SPOILER ALERT: I love gifts! I love giving them, I love receiving them and I love shopping for them. It doesn’t stress me out. It gives me joy. I’m freakish that way. So you’ve been warned; I love this time of year.
Here are some of my favorite gift ideas for this year: (By the way, we are not sponsored, compensated or any way related to these folks. I just like their stuff!)
- Board Games. My current favorite is more of a puzzle than a game. It combines color with I love with Sudoku, which I recently learned to love. Colorku is as beautiful to look at as it is fun to play. I bought this for my daughter and her husband but when it arrived larger, weightier and infinitely more substantial than expected, I realized I could not ship it to the UK without hiring a private jet. So I did what any self-sacrificing mother would do. I kept it. A few lessons on the art of Sudoku from my very clever youngest child and I’m obsessed. I think you could also use it with young children for pattern play, plus it just looks great on the coffee table.
- Photo Books. Why not try your hand at a custom photo book for someone you love? It’s surprisingly affordable, coupons abound on the inter webs, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Lately, I am loving Simple Prints, but I have also had great luck with Shutterfly. For a really superior (but pricier) finished product try My Publisher. I like Simple Prints because if you download the app, you can basically create a photo book right from your iPhone with photos you’ve snapped on your phone, which is my primary . My latest project was for my Dad as a memento of our trip to Kansas City to the Farm Broadcasting Association Convention.
- Sentimental Jewelry. Remember back in the day when mother’s rings were gaudy stones set in shiny gold plated rings? No more. Lisa Leonard designs can help you select the perfect, classic, funky gift for your mom, sis, friend or kid. I just love her simple but elegant vibe. She also partners with Dayspring with lovely Scripture and hymn inspired pieces.
Recently, when I had my first glimpse of our new website, I exclaimed, “I love the light-up Ampersand. I wish I had a light-up Ampersand!” You see, the Ampersand was a carefully chosen symbol for our little company. To us it stands for connection, community and collaboration. It stands for what we want to do for our clients: connecting good companies with customers.
Well guess what! My awesome sister-in-law and business partner Deidre (along with Tim) surprised me with my very own light up Ampersand! It’s a thing of beauty, custom painted to match my home office decor, and I can’t wait to get it plugged in at home.
So thoughtful, so personal and so very meaningful.
And those are the best gifts of all.
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