Ever notice how kids can often be the best gift givers? We trudge through malls, search countless online stores, and still miss that perfect gift that says it all.
When I was five my dad piled us four girls (known to others as the K-Mart sisters because we all start with K) into our station wagon and headed off to K-Mart, ironically, a few days before Christmas to pick something out for my mom. I knew exactly what to get. No hesitation. I had heard her mention recently that we needed more straws… yes straws. Looking back on it, she was probably just mentioning it out-loud for her mental shopping list. Well, I had overheard and thought that would be the perfect gift to get. After all, she did need them. You can imagine how thrilled I was to find the option of bendable straws, versus the everyday straight variety. So, I splurged and $1.00 later, I was all set. To this day, we all laugh about the look on my mom’s face after she opened the gift and heard my explanation of why I had picked such a perfect (strange) gift.
It really is the thought that counts.
Here at Kim & Jason, we’ve been enjoying receiving a handful of heartwarming emails from customers of our online store, The Lemonade Stand, sharing how the “cool stuff” they bought served as that connecting point between them and their loved ones this holiday season. It’s neat to hear the individual stories and to get a taste of how excited they were to give their gifts.
The holidays are certainly not just about the gifts, but giving and receiving gifts can be an interesting experiment that often reveals how well people really know each other. Jason and I really enjoy taking the time to pick out that “perfect gift” for our family members. It does take more time, but the looks on their faces are always worth it. I was most excited for my dad to open the Steve Urkel shirt Jason and I found at the Mall of America, featuring a picture of Jaleel White saying, “Did I do that?” My dad loved Urkel in the days of TGIF.
As far as receiving gifts goes I would guess that most people have at least one person in their life who gives gifts that say something about the one receiving it. Here are a few of the gifts that said something to me this Christmas about how other people view me.
• A t-shirt, saying “Life is Short, Eat Dessert First.
• A t-shirt with a picture of the Charlie Brown Christmas crew.
• A retro T-shirt featuring Mr. Owl, from the old Tootsie Roll commercials.
• Giraffe and ladybug socks
Fun stuff! It’s a neat thing to know that people “get” you. Is it weird to be giving an (almost) 30-year-old socks donning giraffes? Not if that 3 decade old recipient is ME.
Another meaningful gift I received recently was actually advice from my father-in-law to check out the TV show, The Big Idea, with Donny Deutsch on CNBC (Your Roadmap to the American Dream.) It’s like reading a motivation book every night. I’m loving it! His mindfulness in connecting us to this show is something that means a lot.
What gift did you give or receive that was just “perfect” this holiday season?
[tags] gift giving, Charlie Brown, Mr. Owl, giraffes, Urkel, Jaleel White, The Big Idea, Donny Deutsch, CNBC[/tags]
When Jim and I got married, we received many lovely gifts – dishes, china, crystal, silver platters…lovely.
But my favorite wedding gift of all was given to us by the little girl (not so little anymore) that I have mentored for over 10 years. She was my flower girl. Her mom had bought us a gift – but Katie wanted one that came just from her.
So she wrapped up a little bar of hotel soap and gave us that.
We still have and treasure that bar of soap to this day.
I love the way you think!
Warmly,
Donna Cutting
One more reason why I love this post.
I usually love Christmas. But this year I found myself discouraged about gift giving and receiving.
My family (and my husband’s family) all exchange lists…here’s what I want…here’s what they want.
And then, we all buy from each other’s lists.
I started to think….why bother? Why don’t we just take our money and go purchase the items on our own list and save ourselves the trouble?
Next year…I’m not asking for a list. You and Jason are right – it’s much more fun when it comes from the heart and you have to really think about the person you are buying for.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Warmly,
Donna
I want that Charlie Brown t-shirt!!! Any ideas where it came from? I have to watch that show every year and know it almost by heart. Many phrases are part of the vernacular at our house: “Don’t you know sarcasm when you hear it?” “You didn’t answer right away! You had to think about it!” “On the contrary, I didn’t think I looked that good” And my personal favorite (besides Linus doing the Christmas story) “Ack! I’ve been kissed by a dog! Get some iodine, get some hot water, get some disinfectant! Bleah…………(Snoopy’s reply).
Kim,
Those gifts sound great. I’m so jealous! You and I could shop together any time. I too love the gift giving. That Urkel shirt sounds great. I love to go online or look in unusual places that I know friends and family don’t go. Then I can really get them something unusual. My mother-in-law has gotten Garfield magnets, California raisins note pads and M&M candy dishes and stuffed animals. Let the good times roll!