Unique Ways To Wrap Christmas Gifts
Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:02:54 +0100
Although you didn’t foot the bill for the entire cost of it, the presence of it in hand will remain as a reminder of your considerate input. Give a Christmas gift of java with a $15 gift card from Starbucks to Dad who has to have a mocha every morning before work. He’ll remember that special week of free coffee longer than you know. Give gift cards to couples from the best restaurants in town. Send your married friends to the Cheesecake Factory by giving a Christmas gift of dining – a special evening of one-on-one time well spent. The key to success in giving specialty gift cards is your ability to demonstrate that you are in tune with their passions, opinions and abilities. This reality alone creates jubilation in the recipient’s heart; your genuine sincerity is instantly on display. This Christmas think earnestly about what your family and friends need and want – surprise them with a Christmas gift of understanding when you give them a special gift card from a special place. Visit GiftCertificates.com for the best selection in gift cards from a wide range of retailers.
Tip #4: Do it Yourself
Truly, there is nothing more special than taking the time and energy to create something great with your own hands and creativity. Many people have innate talents, such as, sewing, drawing and painting. For those who possess such talents, nothing more needs to be said about the possibilities for Christmas gift giving – the possibilities exist within your talents. Most of us are not so talented, but there are still many ways to create precious gifts using ordinary resources well within your abilities. Baked goods, jewelry, photography, plants and even lottery tickets may all be dressed in cheerful décor and packaging to create a unique and stylish holiday gift. Make your favorite fudge and arrange it in a colorful bakery box with a Christmas bow. Design your own jewelry by purchasing professional jewelry making kits. Earrings, bracelets and necklaces can all be created in quality fashion and placed inside authentic jewelry boxes for a truly professional presentation.
Family Polaroid’s can be digitally recreated to generate quality images that can be thoughtfully arranged in beautiful collage frames that can be purchased at any craft store. Give out lottery tickets inside personally designed greeting cards that you can design yourself on your own home computer with your graphics and written words of expression. Buy an assortment of ceramic pots and pick your favorite plants to put inside them. Cover the plant in decorative cellophane, ribbon and bows for a Christmas gift of nature. The key here is to do it yourself at a fraction of the cost of buying it somewhere else and for a fraction of the time it takes to shop individually for everyone on your Christmas list. Do it yourself and you just may experience the joy of the holidays in the most satisfying way ever. A great website that offers a wide range of gift supplies, including boxes, bags, ribbons, and so much more is Nashville Wraps. There you will find everything you need to put your gift ideas in motion.
Tip # 5: Do a Gift Exchange
Gift exchanges have been around for many years and are no real secret in gift giving. However, the reason why it is included in this article is because of the fun and creative ways they can be planned. Often times, people get bored with the basic gift exchange and desire more excitement in gift exchanges. If a gift exchange is something you have never tried before then you are missing out on a great opportunity to create some real fun with friends and family. A gift exchange for many people is more fulfilling for the giver and receiver. You spend less time thinking, shopping and spending money. You can instead give your undivided attention and money to one special person. The results allow the true meaning of the Christmas season to shine. There is delight and joy in receiving a thoughtful Christmas gift. For those who have witnessed the positive results of gift exchanges, but are looking for a twist, there are a few things you can try. How about everyone exchanging their favorite wine or alcohol? Consider tip #4 above and exchange something that has to be created with your own hands and personal ingenuity.
Why not exchange holiday ornaments or décor – every holiday season your Christmas gift is a reminder of your thoughtfulness. Many families like to exchange something from home and enjoy the gift of entertainment and laughter. Mugs, ties, belts, scarves, art, antiques and even old misfit gifts from previous Christmas’ can be the subject of much amusement. You can exchange baked goods, personal services, books, plants, board games, appliances, video games, event tickets, subscriptions, “things that go on your feet”, “things that go on your head”, “things that you rub”, “things that you smell” or any gift from any theme you can think of. It’s fun to have a different theme each year. You can even have a secret Santa gift exchange by keeping your recipient’s name a secret and surprise him/her on Christmas day. The goal here is to be smart, creative, fun, save time, save money and promote the spirit of Christmas. For help planning a gift exchange, go to the SecretSanta.com website. SecretSanta.com is a free service that offers a host of themes that can be used for gift exchange events. When creating a gift exchange event, you can select themes for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, as well as general holiday themes.
The holidays are not suppose to be stressful and should be a time of joy, love and peace. This Christmas dig deep into your heart and not your pocket. Find Christmas gift ideas that demonstrate your thoughtfulness without the frustrations experienced from previous holiday seasons. Stay true to the season, true to yourself and spread the joy of Christmas along the way. Have a Merry Christmas!
Learn more about the unique opportunities for gift basket giving by visiting the Gift of Giving Blog, hosted by Gift Basket Scene.
Author: Brianne Thompson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Call a radio station and have the announcer spread the news over the air waves. Follow it up with a requested baby themed song such as “Baby Love” by The Supremes or “Baby, Baby” by Amy Grant. Ensure that this show is one the father-to-be listens to at work.
