Loved & Gifted
Thoughtful giving can be an artful expression of love
Gift-giving is a true art form, a skill mastered by the select few who possess the uncanny ability to find that perfect, unforgettable present. Admittedly, I'm not one of them. When the occasion calls for a thoughtful gift, my initial response is to turn to Google, hoping for guidance on what to give, only to be met with results tailored to . . . well, actually, I don’t know who they are tailored for, but clearly not me. I yearn for unique, uncommon, special, thoughtful, or modern gift ideas, but it often seems like if I add those terms to the search, clever Google just adds the descriptor to the Sponsored Title results, yet the bland lists remain the same.
Rewind to the early days of COVID, when the world was still grappling with the pandemic, and I found myself homebound, sick, and in quarantine for weeks. It was a quiet and somewhat unsettling time. During those days, I formed an incredibly close bond with two girlfriends who, coincidentally, were also under quarantine (I was patient zero in that equation). As we lay in our respective houses, cut off from our families, we shared our symptoms, funny stories and bonded over binge-watching "The Crown."
During this time, we were blessed with several gift baskets, each filled with items that brought comfort and warmth to our hearts. The generosity and kindness behind those gift baskets overwhelmed us. In those moments, we made a pact that no one facing illness should ever be without a comforting gift basket. We even toyed with the idea of starting a company. Fast forward three years, and our text chain is still going strong. We might not have launched a business, but we're frequently seeking each other's advice on what to gift a friend in the hospital, for their birthday, for a housewarming, and so forth.
This past October, I celebrated my 50th birthday, and to my wonder, I received a collection of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever encountered. These were the kind of gifts that made me think, "You truly know me," and left me speechless. I was blown away.
The best gifts are not just about the item itself but the personal touch that comes with them. They can be meaningful, heartfelt, or delightfully funny. They can be spontaneous or incredibly practical. Over the years, I've gathered an array of gift ideas tailored to various interests and occasions. While I've promised to share my knack for packing lists, as the first snowfall blankets our town, I realize that it's not the ideal season to discuss what to bring for camping (unless you are my neighbors Tim & Stan, who think snow cave camping is a good time).
As I sit by the fire and write thank-you cards for some of the most meaningful and loving gifts, I thought, why not take the next eight weeks leading up to Christmas to share some of the gifts I've received and cherished, as well as those I've adored giving?
I want to express my gratitude to all my wonderful friends and dear family for contributing to these lists by showering me with their thoughtfulness, generosity, and love.
Join me in the coming weeks for a "Loved & Gifted" series to uncover the joy of giving and the magic of receiving that perfect gift together. Requests for specific recipients or occasions are welcome! So far, I've got lists for music lovers, adventurers, teenagers, mid-lifers, and for various occasions like housewarmings or stuffing stockings on Christmas Eve.
Gift Guides will be published each Friday this November and December!