We at Holiday Gifts To Go are in the happiness business…
Now, we’ve heard it said that “money can’t buy happiness”. Well, we believe that it can. But, only when you’re buying a gift for someone else.
It’s true! Haven’t you ever felt that glorious sense of contribution; how something that you had done, even just a small gesture that made someone else positively elated with absolute joy. That’s the one!
Two things: first, you only get out of anything what you had put in and, second, what you fail to give away (of yourself), you will lose forever. There it is, the carrot and the stick; the good and the bad. I am telling you, that it’s the people that put the most thought into the gesture that get the most enjoyment out of it’s offering. This is what gift giving is all about, isn’t it? And, when it comes to your grandmother, it’s a whole lot easier than you might have otherwise thought…
Most of the time the best gifts for your grandma are the ones that demonstrate to her that her most cherished moments are forever remembered. The most treasured, heartwarming gifts are the personal and thoughtful. A locket or frame with a photo of a family happening that she had a big part in, sometimes something as simple a mother and child pendant with a teaching she had offered at some point in your life that changed you forever, or even just a family bracelet are all terrific and memorable gift ideas for any grandmother. And, you know, for the grandmother who has everything, it seems, a sentimental gift can be customized to surprise and endear for a lifetime.
In this particular scenario, there are some hints based on our experience that can help. For instance, my Grandma was in a retirement village in her last several years. While she was very happy there, surrounded by friends but, her living space while very nice, was somewhat limited. In a case like this, perhaps jewelry with personalized meaning would work or something as simple as a rubber jar opener with a pictur of you or the two of you at a favorite place screened onto the center.
Could a simple picture combined with a handwritten memory do just as well as a physical gift? If so, be sure to add some flair, just to be fun. Many grandmothers get gifts from multiple family members. Perhaps team up on giving your gift this year, get group input, and add everyone’s name to the gift message. Is there anything in grandma’s home that can be replaced with something more meaningful, but just as useful?
A good gift for grandmothers could also be something that keeps her safe like a LifeStations Mobile Alert system with GPS which would allow for such a huge sense of peace-of-mind to both gift giver as much as the recipient and provides the freedom and flexibility everyone wants. Then there are those gifts that keep grandma cozy or busy. Bath accessories, DIY kits or extra lighting can be unique gifts for grandmothers.
It’s a very good idea to provide a holiday card of some real substance, one that fully grasps the connections between the two of you and perhaps implies the ones still to come. A sticker on a wrapped package is often okay but, when you want the full effect, go with a standout greeting card. Some are even so amazing that they could almost be a gift unto themselves. Hallmark has an amazing collection this year.
Lastly, grandmothers have an important place in the family. It’s usually one to wisdom, respect, love and reverence. And, it’s funny how most people (not just grandmothers) often find themselves identifying, hopefully positively, with their respective positions in the family. This said, put yourself in her place for a moment and try on a reassurance of that places respect by expressing something like”Dear Grandma, we all have learned so much from you and I know that there is so much more where that all came from. I hope you have a terrific Christmas and Happy New Year! As well, when you find your gift while in the prescribed state of mind, you will, in turn, likely find yourself offering something like “These made me think of how much you love gardening! Merry Christmas to my Nanna!”. This sort of thing always shows that you were really thinking of her and nothing makes anyone feel so special, truly cherished and loved.
Love to your Grandma!