Give the gift of time. We’ve all heard of the babysitting or handyman time gift coupons. (Other ideas include housekeeping, cooking, and gardening.) One of the secrets to making this work is to make the certificate really beautiful – use gold or silver gel pens and markers or your computer and tasteful clip art and print on heavy paper. But another secret is to actually take the initiative to call after giving the certificate and set up a time to come and make the gift happen. Put a note in your calendar to give recipients a call in January or February to set the date (or spring, in the case of gardening gifts!)
The gift of memories is a large one: create a photo CD or scrapbook; write family stories and create a book, or make a recipe book of family favourites.
For children you can also give the gift of time and create memories. Give a small gift under the tree and link it to a special time with them – for example, you can give an inexpensive magic wand and then host a “fairy tea” at your house; give a small fire engine and take a grandchild to the local fire station (call in advance), or give art supplies and then visit a local museum and gallery. Parents may well also appreciate the babysitting! (Check with them in advance to set up the time, as kids will need a concrete date to look forward to.)
Most of all, take the time out to enjoy the company of each other this season. All the best!
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