Every year around the holidays we start to collect the names of who we will be giving gifts. Your family, friends, those who help out in your life. Sometimes clients, or co-workers, and always nieces and nephews with a slew of toys you've never heard of and face products you don't even buy yourself.
And every year I ask myself, how can I make this year's gifts something more meaningful than the last?
I love the idea of giving something to be cherished. Something your loved ones pack each time they move. Maybe something small they grab for in a time of reflection. The thought of a gift being full of love, and hitting the tiniest of their nails on the head in sentiment, always makes me smile.
Here are some of the things I look for, and some of the gifts I get to help bring that dream to life:
1. Custom cocktail napkins with a little nod to their likings. My cousin got me the French Bulldog set above and I love bringing it out even just for hot coco.
2. You can never go wrong with a coffee table book on a topic your gift receiver loves. Even better if you write a little personal note and sign the inside.
3. In my opinion you can never have enough trays. A small silver tray is the perfect gift for a catch all they will see every day, or something special they pull out on occasion.
4. A picture frame with a hand written note as the photo. I think this is a lovely way to be thoughtful in the moment while allowing them to customize it for their own home. And years to come when they open the back to swap out the image your letter can be a sweet reminder.
5. I love giving candle stands with their favorite candle alongside. It's a great way to make a simple elevation in someone's home and can be used in so many different ways.
6. Sometimes the best gifts are the most simple. Think of something your friend or family member has mentioned in the past, or better yet make a little note in your phone when they do. I love jogging a memory through something given.
7. Share a piece of your own past with all the ingredients of a simple family recipe. This way the person receiving your gift not only has something new to learn, but something to bond with you over too.
8. Homemade cookies or bread go a long way. Goodie baskets, especially during the holidays, can be shared with others and make such a heart felt gift.
As it might seem, I love putting thought into the gifts I give, and curating them for others. If you need help making your gifting just a touch more personal this year, feel free to message me. May your days be merry and your gifts be just the perfect little thing in someone's life!