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- Is there
a fitness fanatic on your gift list? Maybe something for the
exercise they do - video, walking tape, weights, gym membership or
concession ticket to the local swimming pool would be just the thing.
- A cheese lovers
dream. Select a variety of special cheeses, a cheese board and knife.
You could also include some savoury crackers (biscuits).
- A sketch pad,
lead pencils, eraser and variety of coloured pencils or paints and
brushes makes a practical present for someone who loves to draw or
paint.
- For the younger
folk on your list, put together an activity pack including colouring
book, coloured pencils or crayons, childrens card games like snap
and happy families.
- Make a holder
for all those plastic shopping bags we seem to gather. Need
some help?
- For something
outrageously different - book a flight in a hot air balloon, a jet
boat ride or a bungy jump.
- Decorate a
small Christmas tree with home-made ornaments, miniature toys, cookies,
or potpourri bags as a special gift for that friend who can't do their
decorations this year.
- For the sports
fan, music lover or movie buff give a book or other literature on
that persons favourite sport, sport personality, artist or star.
An appropirate magazine subscription is just as ideal.
- Almost every
Christmas shopping list has one student on it or someone who lives
away from home. A telephone card makes a practical gift for
that person.
- Now here
is something different, how about a membership to your local zoo,
sponsor an animal in the name of the reciever. Or a membership to
your local museum, art gallery or other place of interest.
- For some special
people, a gift weekend away makes a great treat. Organise a voucher
with a hotel, motel or bed and breakfast in a get-away place. Put
the voucher along with maps and information about the accomodation
and area in an envelope folder and tie with ribbon. You may also want
to include some petrol vouchers.
- A friend
or relative who has a favourite poem, quote, or saying will be able
to relish it often if hand written by a skilled calligrapher or hand-painted
in a frame or on a plaque.
- For the person
that doesn't cook and enjoys eating out, a coupon book to various
restaurants gives them a great opportunity to try a variety cuisine
and resturants they probably haven't been to while enjoying a discount.
- Make sure
those special friends and family are prepared. Put together an emergency
kit. In a plastic bucket (nappy buckets a good because they have a
lid) put flashlights, bottled water, solar powered radio, extra batteries,
canned foods (with ring tops or don't forget the manual can opener),
blankets and first aid kit.
- A Christmas
(or greeting) doormat is just the thing. There is one for every
celebration and the prices are quite reasonable. Can't find
what you want? Get a plain one and stencil it yourself.
- Thinking
of giving some glassware as a gift this Christmas? Include a
good bottle of champagne with them. It's a sparkling way to
start any celebration. Use sparkling apple juice or sparkling
grape juice if the recipient doesn't drink alcohol.
- Give gold
for Christmas. Gold coloured candles in a gold coloured wire
basket, along with gold table napkins and rings, gold ribbon and gold
beads. Midas would love this Christmas special. Don't
forget to package your gift in golden paper or a golden gift bag.
- A picnic
blanket or attractive throw make a wonderfully useful gift. They can
be seasonal or plain.
A gift of time is precious and very special.
- Volunteer
to help prepare and serve a Christmas meal at a shelter, church, temple,
or synagogue.
- If you have
elderly or unwell friends, relatives or neighbours help them get their
Christmas shopping done, mow their lawn or weed their garden.
- Offer to babysit
for family or friends to allow parents to get their Chistmas chores
done or simply have a night off.
- Can you sing?
Know others who do? Organise them into a team of carol singers
and visit a hospital or retirement home. Take along some Christmas
goodies to share. You may be the only Christmas spirit some
folk have.
- Address Christmas
cards for someone who is unable to do it themself. Make a special
trip to the post office to see that the cards get posted.
- Keep Children
busy while last minute dinner preparations are being made. Read
Christmas stories to them. Consider organising a little play
(this calls for a little preparation on your part but it really can
be worth it).
- If your city
or town is noted for its beautiful decorations, take someone, who
otherwise would miss the experience, for a day or evening drive so
they can enjoy them too.
- Christmas
is about giving. Make a donation in the name of a friend
or family member to a needy cause. Present a card to that person
detailing the organisation and how the donation will be used.
Have a Happy
Christmas!
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