In Search Of... the Perfect Holiday Gift

What is it about the holiday season that makes us feel differently than at any other time of the year? The heart is a little more giving and forgiving. The kindness of strangers seems to be the norm rather than the exception. And there is an air of goodwill and kinship that inspires us to be near to those we hold most dear. So how can we transform all those wonderful feelings into the perfect Christmas gift or Hanukkah gift? It all starts with the thought behind it. Really! I know it may sound cliché, but it's true.

"Heart Impression" Gifts

Think about unique holiday gifts you received in the past that stand out in your memory from all the rest. I guarantee you it won’t be the price tag that comes to mind, but the gifts that leave, what I like to call, a "heart impression" . . . those magic moments in time that become indelibly etched into the fabric of your life and which remain with you and fill your heart for years to come. Here are some ideas to get you started . . .

A Digital Year in Review

A digital picture frame (that has music playback capabilities) is a wonderful holiday gift idea that can easily create a heart impression. Don’t simply wrap a frame and "gift" it. Instead, first create your own picture show set to music.

Think about your gift recipient and the highlights the two of you have shared throughout the year. Choose pictures that represent the best of these moments. Also, if you have a ticket stub or program book from a memorable event, those, too, can be scanned or photographed and added into your picture show. Let your own creativity be your guide!

Finally, pick a song that captures the essence of your gift, and set your picture show to music. Wala! You have just created the best kind of heart impression. You put some personal thought and time into a unique holiday gift idea that will be enjoyed for years to come.

It’s All In How You Say It

If you’re like me, you have cards and notes tucked away because the message written inside by a loved one really touched you. And if you have ever lost someone close to you, their words, written in their own hand, become even that much more of a precious memento. Your own hand-written words, used in a creative way, can create this kind of personal heart impression for the special people on your holiday gift list.

As an example of a creative use of words, it's a great idea to give a decorative pouch filled with 5 brightly colored stones, each engraved with the word "Blessing." A sentiment you could attach to this gift might read, "That you will always go to sleep counting your blessings . . ." You get the picture . . . simple words used creatively have just added personal value to the gift. The next few holiday gift ideas are simple in nature, but are guaranteed to be cherished long after the holidays are over.

Personalized Desk Calendar

Purchase a daily desk calendar in a theme appropriate for your gift recipient. Choose either random dates or dates that celebrate a certain anniversary the two of you share, and write a personal note that will greet them when they get to the date. Of course there will be some recipients that will thumb through the whole calendar to read all the notes you’ve written in one setting, but encourage them to wait and be surprised. It’s a wonderful way to let someone know you think about him or her 365 days of the year.

Box of Favorites

When someone knows you well, they know all the little things you love from your favorite perfume to the decadent candy bar you treat yourself to every now and then. A unique holiday gift idea is to put together a box of such favorites, but with a personalized twist.

Once you have collected all your fun gift items (and this can be anything from a gift certificate for a favorite restaurant, special lotions or soaps, maybe even a CD compilation of favorite musical artists), attach a gift tag to each item with a personal note saying, "I know you well because . . . . ." and fill in the blanks with as personal a reflection as you would like. Next, find a fun, decorative holiday gift box and place all the treasures inside. Imagine the reaction when your special someone opens their box of personalized favorites. An instant heart impression!

Whatever you decide to "gift" this holiday season, remember to mix in a little extra special TLC to make your Christmas gift or Hanukkah gift a happy memory that lasts longer than your average purchase from the "early bird special" at the local shopping mall. Happy Holidays!