My favorit gifts are the gift of time and thought… So a handmade gift tops the list or just spending time together is the best gift of all for me.

I try to give gifts that are specific to the that person. Listen well and they are bound to give you really good clues to what they really want, but would not do for themselves. I have cleaned bathrooms, made dinner, helped a child, and given rides to various places. I believe cards are a must!

I try to give thoughtful gifts which means trying to find out the kinds of gifts the receiver prefers. For some it’s some time together, for others it’s a gift card to a favorite store. I tend to try and find things that people would not buy/do for themselves but that they would love to have.

I like to give a gift that lasts a little longer…a plant instead of flowers, a cookbook or recipe with the ingredients to make a dish and so on. I also like to give gifts to remind my friends and family to pamper themselves..nice smelling soap, lotions and bath salts.
Since I have small grandchildren and also do child care, I stock up on nicely scented antibacterial soaps in pump bottles and leave them everywhere I go!

Our oldest granddaughter is always making small little gifts. She wrote a 6 page story all about her Papa (grandfather) all the things he does for her and how much she loves him and why she loves him. She wrote all the good things he does for all the kids and what he likes to do with them.

Gifts from my husband is something that he thinks up with out me telling him I want that or would like that.

I love spending time with family and/or friends and cooking a special meal or special dish to have during that time that we are spending together. We have a friend that has celiacs disease and it is always fun to find ways to cook special items she can eat and are tastey for everyone else. I don’t like anyone to feel left out.