In Lieu of Flowers from Teen Great-grandson TJ Cardwell

Wanting to give meaningful gifts this year? Overwhelmed with ads wooing you?

I say let’s get back to the basics; giving more from the heart than from the wallet.

These simple tips go beyond Christmas or birthday gifts. Giving includes bereavement, hospital, nursing home, thank you, and other occasions.

Be inspired by some of the most meaningful gifts I have received.

1. PRAY ABOUT THEIR NEEDS
   Seriously, God cares, He wants to help you. The richest persons in the world still have needs; could God use your simple gift to cheer and encourage someone?. The needs may be obvious; other times you have to look for them.
   The photo above pictures a gift I received from my great-grandson, TJ. He knew with Grandpa Russell gone to Heaven, it might be a long, lonely winter for Grandma. He included a boxed puzzle, assorted puzzle books, snacks, and a drink. That took thought, planning, and a caring heart. One simple gift in a cardboard box—priceless.

2. HOW DO THEY SPEND THEIR TIME AT HOME?

Does your gift recipient have hobbies? Read? Write stories? Cook? How about a book on gardening or cooking or hobby? Gather some supplies for them to have on hand during a long winter. If they feed birds, buy bird feeders and seeds.

Perhaps they enjoy writing letters and sending cards. Give stamps, pens, specialty note pads. Above, TJ included pens with my puzzles. Several people included books of stamps in their condolence cards to me. How easy it was to mail my thank you cards a few at a time from home.

3. LOOK AT YOUR OWN SITUATION

What could someone give you right now to show their love, simplify your life? Here are some helpful, inexpensive ideas. As leaves fall and snow begins to fly, a small broom to keep the porch swept off; a bag of ice melt for the steps; defogger/de-icer for the car windows; heavy gloves, scarf, and a cozy afghan or small blanket for car. I have already been gifted a first-aid kit and shoe snow treads to keep in the trunk.

4. THINK INSIDE THE BOX

Make even the smallest gift festive. A beautiful, small box containing gift cards from DQ, McD’s, Hardee’s or local drive-thru can be life-savers on a busy day. Add small candies, mints, tissue. Get creative with your giving.

5. GIVE YOUR TIME; USE YOUR TALENTS

No matter how busy we think we are, most of us find time for the things that are important to us. Again, what are the needs you can meet with your gift?  What do you have to give? A song? A manicure? A pedicure? Do their hair? Offer to do help them decorate for the holidays? How about taking things to the recycle place. If appropriate, check their vehicles for winter; the list is endless.

6. GET PERSONAL WITH YOUR GIVING

Be sensitive to those confined to home, recently widowed, or in a new place in their lives. Days can be long and empty. Consider writing small notes: memories you’ve shared, things that made you laugh, Scripture that encourages, little funny stories. Use colorful papers and stickers. I have two envelopes of such notes like these. One by a young married girl with little ones to care for and little money for buying gifts; the other an old (OLD) friend. I treasure them more than many of the more expensive gifts I have received.

7. REMEMBER THE GREATEST GIFT

Pray for them daily, let them know. Pray with them if that is appropriate, remind them Jesus loves them and that you care. And, prepare ahead to give. I never miss a closeout box, who knows what little token I might find that will bring another great joy.

My greatest gifts are wrapped up in special people like you; you bring me joy by staying faithful as I journey through this stage of my life. You inspire me to keep going. YOU are my encouragers.

God richly bless you as I send hugs,

Looking forward to hearing what your greatest gift ideas are.