schedule for the next month. This will give your loved one something to look forward to during their long and lonely days. Together you may then decide to go on an outing to the grocery store, park, take a ride in the country or perhaps to a movie or play.
Day of Rest. If your loved one is your spouse or parent, a day of complete rest may be the perfect gift. You do the cooking, housekeeping, dishes and running around of children for a day. Such a gift costs nothing but your time and energy. However, to the gift-receiver, it could mean a day of sleeping in, reading a book or relaxing in any many they so choose.
As you can see, gift-giving simply requires some consideration for the lives of those to whom you are giving something. Can you ask the person what they would like best? By all means, you may do so. This is especially a great idea when you are at a loss for what they would like to receive from you. Gift-giving can be exciting and rewarding. Your thought could be the most precious gift that person receives this season.
