Can’t find that perfect gift? Here are some ideas.
Perhaps you’re still searching for the perfect holiday gift for that tough-to-buy-for person on your list. Or maybe you’re of the mind that the holidays are becoming far too commercial and you’re ready to forget the whole mess and cross everyone off the list this year.
One option is to take a page from the folks at the King County Solid Waste Division, who are encouraging residents to give experiences rather than “stuff” this year. Instead of creating a massive amount of consumer waste composed of boxes, wrapping paper, ribbon and tape, they’d like to suggest giving gift certificates for activities, events or experiences that the recipient can enjoy throughout the year. Check out their Web site at www.wastefreeholidays.com for ideas and discount opportunities. If none of the vendors on their list work you, it’s the perfect place to pick up a little inspiration that’s easily transferable to a local shopping effort.
If you’re hoping to leverage your gift to improve the world, there are loads of worthy charities to support in honor of someone on your list. A few clicks will take you to a comprehensive catalog of gift giving options offered by World Vision. If your budget is tight, you could consider purchasing a share in a healthy pig, a deep well or a Peruvian alpaca. In addition, there are a number of worthy charity efforts a lot closer to home that would always welcome your support.
Who’s to say you have to spend money to purchase a gift at all? An experience could also be an IOU for a long walk, a batch of cookies, a cup of coffee and a nice visit or some extra help in the yard next summer. It’s the personal and thoughtful gifts from the heart (rather than the pocketbook) that often mean the most, particularly to those who seemingly already have everything.
Whether you’re choosing to reduce holiday waste or improve the world this year, you have loads of options. Don’t let a case of the “bah humbugs” stop you from spreading a little holiday cheer.
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