Thought That Counts

When exchanging gifts people love to say, “It’s the thought that counts,” especially to cover up any awkwardness. I’ve given a lot of thought to Christmas gifts today, so I guess that should count for something.

For some, Christmas shopping takes on a frenzied, panic-stricken feeling this time of year. With less than a week to go until Christmas, even the most creative of us can be put to the test trying to come up with the perfect gift at the last minute.

So, as my gift to you allow me to offer some gift ideas.  If the person has a hobby or a collection use that as your theme. For instance, I was standing outside today filling birdfeeders in sub zero weather. Only an idiot would do that right –not necessarily. Bird lovers who live in Minnesota also fit the bill (or beak). So for them, a gift list could include, books about birds, birdseed, bird feeders, binoculars, and bird shot when they’ve grown tired of standing in the cold spilling expensive birdseed on the ground

Anyone who displays a collection (figurines, bottle caps, commemorative presidential plates) in his or her home is fair game for an addition at Christmas time.  Ignore them if they tell you they have enough. As long as they have their display, you can thoughtfully add to it.  It’s that easy.

You can also bring some light into someone’s world. It gets dark quite early this time of year in Minnesota, but you can change that with a candle. Candles can set the mood for a romantic dinner until wax drips on the tablecloth. When the sunsets in the afternoon a candle can help brighten an otherwise cold, dark day. They come in a variety of colors and scents certain to annoy the most sensitive on your list. Make sure to buy the kind that crackles as it burns. It will fire their imagination as it gives them something to listen to and smell on those long winter nights. “Do you smell AND hear something burning?”

Although it’s true that not everyone loves wearing a scarf, there are few things more practical and fashionable than a scarf. A scarf will keep you warm, and if paired with the right outfit, it will speak volumes about your style sense. Consider giving a scarf as a gift. It’s as if you were giving the recipient a hug when they put it on. If they don’t hate it, they will thank you.

Quick and easy gifts include a snow shovel for the fitness freak who insists they need to go to the gym for a good workout; pecan pie filling in a jar for the person too lazy to bake a pie (you can eat it by the spoonful right from the jar – trust me), a thermometer with a reading for absolute zero (-460 Fahrenheit) for our friends in the south who think twenty below is cold, and a generous supply of lip balm to keep his or her lips from freezing, cracking and falling off.

Last, but not least – give the gift of stationary and stamps. Include a hand-written note expressing your sentiments. They will appreciate the thought.

Merry Christmas.