Grads, Dad, Brides and Birthdays
Spring ushers in a season of gift giving opportunities as graduation announcements, wedding and birthday party invitations fill your mailbox. Giving gifts is not about how much money we spend, but in celebrating someone special in our life. Thanks to the internet, fresh ideas abound and ways to get creative on a budget are at your fingertips. I will warn you though…giving gifts is my love language and I am SURE I go way overboard on this…I just can’t help myself, but I am learning to cut back a little.
Graduation gifts are always a challenge for me. You often see people suggesting books, a watch or loads of cash. Cash is ALWAYS a gift that is appreciated! Maybe you can give it in a creative way. Search Pinterest for “Graduation Gift Ideas” to see some of those creative ideas. A gift card to Target or another store of your choice is ALWAYS helpful. Creating theme kits might be fun too – laundry soap and quarters, or a basket full of cleaning supplies, midnight munchies or bathroom supplies are very useful at this point in a graduate’s life.
Birthday Parties are the next hurdle to get over. Figuring out which Lego set a child DOES NOT have, what THING is THE THING this year and finally giving up and getting a gift card or giving cash. Some ideas I am kicking around are movie tickets (Thank you, Costco), zoo, aquarium or museum tickets. I find that my children do not need more STUFF, and I am trying to think of things we can do to create memories for them instead. I think that sometimes we get all worked up if we give cash. My children LOVE to get cash as a gift, because they do not often get money for things. I would not write that off completely, but maybe scale back on the amount you give. I like to give dollars equal to their age. I think it makes the gift a little more memorable.
Weddings are made a little easier for us with registry lists. Often, we can find a gift on a registry within our price range and call it good. One special gift I have created a couple of times now is a homemade cookbook. This works beautifully if you have known the bride or groom for a long time. Recently, I created a cookbook for a dear friend from a Smash Book and scrapbooking supplies on hand. I did this start to finish in one evening, so it is completely possible, I just don’t really recommend it! Currently, I have been scouring Craigslist for a used Kitchen aid Mixer at a FANTASTIC price for a precious friend who is getting married soon. My Kitchen aid is one of the best gifts I have ever received and has lasted more than 20 years. Other ideas might be to create an evening out with dinner gift card and movie tickets, or a date night in with popcorn, movie, and treats. There are so many ideas; have a look around Pinterest for wedding gifts or DIY wedding gifts, or even think about the best gifts you have received and I am sure you will be inspired with an idea.
Finally, Dads . . . Dads are really tough because they often aren’t helpful with what they would like. How about something for the barbeque? New cookbooks, cedar planks, or seasonings get those creative juices flowing and bring blessings to the whole family. What about a basket of different hot sauces – my hubby would LOVE that! Gift certificates to go out to a nice dinner or Starbucks to grab some coffee on the way to work are great options too. Coupons for a foot massage, a car wash, or some yard work ease Dad’s burden a little. If none of these ideas apply to your guy, you can always grab him another tie!
The best advice I can give when gift giving opportunities arise is to focus on the person you are giving your gift to. As you think about who they are and what they mean in your life, I am sure you will come up with the PERFECT gift idea!
Originally Posted at Home and School Mosaics
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