This week I have taken time to think back over my life and remember some of the gifts that were my favorites. It was not the ones that someone bought me although they were greatly appreciated; it was the ones that took some thought and effort on the giver part. If money is short this year–or if money is not short–remember the gifts that will be remembered most are the ones that come from the heart, the ones that you are involved in creating.
If you still need a few gifts, check this list out and see if you can find one that will be perfect for you to give.
• Picture Letters: When my mother and father went on a mission and were away from their family, my mother would write picture letters to the grandchildren. These became priceless and now are a real treasure in the family.
• Puzzle Letter: When you write a letter to a young child you can do it on a heavy paper and then cut it out and make it into a puzzle. When the puzzle is put together it has a special message that you have created just for that person.
• Pocket Change: Some people give money but here is a fun way to give money to a child. Though out the year put your pocket change in a bucket. If this is one you want to give this year go to the bank and buy rolls of change and put them into a bucket. Now when it is time to give the gift, let the child reach into the bucket and let them take a handful on money. You may want to give them a self-sealing plastic bag to put it in. They will be delight and have fun sorting out the coins and counting the change.
• Homemade coupons: My nieces and nephew often gave me little books of coupons of things that they were willing to do for me. This was a great process, as they had to think of the things that they were willing to do and then make a coupon book. I love it as I got to spend time with them, as they would do the thing that had been listed on the coupons.
• Event Gifts: I often gave my nieces and nephew a ride in my red jeep and, as part of the gift, I would buy them a meal before I took them home. One that stands out for us is the French Fry Dinner. On the ride in the jeep, we stopped for dinner, I had forgotten to bring my money and did not want to disappoint them. I went through all the places that I might have money in my jeep. I was only able to come up with enough money to buy one package of French fries. That we did and the three of us took turns taking one French fry at a time for our little dinner. Needless to say they needed a little more for dinner when they got home. When I ask them if they remember French Fry dinner a big smile still comes on to their face. It was the day we created a memory for less than a dollar.
It is the gift from the heart that draws people together more than expensive gifts that can be purchased in a store. If you are short on money, you are in for a good time. Just take a few minutes and think creatively and you will be able to come up with an idea that will create a memory that will last forever.
