Alternative Gift Giving

Thought I would share a gift idea that my friend started a couple of years ago with her children. Underneath there Christmas tree, she wrapped a gift with 12 envelopes in it. Each envelope had a month written on it. Inside the envelope was a piece of paper that listed a special activity the child enjoyed doing and also designated which parent the activity would be taking place with that month. The activities were all from different price ranges from going for a bike ride to going to a play together. The envelope is opened at the beginning of its designated month and then the date is put on their calendars.

My friend admitted that the first year her children were polite when they opened up the gifts and did not seem overly excited. This changed though after the first year of monthly special activities. Now, this has become one of their most anticipated gifts. My friend says that her and her husband also look forward to their "dates" each month with their children and have developed some treasured memories from them.

I give this as an example that treasured gifts do not have to cost a lot of money and to get your creative juices started. Try to think of a gift this year that gives of your time versus just a material thing. Relationships are so important and worth the time and effort.