Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 102 of Life On the Brink!
It’s the holiday season! I absolutely love this time of year, and this year more than ever I’m so glad for the magic of Christmastime. Along with the cooking and singing that always accompanies my Decembers, there is also the anticipation of Christmas Day, and if your family is one that celebrates with gift-giving then today’s episode is for you!
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about some of the most memorable gifts I’ve given or received over the years. I remember some lovely winter coats as well as the bike I received when I was 10, but some of my absolute favorite gifts have been in the form of experiences and memories.
Giving gifts can be a fun and beautiful way to celebrate this season, but as I’ve been focusing more and more on giving mindfully over the past few years, I find that giving the gift of a particular experience provides not only a one-of-a-kind moment for the receiver, but also gives them (and sometimes you too!) special memories, which is more valuable than anything we can find at a store.
I think we can all agree that the best moments of Christmas are not centered around the gifts, but around the people we celebrate with. Today I’m just sharing a few gift ideas that can be tailored to the special people in your life and, rather than a material gift, are the opportunity for a unique experience.
What’s in my teacup? Harney and Son's Holiday Tea (mix of black tea, orange, cinnamon and almond. YUM)
We’ve got 5 main categories here, and I’m filling each one with lots of ideas within. Make sure to listen to the audio or *read the transcript here* to get all the details.
1. BASKETS AND KITS: the aim is to provide all the tools for a particular experience that the receiver can enjoy whenever they like. Here’s a few ideas!
-movie night box: popcorn, sweets, fuzzy socks, maybe a drink or two, either a DVD (somehow outdated?) or a $5 Amazon gift card to be able to rent the movie of their choice.
-rainy day in: tea, a mug, shortbread biscuits or a few comforting recipe cards, a puzzle or cozy book, a blanket or pair of socks.
-special interest box: if this person has a new interest,look into some tools that might help them get started! If they’d like to cook more, include a cookbook, necessary utensils, perhaps an apron.
-a read-along gift box: I love this idea! You include a favorite book, along with sensory gifts to open with certain page numbers. For example, if the character walks into a forest on page 42, include a cedar candle to be lit at that time. This would work so well with a comforting story or a book that has a lot of atmospheric imagery.
2. TICKETS AND CERTIFICATES: Along the lines of a gift card, but with a more intentional end:
-A gift certificate to somewhere special like a spa, movie theater, or arcade can provide a fun experience any time of the year. I used a gift card at a local spa this year (where I get my facials) and I splurged on the best pedicure of my life! I wouldn’t have done so otherwise, but it was so enjoyable.
-If you know your loved one is going on a trip in the next year, gifting an experience or even just a gift card can add a little something special when they travel.
-I always check the local theaters and concert venues for the upcoming seasons, and have given tickets for favorite bands, comedians, or shows as gifts. It adds another bonus level of anticipation as they wait for the big night.
-I would also put seasonal passes in this category, either to parks, gardens, or historic sites.
3. A NIGHT OUT: providing a little bit of luxury or time off.
-A lovely idea for a couple’s gift is to give them a date night. A gift card to a local spot they would enjoy offers an opportunity for a night together. Bonus points, if they have kids, offer to watch them!
-No surprise, but I love a fancy afternoon tea. I always think a certificate to a teahouse or to a special seasonal tea (check your local boutique hotels) is such a special experience.
4. CLASSES: helping to foster new interests!
-If your loved one has expressed interest in gaining a particular art or skill, perhaps contribute to a class or local course. There’s a pottery studio close to my house that offers a 4-week course, and while I’m still waiting to find the right month, I do have a few gift cards from loved ones to the studio!
-This could also be as simple as a one-night cooking class or a workshop at a local garden. Check out your area, it always surprises me how much is going on.
-There are so many online courses as well, so check out what’s available from online creators.
-I would also put guided or special tours in this category. It’s a little something special that most people wouldn’t do for themselves.
5. TIME WITH YOU!
-So often the best gift you can give is your time, especially to relatives you perhaps only see during special occasions. This can be as simple as setting a date to go somewhere together.
-You can make any of the above experience ideas even more special by joining yourself. My sister and I have given each other concert tickets several times and have gone together! We get dinner together (whoever is the gifter drives lol) and make a night of it. Last year we saw the Celtic Woman Christmas show together, which was such a great time.
-Back to tea again. I enjoy hosting little afternoon teas at my home, and lately Josh and I had his grandparents over to celebrate not only his grandma’s birthday, but also to show them our new home. We had a wonderful time together, and I know we made some precious memories too. If not tea, you can always make a small dinner party with those loved ones you don’t always get to see. It’s truly so special to give of your time and home
I hope these ideas have helped to spark a bit of creativity in your Christmas shopping this year! If someone came to mind while going through this list, explore the gift possibilities. Spending time with those we love is what makes this time of year so precious, so I hope that you're able to find the best ways to enjoy that time with them this year, even as a gift!
This Week’s Little Joy: Josh and I found out on Thanksgiving Day that we’re having a little girl! And even better, we were able to share the moment with our family (I’ll include the video here). We were excited either way, but now that I know it’s a girl I feel like I know her so much more. My mom has begun shopping and I can start planning out the nursery. We’re so excited!
What I’m Listening To: The soundtrack to “The Holiday.” Hans Zimmer at his emotional finest, this album is so romantic and creates a beautiful soundtrack to my day.
Thank you so much for listening! Feel free to leave a comment, or head to Apple Podcasts to leave a star rating or review. If you have any suggestions for future episodes, send an email in the contact form on this site. I’d love to hear from you, and I'll be back with a new episode every week leading up to Christmas!