What was the best gift you ever received? Why was that such a special gift?
Like many, I really enjoy giving gifts. I like finding items that send the message, I love you, I care about you, I want you to be happy and know that you are loved.
As I think about that today, I am also thinking about the best gifts I've received in my lifetime--gifts that truly made me smile and feel warm all over.
Over time, the best gifts I've received have been simple notes, hand-made gifts, or experiences that have been more intimate, quiet, and thoughtful. I haven't received a lot of big, fancy gifts, and that's not what I really want or need. It is the small, personal gifts that have meant the most to me.
Drawing table
Many years ago, before we were married, my husband gave me a drawing table. I loved that gift as it represented his belief and value when it came to my interests in drawing and creativity, and it provided me with a good space to draw.
Easel
As a child, one of my favorite gifts was an easel. I felt like a real artist when I set up that easel in a nook at my house and began to paint.
Video
For a hallmark birthday, my son put together a thoughtful video--that meant a lot to me.
Coffee mugs
Friends gave me these awesome coffee mugs that I admired when I visited their home--the design of the mug is simply perfect, and the ceramic cups keep my morning coffee hot too. Later they gave me a few other ceramic items that were equally well designed and perfect for entertaining.
Paintings and Drawings
I've received beautiful gifts of paintings and drawings that I have hanging in my home--art that brings me such joy everytime I look at designs.
Framed photos
Framed photos of meaningful times and special people also bring me joy.
Flotation device and flippers/cross country skiis
Once I received an awesome flotation device and flippers that afforded me some great water adventures, and another time I received cross country skiis that allowed some wonderful winter adventures too.
For my loved ones, the best gifts we've given have been gifts of experiences including adventures near and far, admission to special places or performances and tuition for courses and degrees. There's been fuding for tech devices too which have been both useful and pleasurable over time.
The truly best gifts are gifts that represent that someone has listened to you, knows who you are and what you like/need, and takes the time and attention to honor you with such a kind gesture.
I am thinking about the gifts I'm giving this season, and the gifts I will give in the future. I am wondering what will truly provide the people I love with something they need or want, and something that will let them know that they are loved. Onward.