Give Presence Not Presents

Throughout the year we have many gift-giving opportunities to show love to those around us. From Christmas to Birthdays, Valentines Day and more, our thoughts turn to finding the perfect gift. Before you shop and wrap remember that our loved ones need more of our presence than our presents! This type of gift giving uses more creativity, less of our money and more of our heart. Need some ideas on how you can give of your presence and not just store bought presents?

DINNER FOR 2

Instead of purchasing restaurant gift certificates for someone, invite them to dinner with you! Make sure they understand that you are picking up the tab as your gift to them, but the real gift will be the time you get to spend together.

SHOPPING SPREE GIFTS

My mother simply hates shopping for me. She also hates shopping with me. Ok, she hates shopping period. But she knows how much I love it! That's why it is such a wonderful gift to me when she takes me on a shopping spree for my birthday every year. If you had planned to buy a loved one something at the store, you can still give of your presence too. Invite your special someone to come pick it out with you. I still remember when I was younger, and a boyfriend took me shopping. He had me model the knit sweater for him before he bought it for me. The sweater is long gone and moth eaten but the memory is still knit tightly in my mind.

COUPONS

Clipping coupons is an excellent way to save money when shopping but they are also a great way to save money when gift giving. The home computer has made coupon books easy and professional looking. Trying to think creatively about what your loved one needs is the hardest part of making meaningful coupons. Would your husband love his own indoor tailgate party with a coupon for a night of uninterrupted football coverage complete with his favorite snacks and drinks? Or maybe your young teenage daughter needs a coupon book offering taxi rides anywhere her and her friends want to be chauffeured for the night? You get the idea. Be creative.

INCENTIVES & BRIBES

Whatever politically correct word you use, incentives for children to get good grades or allowance given to complete weekly chores or reach behavioral goals are generally money or present oriented. I would like to suggest that you substitute presence for presents in this situation too once in a while. My parents used to take me to a good movie when I got good grades at the end of each quarter, even if I would have preferred the cash like my friends got, it strengthened our relationship more than the money ever would have.

When I was potty training my oldest daughter, instead of giving her candy to reinforce her efforts, I would let her draw an activity from a jar. She knew that I would drop everything and give her my undivided attention and presence to read her a story, color with her, eat a Popsicle with her, etc. Now that this same daughter is 8 and she would much rather have me cater and entertain at her sleep over party, than to be given an allowance as appreciation for doing her chores!

If you truly believe that Time = Money, than give a gift worth it's wealth in gold.

About The Author

Author Rachel Webb has been married 9 years and enjoys 4 children. She designs 100% Magnetic Fridge Calendars in order to Schedule Family First. 5 affordable designs made entirely out of heavy duty magnet http://www.Note-Ables.com or Rachel@Note-Ables.com and mention this publication for a $2 off Coupon!

---

The Perfect Birthday Present for that Little Girl (No Batteries Required)

The DilemmaAs a mom of a five-year-old girl, I have... Read More

Top 15 Valentines Day Quotations

"If you love somebody, let them go. If they return,... Read More

Holiday Dieting: A Sweet Way To Cheat!

If your diet is making you a humbug this season,... Read More

Lost and Found (A Valentines Day Story)

I casually glanced down at my hand, but instead of... Read More

Holiday Survival Guide

The Holiday season has officially begun and Christmas is almost... Read More

Tips for Planning an Egg-stra Special Easter Party

Bunnies & chicks, colourful eggs, and the hunt for hidden... Read More

Surviving Those Holiday Blues

Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with... Read More

How to Have the ?Perfect? Christmas

"This year will be different. I vow I won't get... Read More

The Only New Year?s Resolution You Need

I am going to make a bold statement. I think... Read More

Ten Ways To Make The Holidays Easier Next Year

What does your holiday season usually look like -- a... Read More

Mothers Day Shopping Ideas

Do you know a Mom who needs to be thanked... Read More

Holiday Tips For Stepfamilies

Holiday Tips For Stepfamilies: Let Go Of The "Brady Bunch"... Read More

Trick or Treating Safety

Halloween is such a fun time of year for kids... Read More

The Truth about Mistletoe

You can call it the emasculator of the old king,... Read More

Incredibles Kid Birthday Party Idea

Mr. Incredible and Elastiwoman to the Rescue. The Incredibles based... Read More

Stress-Free Party Planning

It's a fact; most of us feel immediately stressed and... Read More

Online UK Florist Saves the Day

Here it is Thursday afternoon, and Evelyn sees no break... Read More

Planning a Gift Closet

Creating a gift closet is a wonderful way to plan... Read More

Valentines Day

Ever wondered how February 14 became, the day on which... Read More

10 Reasons Santas Broke This Year

1. Santa Spends More Than He MakesSanta's paychecks are nothing... Read More

Thats the Christmas Spirit

Last Christmas, Uncle Albert promised his neighbor, Wilson, to find... Read More

Tools and Tips for Keeping the Holidays Organized

It's November 1st. You've walked into your favorite store to... Read More

Holiday Candy Canes Are Festive and Fun

Candy canes are everyone's favorite holiday treat. Just think about... Read More

For Thanksgiving ? Be Thankful He?s Not the Cheating Kind

Infidelity is at an all time high. According to the... Read More

Wake Up ? Its Almost Fathers Day

Father's Day is approaching fast. In the USA it falls... Read More