Gifts are a part of life. My personal belief is the value we place on the gifts we receive is dependent on how we experience and feel about it. It is not about the monetary value of a gift, but the value of your thoughts that have gone into it.
Ever since my children were young, I have always emphasised to them that the gift (whether Christmas, or birthdays or Mother's day, Father's day) for us has to come from their thoughts and feelings while it has to be value for money at the same time.
In other words, my children need not purchase a $100 dollar product to show their love. The gift has to come from their heart, and their thoughts. The gift can be a handmade card, hand planted plant, a home cooked meal, or some precious time they would like to spend with us.
A true gift has to:
- come from the heart. They have to know what I really want and would be happy to receive it, yet at the same time, there has to be a sentimental value attached to the gift.
- be value for money; i.e. the products is worth the money they are paying for.
So for example, if they were to give me some flowers, I would appreciate them more if the flowers were planted with their own hands rather than purchased from the shop. I would prefer a card created by them, with their own hand writing and wordings on it, or a painting that they have made themselves.
As for the value for money, they have to be creative and plan. For example, when we were in Bangkok last year, they got me a iPad case with their photo on it. They knew that by getting it done in Bangkok it would be cheaper, thus more value for money. So they had to plan and research when and where they could get the case made for their visit Bangkok.
So when you plan your gift list for this coming Christmas, or birthdays for your relatives and friends, plan ahead. Take the time to find out what they really need and start planning for it.
One option is to get the gifts when they are on sale. If you plan early, you have the chance to source from other places for cheaper but similar items, thus more value for money.
Alternatively, you can handmake the gifts for them. Handmade gifts will be more appreciated as they are created with your own hands with love and good thoughts. By making the gifts for your loved ones, you are not stressed where to purchase the presents or gifts; you can make it anytime from the comfort of your own home.
Examples are home made soap, cookies, sauces, breads, music collections, paintings etc. The ideas are limitless.
I would love your thoughts whether this article has helped you with giving gifts.
Happy gifting.
Other ideas that you may be interested:
>> How to make your own gift wrap
>> How to make your own gift card
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