I approach life with a “less is more and even less is even more” practice. I prefer gifting someone with generosity, kindness, gentleness, time, listening-to-understand…
Christmas and birthdays can become difficult for my circle who love gifting with material tokens of love. People ask, “If you don’t like extra material possessions, what am I supposed to get you?” My answer? Consumables and outings!
A friend challenged me to publicly post an idea list to help her understand my appreciation for minimal inventory. I rise to the challenge!
My favorite things
*Donations to inner-city schools and youth centers
*Donations to animal rescues and humane societies
*Gift certificates to retreat centers
*Tickets to live theatre
*Cabin/Bed & Breakfast stays
*A dream chasing/travel partner. I have at least 200 places and experiences I want to explore. So far, I’ve gotten 67 of those dreams realized.
*Workshops, classes, seminars to satisfy my insatiable curiosity to learn
*One-on-one walks and phone dates with an occasional coffee or lunch date.
There ARE some material gifts I do enjoy:
*Candles with citrus or bakery scents (no rose, lavender or patchouli!)
*Any flavor of Dunkin Donut coffee
*Wal-Mart and JC Penney gift cards (the only two places I shop for clothes and essentials)
*Grocery gift cards (I love to cook and bake)
*Turtlenecks in every color (the kind that go all the way up the neck)
*Thick white or black socks
*Double-sized bed flannel sheets (I can never be too warm!)
*Fun print postage stamps (the FROG ones from last year are still my favorite)
*Dark chocolate (bonus if it includes mint or nuts…so the chocolate doesn’t get lonely)
*Note and thank you cards that are blank inside
*FROG stickers and stationery (FROGS have animated fun expressions)
*Orchid, turquoise and lime green are my happy colors
Readers, your turn! What gifts do you give to a “non-materially driven minimalist”? What “less material” gifts do you love to receive?
Leaping into the holiday lily pad of life from the FROG Blog,
Christina