The holiday season brings parties, reunions with family and friends, and—for many of us—the exchanging of gifts. Since jokes about ties for Dad, blenders for Mom and out-of-fashion clothes for the teens abound, it’s obvious that we all need a bit of gift giving assistance.
Instead of rushing out in a buying frenzy, we suggest you first spend a bit of time thinking about meaningful presents for friends and loved ones. Some of the most beautiful gifts are those that are handmade, low cost or absolutely free. As one anonymous writer once put it: “Remember, the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends.”
With this in mind, Whole Foods Market offers you the following gift guide. Consider it a roadmap of sorts. It is not meant to be an all-inclusive list, but we do hope that it will get your creative gift giving juices flowing. Ultimately, the importance of giving should never be underestimated. A gift is an extension of who we are, how we think, and a reflection of our regard, friendship, or love for the receiver.
It is easy to forget in the midst of the holiday shopping frenzy that some of the best gifts in life revolve around giving to those most in need. Consider donating money or materials to a nonprofit organization in your gift recipient’s name. Alternatively, you can surprise your friend or relative by making a donation to a charitable organization that you know is close to his/her heart.
Organize your family to help serve dinner at a soup kitchen or shelter. Round up your friends to go caroling at a retirement home or to collect clothes and toys to donate. You might also think about opening your home to acquaintances who are spending holidays alone, or help someone decorate who's unable to do it for him/herself.
Offer your loved ones free babysitting, computer training, help with taxes, yard work, or massage. Whatever your skills, you can donate it. The sky is the limit.
If you like to cook, try putting your culinary skills to work by offering others homemade cakes, cookies, jellies, jams, pickles, relish or whatever your food forte may be. A fun variation on this idea is to give your friends several stamped and self-addressed index cards. Tell them to drop one of the cards in the mail to you whenever they’re in the mood for a batch of cookies. Don't forget to ask them to specify, on the back of the card, what kind of cookies they’d like!
To start, sit down and take some time to think about what each person on your list would like to receive. For example, is the person a busy working Mom, a coffee lover, a cooking enthusiast, or an avid gardener? Based on their interests, you can compile a care package of sorts. Find a basket or unusual container to hold your gifts, and don’t be afraid to get creative using wrappings, ribbons or fun fabrics. To get you started, here are a several themed ideas:
Choose a special book from your own library collection and pass it on to a friend.
Too often, there is hectic run-up to the holidays, and then suddenly, it’s all over. This December, remember to take the time to visit with others whom you might see only once a year. Think about starting a tradition in your family in which everyone can participate. If you can help create cherished family holiday memories, then you have given something priceless — something no material item could ever replace.
Good luck, have fun and happy gift giving!
