The most valuable gifts are personal
By Joan B. Reid
Tick-tock! The holiday season has arrived faster than you can say “door busters.”
Perhaps you’re wondering what in the universe to give your 70- to 90-year-old parents and in-laws and whether you’ll have enough to purchase the perfect gifts. They would probably say, “Your love is a gift; don’t spend money.” But when the holidays arrive they may indeed long to open a present. Yes, love is primary, and what better way to demonstrate it than with a personal gift that says, “I appreciate who you are.”
Couples who’ve been side-by-side 40 years or more experience the same dilemma. That is, stressing about what gift to purchase and whether it’s affordable. Thoughts of sugar plums are replaced with: She doesn’t need anything; she already has a toaster. Or I could buy him a new plaid shirt; I’m so tired of that old one he wears.
Let’s consider alternatives that won’t sink the budget, especially with a fixed income or when finances are tight. Whether you’re employed fulltime, working two jobs, semi-retired or retired, money always seems tight this time of year. I happen to be an expert because my disposable income is scarce.
Following are suggestions for less expensive yet more personal gifts they’ll love.
- Local crafts. Craft fairs are my favorite holiday shopping venues for hand-knitted, -sewn or -crocheted items, handcrafted wooden toys and jewelry — all at a fraction of the cost of retail or online products
- A keepsake photo album decorated with cards received throughout the years
- A personalized photo calendar
- Custom photo jigsaw puzzle
- A meal out together
- Tea of the month
- A magazine subscription
- A gift basket with cookies, fruit, chocolates, nuts
- Transferring an old holiday video to DVD or flash drive
- If you’re an artist, writer or crafter, a gift created by you will be treasured
Lack of imagination and time have well-meaning family and friends reaching for gift cards. And talk about sticker shock: did you know that more than $3 billion dollars in gift cards each year is never redeemed? Then there’s the lure and ease of online shopping, but cost and iffy delivery can add stress.
If you still opt for retail, be prepared for holiday traffic, searching for parking and waiting in endless cashier lines, all making holiday shopping as appealing as Aunt Tillie’s year-old fruitcake.
Presents with a personal touch need not be expensive and we older kids still love them. Okay, ready, set, happy holidays!
Joan B. Reid is the author of Joyful Passage: A Woman’s Path to Retirement,navailable on Amazon. Contact her at joan.reid612@gmail.com