Number One:
Clutter Busting. Most people in America have an issue with accumulating and grasping stuff. The last thing we need is another thing to add to the pile. We don't need all of the clutter we surround ourselves with and what a better gift to ourselves or to our loved ones than to encourage eliminating that extra weight this holiday. The less we are attached to this "stuff," the easier we can move about the world and realize our goals and be the people we want to be.
Another tip: If you are an environmentalist buying for an eco-friend consider purchasing this book (or any book) used and online. They will be appreciative of your thoughtfulness.
Number Two:
Arm warmers. I don't know about you, but with the arrival of winter, it's gotten colder in the house. Since we do not blast our heat (in honor of saving money and saving energy), I find myself bundling up.
Help your loved ones stay warm and healthy this season with a pair of arm warmers. They are useful and a cute way to bundle up. Because I have sensitive skin, I would personally opt for arm warmers that are made of bamboo or organic materials. Etsy is a great place to find all sorts of arm warmers or anything really, and you can buy them directly from the artists.
Another tip: Feeling creative and have extra time? You can make arm warmers out of an old pair of tights or socks that have a hole in them (maybe consider keeping these for yourself) or you can make them easily out of a new pair of tall socks (better for your friends). Check out this helpful video if you feel like doing-it-yourself.
Number Three:
Quotable mugs. Do you have a friend who is less than enthusiastic about their job? Brighten up their work day with a quotable mug. The power of the messages we tell ourselves affects our health and overall outlook on life.
Another tip: Too many mugs? A water bottle may be another useful gift. My favorite brand of water bottles for health purposes is the Klean Kanteen. You can buy these online or at your local co-op.
Number Four:
Give the gift of education. Giving is one of the main ingredients to being a happy and healthy person, and one of the most invaluable gifts we can give is education.
Purchase a community education class for a friend or a workshop in an area of interest that inspires your friend/family. "Education" could range from a crafting class, a wine tasting class, a nutrition class, a cooking class or something really technical or academic, like a bookeeping class or a writing course. The possibilities here are endless.
Another tip: Do you want to be socially conscious in your gift giving? Instead of giving your family and friends a voucher for a class, make a donation in honor of your friend/family and give the gift of education to a person in need.
After reading Three Cups of Tea, I did this for my mother 2 years ago. Because she was a teacher and she didn't need more "stuff," I made a $40 donation on her behalf to support one teacher's annual salary in Afghanistan. If you would like to give to a different cause, there are many non-profit organizations that offer similar holiday gifts that can make a difference.
Number Five:
Your time. In this day and age when everyone is moving a mile a minute, giving somebody your time is the greatest gift of all.
Be creative, maybe make a menu of the person's favorite restaurant and give some dates that you are free and consider taking them out to dinner. Or if you enjoy cooking, make a menu of a few possible meals you can cook and have them R.S.V.P. to a private home-cooked meal put on by you.
Another tip: Your time doesn't have to be given away in dinner dates. Consider other alternative "things to do." You could give movie tickets, tickets to a concert or a speaker (my friend was gifted tickets to go hear the Dalai Lama speak), the science museum ,etc. Just make sure you follow through and set up the date.
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