Christmas Gift Guide

It’s Christmas time, which means you’re probably starting to think about Christmas presents. In this month’s issue, we featured an article on pages 56-58 on how to give thoughtful gifts. Below, we've elaborated on some more ideas for gifts that will make the people you care about know how important they are to you:

PARENTS:
1. What do they like to do?
Consider a gift that will help them do that activity. Does your dad play tennis? Have his racquet restrung and arrange a time when you two can head to the court together. Does your mom like to cook but ends up wearing some of what she’s making? Consider getting her a new apron and a standing offer from you to clean up the kitchen when she’s finished.

2. What do they need?
Does your mom work in a drab cubicle? Paint her a picture or frame a photo of your family to brighten up her office. Maybe your Dad hasn’t bought a new swimsuit in 10 years. Update his summer wardrobe this winter with a new pair of swim trunks.

3. What do they want?
Does your mom dream of traveling to Italy? Buy her a trip planner for the cities she’s interested in so she can start thinking about what she’d like to do when she eventually gets there. Is your Dad looking for a job? Resume’ paper and envelopes, a roll of stamps, and a new tie could be the encouragement he needs to keep up the search. If you’re trying to help a parent fulfill a big dream, talk to your brothers, sisters, and even extended family to get in on helping you with the details and cost.

4. Do they have a funny habit or preference?
If your Mom is always spouting off bits of wisdom or funny phrases, keep track of these. Write them down and record why you appreciate those sayings and how they’ve helped you. Hearing that her words are making an impact on you will make more of an impact on her than you’ll realize.

5. How can you make their lives easier?
Does your mom stress about what to cook for dinner all the time? Buy her a membership to an online coupon and meal-planning service, like e-mealz.com.

SIBLINGS:
1. What are their interests?
If your sister has an affinity for the gelato at a certain store, get her a gift certificate and a T-shirt with the store’s logo on it. If your brother likes a certain sport, see if there’s a magazine about it and buy him a subscription.

2. Where do they spend most of their time?
If an older brother’s girlfriend lives 20 minutes away, buy him a gas gift card so he can save on the cost of driving to see her. If your sister is always in her room painting or drawing, then buy her some new art supplies that she wouldn’t buy for herself and an iTunes gift card so she can create the mood she wants while she paints.

3. Why are you grateful for them?
If your sister always helps you pick out what to wear, then take her shopping, let her pick out several things she likes, and buy one of those items without her knowing. If your brother keeps the family entertained with his funny stories, write them down, type them up, and bind them into a book. You’ll be able to present him with a gift of his own words so that he can remember how funny his family thinks he is.

4. What are some of your favorite memories that include them?
Think back to funny old home videos. Can you recreate those moments for your sibling? Or maybe you could unearth a funny picture from when you were younger and frame it for your sibling.


SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
1. What do you like about that person?
If you really appreciate your significant other’s ability to make you laugh, then consider giving him or her a DVD of a favorite comedian. If you like the notes he or she writes you, order some personalized stationery or note cards for him or her.

2. What does he or she like to do?
Think about your boyfriend or girlfriend’s favorite activity. Is his gear or supplies for that activity worn out? If so, replace some of it. If you’re into some sport or hobby that your significant other knows nothing about, give him or her your time and instruction so that it might become something you two enjoy doing together. (But make sure that it’s a fun time of instruction, not a stressful one!)

3. Where do you two spend most of your time?
If you go to the movies a lot, consider purchasing your significant other a subscription to Entertainment Weekly or other similar magazine so that he or she can get reviews of the movies you might watch. If you spend a lot of time outside doing outdoorsy stuff, buy him or her a new stainless steel water bottle and include a pocketknife or other helpful tool.

FRIENDS
1. What do you two have in common? Is there a gift idea lurking there?
Maybe you both like a certain band. See if the band will be coming anywhere near where you live and plan a trip to the concert for you both (and a parent).

2. How long have you been friends?
You could document the time line of your friendship with a collage or photo progression of your friendship.

3. Why are you thankful to have this person in your life?
Consider all the ways that this person has helped you. A symbolic gift, like an umbrella, might help you convey how this friend has shielded you from bad stuff (rumors, gossip, family troubles). Or if your friend is the type of person who is always honest with you, then you might consider giving him or her a journal to encourage your friend to record his or her honest thoughts.

4. What can you see this person doing with his or her life in the future?
If your friend likes history, buy him the biography of a historical figure he likes. If she wants to be a doctor, buy her a pair of scrub pants.


The ideas are endless, but we hope this post got you thinking and will lead to some sweet satisfaction for you as your family and friends delightedly open their gifts from you.