Other easy ways to let the new Dad in on the secret – knit or crochet a baby blanket or booties; write a note with the good news and leave it under a pillow or in a lunch box; use a washable marker and write on a still flat pregnancy belly “Hi Daddy”; take a photo of a positive pregnancy test and email it to the new dad.
Telling Siblings About New Baby
To announce a pregnancy to siblings, wrap a “big sister/brother” t-shirt in baby gift wrap and have them open it. T-shirts that have something like “I’m going to be a” on the front and then “big sister/brother” on the back, are a fun way for siblings to announce a pregnancy at a family gathering. Don’t say anything to anyone, just wait and see how long it is before anyone notices.
For family members far away, take a photo of the sibling wearing the t-shirt and cut it up into puzzle pieces. The recipient will put together the pieces and be very excited to discover the hidden message. This will be a fun way of doing the announcement if it coincides with a holiday such as Christmas, just add the puzzle pieces when mass mailing cards.
Telling Grandparents About New Grandchild
If an early ultrasound was performed, make a copy of the picture and place in a gift box and present to the grandparents. Having one box for each set of grandparents and opening them together at dinner would be a really cute idea. Alternatively, write a letter to the grandparents from the "baby" and have them read it aloud. Write something like "I just found out that I am going to be a part of this very special family, I will be joining you in May and can’t wait to meet you”.
Design a homemade coupon or gift certificate that says “Good for one new grandbaby!” and give it to grandparents or send it in the mail. Include “grandparents-to-be” t-shirts that are homemade or store bought. If the grandmother-to-be wears a charm bracelet, find a grandmother charm or baby charm to add to the collection. Wrap everything up in baby gift wrap.
Fun Ways to Announce a Pregnancy to Family and Friends
During a friend or family game night, announce a pregnancy via games like Pictionary or charades. Draw or mime out clues that will spill the pregnancy beans! If an announcement is being made at Christmas time, wrap small presents such as a baby rattle, booties or bib for each family member. Put the gifts in everyone’s stockings then have them open the gifts at the same time to clue them in to what’s happening.
Buy or make a "birthday" invitation for the baby's arrival. This may cause confusion at first, when given to friends and relatives but it will be fun! Include a due date for birthday date, location would be the hospital or for a home birth, a home address. This would be a cute keepsake. To keep it super simple, design home made or purchase pre-printed pregnancy announcement cards. Mail them out to all family and friends. Be sure to include the due date and remember to save one for the baby book.
Resource:
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (accessed March 11, 2010).
Call a radio station and have the announcer spread the news over the air waves. Follow it up with a requested baby themed song such as “Baby Love” by The Supremes or “Baby, Baby” by Amy Grant. Ensure that this show is one the father-to-be listens to at work.
Other easy ways to let the new Dad in on the secret – knit or crochet a baby blanket or booties; write a note with the good news and leave it under a pillow or in a lunch box; use a washable marker and write on a still flat pregnancy belly “Hi Daddy”; take a photo of a positive pregnancy test and email it to the new dad.
Telling Siblings About New Baby
To announce a pregnancy to siblings, wrap a “big sister/brother” t-shirt in baby gift wrap and have them open it. T-shirts that have something like “I’m going to be a” on the front and then “big sister/brother” on the back, are a fun way for siblings to announce a pregnancy at a family gathering. Don’t say anything to anyone, just wait and see how long it is before anyone notices.
For family members far away, take a photo of the sibling wearing the t-shirt and cut it up into puzzle pieces. The recipient will put together the pieces and be very excited to discover the hidden message. This will be a fun way of doing the announcement if it coincides with a holiday such as Christmas, just add the puzzle pieces when mass mailing cards.
Telling Grandparents About New Grandchild
If an early ultrasound was performed, make a copy of the picture and place in a gift box and present to the grandparents. Having one box for each set of grandparents and opening them together at dinner would be a really cute idea. Alternatively, write a letter to the grandparents from the "baby" and have them read it aloud. Write something like "I just found out that I am going to be a part of this very special family, I will be joining you in May and can’t wait to meet you”.
Design a homemade coupon or gift certificate that says “Good for one new grandbaby!” and give it to grandparents or send it in the mail. Include “grandparents-to-be” t-shirts that are homemade or store bought. If the grandmother-to-be wears a charm bracelet, find a grandmother charm or baby charm to add to the collection. Wrap everything up in baby gift wrap.
Fun Ways to Announce a Pregnancy to Family and Friends
During a friend or family game night, announce a pregnancy via games like Pictionary or charades. Draw or mime out clues that will spill the pregnancy beans! If an announcement is being made at Christmas time, wrap small presents such as a baby rattle, booties or bib for each family member. Put the gifts in everyone’s stockings then have them open the gifts at the same time to clue them in to what’s happening.
Buy or make a "birthday" invitation for the baby's arrival. This may cause confusion at first, when given to friends and relatives but it will be fun! Include a due date for birthday date, location would be the hospital or for a home birth, a home address. This would be a cute keepsake. To keep it super simple, design home made or purchase pre-printed pregnancy announcement cards. Mail them out to all family and friends. Be sure to include the due date and remember to save one for the baby book.
Resource:
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (accessed March 11, 2010).
