pricey gifting or priceless giving?

Kerry Wekelo, Chief Operating Officer, Actualize Consulting

The holidays can be a stressful time – with so many people on your list, it can be difficult to think of meaningful ways to give back to those you love most. Imagine giving a gift that is priceless, stress-reducing, and joy enhancing all tied up in one neat bow of gratitude! As we enter the holiday season, keep in mind that there are many ways to give back to those you want to celebrate – and they don’t have to break the bank. 

Family/Friends

·        Write: Write a poem or write a short story about your favorite time with that person.

·        Picture Collage: Put together a computerized picture collage if you are good with technology. Send them an electronic copy saying how much you enjoy the memories you have shared and looking forward to making more memories.

·        Act of Service: Create a booklet of free passes in which you do a task for another person. For your immediate family you can give them a free pass by taking out the trash, cooking a meal, giving them a massage, or simply making their bed. For friends, offer to help them with tasks they don’t enjoy such as one day of purging their junk closet or babysitting so they can have free time.

·        Heart Fillers: Fill balloons with messages of love, gratitude and appreciation. They will enjoy popping the balloons to read your message. Another option is to place all the love notes in a hand-decorated jar or surprise them by filling the bathroom mirror.

·        Connect: Suggest one-on-one time with the friend or family member, i.e., taking a walk; having non-technology time together; enjoying an activity for which you both share a passion.

Work

·        Thankful Note: Write a letter that includes why you are thankful for your colleague. Written notes are powerful as they are not used frequently, and they can be revisited whenever the reader needs a lift.

·        Invitation: Invite your co-workers for a virtual get-together outside of work to bond. Share a favorite drink together. For example, we have many on our team that enjoy bourbon, so they will share a virtual drink to enjoy and make memories. Another idea is to host a virtual event such as a cooking class, comedy, or magician and allow everyone to bring a guest.

·        Content: Ask your team members or manager to be a part of a round-up article or blog to help them market their talents. Share an article, video, or white paper on a subject you know they would enjoy.

No matter what you decide, make sure you are sharing gratitude and quality time together and, most importantly, remember to give from your heart.