Finding the Perfect Gift This Holiday Season

Dear Coach,

I want to model a less consumption centered lifestyle for my grandchildren. For Christmas (and other gift giving events), it seems they receive a mountain of toys or “stuff” that soon finds its way into corners or under beds. The thrill of the new, shiny item quickly disappears.

Do you have ideas on what I can give them that will be more lasting and meaningful? My grandchildren range in age from eight to eighteen.

Thanks and Happy Holidays!

Signed,

Grandma

Dear Grandma,

I too search for gifts with meaning. Sometimes I’m successful, other times not so much. 

Here are a few ideas (proven and awaiting approval) that I’ve used:

My nine-year-old granddaughter likes to cook. This Christmas I’m giving her a cute apron and a clever coupon for a cooking class with me. We’ll make a four-course dinner together and serve it to her family. I did this a few years ago with my grandson. It was a great success and is still a meaningful memory.

Tickets to a live performance are always popular with my teenage grands. When the musical, “Hamilton,” came to Chicago, I splurged and gave my granddaughter tickets for her birthday. Her uncle, my son, heard about the excursion and asked to join us. It’s one of my most memorable outings. Three generations, who were rarely together, not only loved the performance but bonded in a unique way.

If my out-of-state grown children plan to visit us on Marco Island in the spring, I give them certificates for a couple’s dinner at a nice restaurant on the island as a Christmas gift. It’s something for them to look forward to and a chance to have free babysitters for a date night. 

I recently gave my oldest granddaughter a ring that had belonged to my mother (her great grandmother that she never knew). I plan to do this with other special pieces of jewelry as my granddaughters get older.

When my son was a young adult, he asked me to make him a quilt out of old blue jeans (he saw the idea in a magazine). He purchased all the materials (jeans from the thrift shop, backing, middle) so the only gift was in the making - which was considerable since I’m not a quilter. At forty-one, he still loves his quilt!

All of my grands, eight in all, like craft kits and art supplies. These are lasting gifts that keep their creative juices flowing. They also appreciate blank books. Some use them for journaling, some for sketching.

For a high school graduation gift, I offered to take my middle daughter on a trip of her choice. She chose to visit her sister who was attending graduate school in New York City. That was almost thirty years ago and it’s still a wonderful memory for all three of us. 

A Facebook friend suggested an annual pass to the local zoo or museum. Another suggested sewing kits with a coupon for grandma’s time to help the recipient with a sewing project. Another suggested lessons. Piano, horseback riding, surfing - wherever their interests lie. What about the gift of baby chicks or lambs for a family in another country to raise to help them be more self-sufficient? Several organizations provide this. Give your grandchild a stuffed lamb or chick in recognition of the gift.

Each of my step-great-grands receive a book every year. To make them special, I inscribed, Merry Christmas from Great Grandma and Grandpa, on the inside. I hope the books become keepsakes when they realize that not everyone is lucky enough to get to know their great grandparents.

One of life’s greatest gifts is gratitude. This year I’m going to put a note of gratitude in each adult child and grandchild’s gift bag.

May your gift-giving bring you joy!