Simple Gifts

So now that we're in the final countdown to Christmas with less than two weeks away, this is usually when things start to get interesting (read: frantic). It's like a sudden wave that comes over us and we start re-thinking gifts to our loved ones, feeling that maybe we should do more than we already have and prompting us to blow our well-managed holiday budget to smithereens.

But, really, do most of us need another (insert favorite item here)? Chances are we have too much clutter in our home, too many things on our schedule and not nearly enough time to enjoy anything else we might receive. So I'd like to offer up some food for thought. My gift to you today is a list of some very inspired gifts that will touch a loved-one's heart while keeping its hands off your budget.

1/ Gift Certificates - this could be for breakfast in bed, a coffee date or a foot rub. Whether you make it on the computer or draw it by hand, the sentiment will be treasured.

2/ Words of Love - write a poem, special note or a story from the heart. This could be from you or have one of your kids write something to Dad, Grandma, etc. Print it on pretty paper and frame it and you've created something that can be enjoyed regularly.

3/ Make Something - Whether you're a master craftsman or a complete novice, something handmade is always appreciated. Knit a scarf, make a piece of jewelry or bake a much loved pie and you'll win over the recipient's heart.

4/ Pictures - If you're stumped for a gift for grandparents, why not print out some cute pictures of the kids? Even better, have a photo calendar or journal made and they'll have new pictures to enjoy each month.

5/ Time - It's something we all could use a little more of. Offer to take a friend's kids for a few hours or to help with a big project.

6/ A Family Heirloom - The holidays are the perfect time to pass down a treasured family heirloom. One of my favorite gifts was recieveing my grandmother's engraved watch with a picture of she and my grandfather tucked into the back of it. I'll always treasure it!

7/ Plants - If you have a green thumb and plants to spare why not pass along a few of your favorites to someone who could appreciate them? They'll be enjoyed for many years to come.

8/ A Special Outing - You could organize a trip to a local museum along with lunch, plan a weekend getaway for you and your spouse or just make time to go to a free concert with a special someone. Just spending time together is the real gift.

Take a deep breath, release your stress and realize that the best gift may be something that doesn't cost a thing!