Gift giving ideas

We have several people on our Christmas list that are always a challenge.

There are always gift certificates but last year we discovered two practical, much appreciated, creative choices for those individuals that are ideal to help us cope with our Nova Scotia winter.

We purchased a watertight plastic container and filled it with many things that could help make our ever-more frequent power failures endurable.

We collected a small first aid kit, a flashlight and extra batteries that fit the flash light, a small battery-powered radio, again with extra batteries, a package of candles that fit the candle holder that we also put in the box, waterproof matches, foil ‘space’ blankets, two cans of solid fuel that are to be used under the frame that we also put in the box, several cans of food, crackers, peanut butter and several bottles of water.

We also included a pack of playing cards, puzzle books and a Snakes and Ladders game so that they would have something to do to pass the time.

As many of us remember, the last extended power outage left many of us with just a bank card, so in an envelope we included some cash. On the top of the box we made the suggestion that if an item was used it should be replaced as soon as possible.

The second group gift was a collection of items for the trunk of a car. We got booster cables, a bag of non-scoopable kitty litter, an ice scraper/long handled brush and a small shovel. In a watertight box we placed a small first aid kit, more space blankets, water, non-perishable snacks, water proof matches, and a flashlight with extra batteries. We left room in this box for the person to put dry socks and a sweater.

These two gifts have been well used by their respective recipients and we had a lot of fun collecting the items.

Gifts that can include the entire family or gifts that are made require thought and planning, but the results are worthwhile.

In the spirit of the season there are some ways to make the tradition of giving gifts even more meaningful. Like the little Drummer Boy who only had his talent, we too can share ourselves and our abilities in meaningful ways.

The ‘Task Specific Promissory Note’ can be fun and is not necessarily costly. This requires that a friend or a relative is provided with a special piece of artwork in the form of a coupon that promises the delivery of specific items. For example: snow shoveling, wall painting, spring cleaning assistance, babysitting, or even baked goods on request. One of my dad’s favourite gifts is from a neighbour who every year promises a monthly batch of soft molasses cookies. We all get to enjoy this one.

Another suggestion that has gained some favour with our crowd is to make a donation to the person’s favourite charity in their name and place the receipt in a Christmas card. Many good causes find that this time of year is difficult. For example: Christmas Daddies, our Churches, and animal shelter groups.

My brother purchases grocery certificates, gives them to the local food bank and places the grocery tape showing the purchase in my card. It is a gift that keeps on giving.