Gift Ideas
Working in retail I have seen the infusion of Christmas all over both of the stores I work at. It has got me thinking of the upcoming holidays and presents. While my Muslim family doesn't traditionally celebrate Christmas, we do have another EID coming up and that means gifts. With the economy in the shape it is, I am trying to find alternative ideas for traditional gift giving and came up with these two, what I suppose, gems.
1. A gift of time. This is so precious and so valuable and yet we take for granted, giving to someone five hours of your time, to help a person you care for maybe cook, run errands, clean the house, wash the car etc.
2. Giving to charity in the name of the person. This kills two birds with one stone, giving a gift and helping those less fortunate (who need it now even more than ever, as charities say they have seen a decline in giving). You could give to my delightful friend JellyKean's bareass campaign, with all money going to America's Second Harvest Foodbank. A charity gift is a gift that is not only loving but further giving.
If you have some ideas for a less material present, feel free to suggest....
posted by Virginia Gal @ 1:25 AM
9 Comments:
We have done the gift of a donation to charity in my family. It's a bit tricky, I think - I've always thought it's important to make sure the charity is one the person would actually support. (I'm not comfortable with organizations that serve meat, for instance).
Those are both really good ideas. I know I'd love to have the gift of someone's time these days, when it's hard to move around and get stuff done on my own.
I'd also especially love to have the gift of someone cooking for us -- dinners to put in the freezer, cookies, etc. Don't underestimate the power of food!
Perhaps help the children of a less fortunate family to have a more enjoyable Christmas. You have some fine ideas!
The headquarters for Heifer Project International are here in Little Rock, Arkansas. I worked as a temp for them about 11 years ago. It's a wonderful charity that is geared towards ending world hunger. Check it out if you aren't familiar with it!
Trisha
how about sitting for a friend with children! time is always a good thing but when attached as a babysitter moms eyes lighten up
Great idea, but remember before we help the world start small with our own families. Try being polite and patient for a day. Cook a meal for someone you love at home, go shopping or to a movie with the specail person in your life. These are all gifts of time, which you pointed out is precious.
We all seem so anxious to help the needy in the world, what about our own families and friend? Just something to ponder. A polite word and a kind deed goes a long way.
Austen
The time one is good. But the giving to charity? That's giving because you want to, it's not a gift for anyone else. It is not a replacement, and sometimes an insult if you pick a charity the 'receiver' is opposed to.
Citizen - good point, you should make sure the person supports the charity.
Shannon - excellent idea, food!! Good one!
Brenda - oh kids of a less well off family, fabulous thought!
Trisha - thank you for the tip of Heifer International!
Mommantor - oh a mother's gift indeed! Wonderful suggestion!
Austen - superb ideas! I like the idea of being patient all day with family members : )
Joe - interesting point..perhaps you could ask the person if in lieu of a gift, would they like you to give a gift to charity in their name? I guess I am trying to shy away from all the materialism we are so consumed with.
thanks so much for the shout out! my blog is one year old in a week! couldn't have done it without you
:)
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