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Watercolor painting by
Esther Schönwandt

Gift Ideas

Selecting a present and exchanging it with a special person can be a most delightful aspect of the Christmas season.

It is more blessed to give
than to receive.
Acts 20:35

Below is a list with a few ideas that might help you find something special for everybody on your Christmas gift list. If you listen carefully throughout the year to what your loved ones are telling you, you can pick up many hints and ideas. Just write them down so you will not forget! When the time comes you will have a selection of items that reflect the recipient's personality and passions.

Make your own gifts
Gifts from the Grocery Store

Magazine subscriptions

Give a gift that comes all year long such as a favorite magazine or newspaper subscription or a monthly bouquet of flowers delivered to the office or the home.

For a bride-to-be a subscription to a wedding magazine may come in handy. But do clarify if she does not already have a subscription.

Flower books

A special book or CD with theater or symphony tickets.

A one year membership to a local art gallery or botanical garden.

Adult education class such as painting, photography, writing, pottery, cooking, the possibilities are endless.

For the creative writer a journal for recording thoughts and poems illustrated with drawings or photographs are always a treasure.

A photo album of a trip you took together. You can also add some short stories of things that happened.

A photograph of a moment spent together in a beautiful frame.

A little etching or watercolor from a local artist.

Coffee Break

Cake or Christmas cookies (homemade or store bought)
1 pound of coffee
Tea lights
Festive CD
Colorful paper napkins
Basket or beautiful bags to hold it all together

It's a gift that can be given to a neighbour, teacher, co-worker before Christmas.

English culture

Herbal teas, a teapot, two teacups and saucers, shortbread cookies - what could be more charming? One can also include a book about the culture of tea or maybe about London or England.

The teacup and saucer shown above is English bone china that I found at a thrift store. I own a small collection of mismatched sets that always look so lovely and graceful when served after a fabulous dinner.

A German board game from Drexoll Games.

A paper collage in a beautiful frame.

A framed poster.

Lomographic Colorsplash 35MM Camera

Select a cookbook and choose a recipe from the book. Attach a card to the front that includes the recipe name and page number. Place the cookbook and dry ingredients for the recipe in a decorative basket.

Order the book

How about Holiday pillows? Select one or two pillows, place them in a decorative hat box, which can later be used for storage. Give this treasure to a friend.

Give someone's bathroom the five-star hotel treatment. There are a variety of quality showerheads available on the market today. The hand-held styles are really popular and easy to install. Think of all the relaxing moments your holiday gift will give throughout the year. Include a set of fluffy towels.

A rare ornament for the Christmas tree.

Souvenirs from your vacation. Exotic destinations have exceptional things and are often very inexpensive. This idea requires planning it while Christmas might still be months away.

A silk scarf or tie.

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Calla Magazine - Virtually blooming!