My Gift Giving Skills Have Gone MIA
Ever since Etsy created “gift mode” and appointed Drew Barrymore as their official Chief Gifting Officer, I have been thinking a lot about gifting. It feels great to find (or even better, make) a special gift that you know is just perfect for a loved one. And, I have to admit, it feels equally great to receive a gift that shows the giver really knows and loves you.
Sadly, over the past few years, the gifts I have given (or not even given) have been less than impressive. I have to blame it on the busyness of life, juggling too much and the ease of online shopping post pandemic. My husband and I have even stopped putting any effort into giving each other gifts. Our kids have received far too many gift cards or items off of a “list”.
I haven't always been this way. There have been some proud gift giving moments. Like the time I knit my stepmom a cozy cream colored blanket when she was battling cancer. Or the cool wooden watch I had engraved with a special message for my husband. Some of my favorites have been things I have made, there is nothing better than taking time to create something for a loved one, you pour your love into it in the process. Like the tie dyed, block printed shirts I made for our grandkids a few years ago or the pattern matching game I made for our dear Lily.
Now I realize that I can't make all the gifts I give, but, I would like to be more connected to the things I give, to have a bit more meaning behind them.
There are some special people in my life who are wonderful gift givers. They find something that makes them think of you and they send it. They may be spontaneous, out of the blue or unique things that you would never find or buy for yourself. My sister and my daughter are this way. When my husband and I were sick with Covid, my sister sent a week's worth of delicious, comforting soup. When we moved into our new home, she showed up with the most perfect ceramic wall hanging from an art show. I was looking for a good book recommendation before a vacation and my daughter sent me a book that I had expressed interest in. She had a custom journal made for me that was just perfect for my notes during the year I was in the Wonder Mastermind. When I see these things, I think of them and feel so loved.
Another great gift we received was a house warming present from my stepson and his wife. While helping to cut some tress down on our lot to prep it to build our new home, he photographed the stump of one of the trees. I was sad every time we had to take down a tree to make room for the house. So the beautiful, black and white photograph of the the rings of one of the trees has very special meaning. It is a tribute to the trees that were lost and a daily reminder of the thoughtful creativity of my stepson.
As I reflect and write this, I see that for me some of the best gifts I have received are art and books. It is no surprise as these are both very important things that light me up. Now, I need to listen more and observe, what things light up my loved ones? And then, write it down whenever an idea hits! (I am still going to try and avoid the mall at all costs)
What about you?
Are you a good gift giver?
What do you think is better, giving or receiving gifts?
And, what is the best gift you have received?