Thoughtful Thursday: Giving Gifts

Today I baked cookies on my new silicone baking mats that my Mom gave me for Christmas! There is a story behind why she gave them to me, and I'll share that later. I learned the art of how to give thoughtful gifts, from none-other than my awesome Mom. I grew up in pretty humble circumstances, but every birthday and Christmas it seemed my Mom always gave gifts from the heart, that she knew we would love. As I have become a wife and mother, I have followed her example. Here are a couple hints on how to get someone just what they want, and let them know you really care about them.

Listen closely and remember things people say throughout the year; they will always give hints of things they want without saying "I want...". For some reason, I had told my Mom about trying to get those baking mats at Costco when they were on sale. Our Costco said they would not be getting any more in stock, so I was bummed I couldn't get them. When my Mom gave them to me on Christmas, I hadn't even remembered saying something about that to her; but she remembered, and she found some at her Costco. She was able to get me something I really wanted for Christmas, without her asking or me telling her something specific. When I was first married, I had remembered my husband talking about how he hadn't gotten a new suit for many years. His birthday was only a few weeks after we got married, and I had ordered a suit and had it sent to my parent's house before the wedding. He was so surprised and almost cried when he opened it up; he said it was the nicest gift he had ever received.

Really get to know what a person likes and enjoys; this will help to at least have a direction when looking for a gift. This is pretty easy to do with your spouse and kids, but sometimes it's more difficult for other family members you may not spend as much time with. My family does a sibling gift exchange every Christmas. This could include a brother or sister-in-law, so sometimes I have to go to a spouse or other family member to ask questions. It's fun for me to be given a different person each year to really think about what I can give to them that will make them smile or laugh.

It really is the thought that counts, not the amount of money spent. Sometimes a gift from the heart can mean more than something money can buy. As a mom, some of my favorite gifts are the little crafts my kids make at school or primary. My husband loves to write, and has written me some very touching poems he's given me with a card and flowers. I know my parents always enjoy getting letters of appreciation and love. Maybe even an offer of service, such as tending kids so a couple could go on a date. Giving of yourself is the greatest gift of all.