‘Tis the Season of
Giving
by B J Clark
The season of giving
is nearing once again and as the song goes, “Santa
is checking his list to see whether you have been naughty or nice.” For
some of us, if Santa saw our credit card statement in January, we
would immediately make the top of his naughty list. Many of us buy
into the idea that “more is better” and go into debt
buying gifts. While it is fun to give and receive, how much fun is
it to pay off your credit card? So re-think gift giving, especially
for those who may not be as mobile or live in a limited space. What
gifts could you give that would not occupy space, collect dust or
go unused?
The following are some suggestions you might consider:
• Bus pass or gift certificate for a taxi that serves their area.
• Pedicures, manicures, massages; a spa day. Some places will
even come to the home.
• Hand and body lotion, body wash, cologne, bath consumables,
etc. Ask about preferences. Most people have their favorites and may
have fragrance allergies.
• Gourmet coffee or tea.
• Be sure to include batteries (rechargeable batteries are great)
with anything you give that requires them. Just giving batteries is
a winner—think of how many things we use that require them.
• Magazine, newspaper, newsletter publications.
• Computer lessons; learning how to use e-mail can allow someone
to easily correspond with others.
• Wreaths, flowers and bulbs, particularly seasonal ones.
• A calendar that is personalized with family photos (available
at Kinko’s and other printing stores).
• Phone cards; good for long distance calling.
• Tickets to movies, concerts, Community Theater, sporting events,
etc.
• Music—You can even personalize a tape or CD with their
favorites.
• Photos of family and friends; include a photo album.
• Postage stamps and stationary or all occasion cards. The stationary
can even be personalized and you can also make return address labels.
If you are really in the spirit, volunteer some time to help someone
write a note or address cards.
• Give a service; housecleaning, yard service, snow shoveling,
etc.
• Supplies for a favorite hobby.
For people that need large print materials, consider:
• Large print cookbooks, puzzles, word searches, playing cards,
and other games.
• Large numbered phones and photo phones.
• Other assistive devices; large button remote control for TV,
talking indoor/outdoor thermometer, easy grip keyholders.
• Check out the Low Vision Store, Call 651-203-2200 for a free
catalog or visit online at www.lowvisionstore.com.
• Books on tape or CD are available for purchase, but you can
have access to a whole library at the State Services for the Blind,
651-642-0500, TTY 651-642-0506. They offer free reading material in
alternate formats to people who have trouble reading normal print due
to a visual or physical limitation.
Gift certificates are great and stores have made them available
for everything from clothing to restaurants to pet supply stores.
If you plan to give them do some checking first.
• Is there an expiration date?
• Does it have to be used in the store or can it be used online?
• What if the place goes out of business?
• Will a gift certificate actually be convenient for the person
using it?
• If you give a restaurant gift certificate, make sure they deliver
and the certificate can be used in that manner.
If you give food, consider:
• The person’s diet. Are they diabetic or a vegetarian?
Consider their tastes. Maybe a gift certificate to their local grocery
store might be best.
• Amount of food; try not to give too much food that is perishable,
it may go to waste.
• Making meals that can be frozen in plastic containers. Attach
a label with the contents (make the print large for those that need
it), the heating time and the date the dish was prepared.
Of course the greatest gift is when you give of yourself. You can
make handmade gift certificates or coupons for various things. If
you are not into calligraphy or art, you can make it on the computer.
Here are some ideas:
• Offer a day of ‘YOU’. For one day they have your
undivided attention. This can include anything from spending time with
them or shopping, mending, fixing, painting, cleaning, etc. You may
want to put in dates that ‘YOU’ are redeemable and how
far in advance they need to tell you.
• Teach someone how to use a computer.
• Read to someone. Bake with someone. Spend time with someone.
• Give someone a ride to their place of worship, doctor’s
appointment, hair appointment, etc. When you offer a ride to someone’s
place of worship confirm the times. It is nice to arrive early and
allow time to visit after the service. If giving a coupon or certificate
for a ride somewhere, you may want to include information that tells
the user the best times to redeem it, e.g. Sat. morning, Sun. afternoon.
• Rake the leaves in someone’s yard, shovel the snow from
someone’s sidewalk/driveway.
• Help someone go through, organize pictures and record who the
people are or what the event was, etc.
• For grandparents, spend a day with your grandchildren and do
anything they want.
• For adult children, make a weekly date with your parents on
Sunday morning.
Your thoughts and gifts
are always appreciated by those you share with, but these ideas
will hopefully help you help yourself and your budget along the
way. Get on Santa’s (and your own!) ‘Nice
list’ this year by being nice to yourself, too. And remember,
smiles and check-in phone calls are free!
