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| image by annacpictures on Pixabay |
Unlike some of my family members (i.e. Julie) who are truly gifted givers, the kind who take mental notes all year long of the gift-ees preferences, I am foursquare in Camp Clueless. Oh, I know IN GENERAL that Evan would not flip over an illustrated children’s Bible, but maybe there’s one specific, expensive, out-of-print edition he’d just love?
See what I mean? Forever barking up the wrong Christmas tree, that’s me!
Add to my aimless and fruitless mall wanderings? The ever-faster ticking countdown to Yule Morning!
And I know I have company (don’t I? Don’t I?) So, as a public service, I offer you my suggestions for super LMGs (last minute gifts) that won’t, as they say, “break the bank.”
For Baby (Birth-Age 1): How about a subscription to the Pacifier of the Month Club? Or a festive “Pampered Babe” gift of…Pampers? Or just pass along that random toy your older kids used to teethe upon! This is the Golden Age of Childhood, when they will not care, nor ever remember, what you got them!
For Children (Ages 2-7): Golden Age is over! Stakes are much higher now, as a poor choice will scar them for LIFE! There’s nothing like the Gift of Your Time and Attention! As long as that Gift involves an ultra-pricey Disney vacay, multiple purchases from Build-a-Bear Workshop/American Girl Store, and enough candy to rot their precious little teeth! Pro Tip—give these presents in the form of “IOUs,” which they are bound to misplace! “Awww, too bad, sweetie, you’ll need the IOU itself to redeem!”
For Teens (Age 8-18) Yes, they are teens by age 8 nowadays, so it’s all about permission! Let them stay up until midnight every day that begins with the letter “G”! Let them drive the family car to take their friends out…to Acme to buy you a gallon of milk (gas fill up is on them!) Give your A-OK to the most violent video game currently in vogue (playable during each month that has 36 days)! YOU’RE THE COOLEST PARENT EVER!
For Hubby: How about a beautifully wrapped schedule of the 2025 township trash pickup and electronic waste disposal days? Or maybe surprise him with a few tools that have long been buried in the shed (polish them up!) Like your Baby (Birth-Age 1), That Big Lugnut of yours will never remember that he bought those lugnuts HIMSELF, 20 years ago!
For Teachers: A thoughtful note—“We didn’t buy you yet another coffee mug adorned with apples! You’re welcome!”
For Neighbor Who Always Gives You Homemade Treats in Coffee Mugs Adorned with “I Heart My Neighbor!”: Using some of your Child (Ages 2-7)’s candy stash, refill same coffee mug neighbor just gave you (“What a coincidence! I Heart you too!”), drop off--you’re done!
For Self: After all that practical, yet inspired, gifting, you’ll find you have some moolah to spare! How about a Spa Day? A bottle of your favorite perfume? A pair of Louboutins?
Happy, Thrifty Holidays!!
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| They're so YOU! photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels |
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