Gift ideas for an unconventional year
This past weekend I made the decision to start decorating for the holidays. Traditionally, I wait until after Thanksgiving, but I thought, why wait? 2020 has been anything but traditional. As I pulled out my boxes of goodies, I found a couple of gifts that I stashed away for my kids, which of course, reminded me I should start thinking about gift ideas. For most of my life, my family has lived all over so I understand the importance of planning ahead and getting things done early.
I have always loved giving gifts. It’s wonderful to see joyful expressions in the big reveal. As I’ve gotten older, I try to be mindful of what I give. I no longer try to focus on a list of “stuff,” but rather on a feeling or a sentiment. Personally, I find more joy in togetherness or shared experiences.
A gift that goes beyond “stuff” and is at the core of something we all desire…. peace of mind.
It’s remarkable how nice it is knowing everything that makes my life work, is organized and accessible, should something happen to me. My family will not have to dig through my computer or hunt for details. They can simply log in to my vault and everything they need to know about me, my work, and my life is right there. I sleep better at night knowing my children will know what to do.
Of course, kids and young adults don’t yet realize the value of peace of mind. Thankfully, they are too busy being kids, so here are a few more ideas that might inspire you to think outside the traditional box this holiday season.
Shop local:
Call up a favorite local store and purchase a gift certificate or item over the phone (or online). They will likely wrap and ship it for you. Small businesses need our support and this is a great way to help them make their year. A few Hood River favorites are: Apple Green, Waucoma Bookstore, and Art on Oak.
Consumable gifts:
This is always one of my favorite things to give. Restaurant gift certificates should be on the top of our list this year but some of my other favorite local consumables are The Fruit Company (Hood River), Arome Olive Oils, Moonstruck Chocolate, Hood River Roasters, or Stave & Stone Winery.
Experience gifts:
Shared experiences are my favorite kind of gift. Some favorites are: museum memberships, concert tickets, dinner reservations, VRBO/AirBnB gift certificates, or Sur la Table cooking classes. Classes can be fun, think garden, art, music, or language if that might interest you.
Planning ahead is something I love to do, but we don’t always know what the future will hold. As we enter the week of Thanksgiving, I am so grateful for my work, my family, and most of all peace of mind knowing that I’ve planned for my loved ones.
What are some creative gift ideas you’ve given or received?
