Gift-Giving Made Easy!

Ahhh, December...
It's that time of year again, and the holiday season puts many of us under pressure to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones... and quick! It's the usual struggle to find a gift that the person will actually find useful and appreciate, and spend the right amount of money, and of course there's a deadline! To make matters worse, going out shopping among crowds of other shoppers can be distressing. Fear not: what follows is a short list of gift ideas that are thoughtful and easy. You won't even have to go anywhere to get them!

1. Make your own gift certificates. They can be worth a lot, and without costing you a lot. Suggestions include the gift of dog-walking, home-cooked meals, baby-sitting, house-cleaning, or other things from which your loved one might appreciate a break.

2. Give the gift of quality time together- in the future. Spending time together is memorable and rewarding, whether it's for the whole family or a smaller crowd. For example, a weekend at a Bed&Breakfast, tickets for movies, invitations to dinners out, spa-trips, ski/snowboard getaways, or plans for other future times spent together.

3. For the person that has it all, or is trying to de-clutter their lives, or never seems to like or appreciate things they've been given before, give a donation to charity in their name. You can even choose a charity related to their interests. Charity Navigator is a very helpful website to browse and find the perfect organization. It's a great way to help someone whose needs are bigger than our own.

4. Order gift cards from businesses. Even though they are less personal than something hand-picked, it's easy, and the person will be able to pick something they really want. Almost every store or business (even fast food and gas stations!) offers them. Aiyana Acupuncture even offers the gift of health, by pre-paying for someone's acupuncture treatment!

5. Give a subscription. Aside from the many magazine choices out there, for someone who loves books, Audible.com offers a big selection of downloadable books (which can go to ipod or mp3 disc) and Netflix and Blockbuster have DVD subscriptions available.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Posted by Jessica Silver, MAOM, L.Ac.